Jackrabbits Level 3, 4, Plus, and Dryland

Fall/Winter Registration is Open. Register HERE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Fall Session (Dryland): Practices will include running, biking, core/strength and movement skill activities (agility, balance, coordination), as well as games and activities that promote fitness and FUN.  In November, there may be options to do additional indoor activities when weather makes outdoor training challenging. (Some additional costs may apply – e.g. climbing gym.)

Winter Session (On-Snow):  Jackrabbits 3 and 4 will acquire basic ski skills while developing agility, balance, coordination and speed with an emphasis on FUN and participation! The essential goal of Jackrabbits is to provide children with FUNdamental physical and cross country ski skills as a foundation to participate in SPORT-FOR-LIFE.  Jackrabbits will develop cross country skills through a progressive skill program following the Foothills Nordic Skill Matrix. Classic technique is taught in all levels and skate technique is introduced in Levels 3 and 4.

Jackrabbits Plus covers all the skills of Level 3 and 4 while skiing twice per week, improving skills and fitness through more time on skis. Skiing at least twice per week is recommended for children aged 8-10 in Cross Country Canada’s Skill Development program.  In this video on Youtube, one of the JR Plus coaches describes this fun program.  The JR Plus groups traditionally attend the Huckleberry Loppet in Golden, enjoying a fun weekend of ski racing, a pizza party and playing with friends.

Participation in low-key regional events such as the Cookie Race, the Alberta Cup hosted by Foothills Nordic, and other local ski races is encouraged for all Jackrabbits as an overall skill development opportunity.  It’s also a great way to meet other Foothills Nordic families.

Additional activities included in your registration are Terrain Park FUN Nights, Family Ski Days (Saturday or Sunday in Bragg Creek or Kananaskis), and the Foothills Club Day. These super fun events are well loved by Jackrabbits and their parents and are a great way to connect with the Foothills Nordic community. 

Our coaches are all NCCP trained (Community Coach), many are former Jackrabbits and many are Foothills Nordic high performance athletes.

Please check the Frequently Asked Questions for more information:  Bunny and Jackrabbit Program FAQ.

Youth ages 9 to 12 registering for cross country ski programs have the option to also register for a Biathlon Bears Winter Session ADD-ON Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The Monday sessions will focus on biathlon specific skills such as entering the range, setting up for shooting, and exiting the range along with shooting skills and techniques such as breath control and sight picture.

JACKRABBIT LEVELS OFFERED

• Jackrabbits Level 3 (ages 8/9) – participants must have completed level 2.
• Jackrabbits Level 4 (ages 9/10) – participants must have completed level 3
• Jackrabbits Plus (ages 8 to 10) – participants must have completed level 3

SEASON

• Fall Session (Dryland): September 17 through November 19
• Winter Session (On-Snow): Starting the first week of December to mid March

Times

• Fall Session (Dryland): Tuesdays – 4:30 to 6:00 and 6:30 to 8:00 pm
• Winter Session (On-Snow): 12 coached sessions of 1.5 hours. Jackrabbits Plus is two times per week of 1.5 hours each.

 For the Winter Session, choose one program time from the following offerings:

*Jackrabbits Plus is two times per week.

Note: Foothills Nordic Ski Club reserves the right to cancel any group session that has insufficient registrants. Minimum class size is normally five participants.  If a session is cancelled, participants will be given the opportunity to register for another session or receive a FULL refund.

Location

• Fall Session (Dryland): Edworthy Park, Confederation Park at Rosemont Community Centre, possible indoor activities
• Winter Session (On-Snow): Confederation Park Golf Course.  Other locations may be used for extra and weekend activities (Terrain Park nights, Family ski days – West Bragg Creek trails, Canmore and other mountain locations)

Cost

• Fall Session (Dryland) fee: $115
• Winter Session (On-Snow) fee: $225 for JR3 and JR4
• Winter Session (On-Snow) fee: $470 for JR Plus (two times per week)
• Optional Biathlon Bears Monday ADD-ON: $350 plus a Biathlon Alberta Membership
• Foothills Nordic Membership (during registration)
• Confederation Trail User Fees (during registration)

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

Participants must have appropriate ski equipment and winter clothing. Please see the equipment and clothing information for details.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT/OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Foothills Nordic is able to run high quality programs for a reasonable cost due to the volunteer support of our families.   Based on the Club’s volunteer bond, ALL Jackrabbit parents will be required to volunteer a certain number of hours throughout the season.  The Volunteer hours required for each program is available on the Volunteer page. Numerous volunteer opportunities will be available from coach support for Bunnies, Group Monitoring for Jackrabbits, parking or snow grooming support and support for weekend events (Terrain Nights, Family Ski Days and the Cookie Race).  A full sign-up list with details on volunteer jobs will be available and communicated before the first on-snow sessions.

For information on the volunteer bond and the many other volunteer opportunities available throughout the year, see Club Volunteer Opportunities.

We also welcome keen parents with strong basic ski skills to become coaches. Please note your interest when you register or contact the Jackrabbit Coach/Leader Coordinator.

We encourage families of all economic levels to participate in this awesome winter sport. If you have constraints for program or equipment costs, Foothills Nordic encourages families to seek support through KIDSPORT, a local program to help lower-income families with sport and activity program costs.

MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions please e-mail the Program Manager.