Registration for 2024-2025 will open in spring 2024
- Fall Session (Dryland): September through November
- Winter Session (On-Snow): Starting early December to early March
Ages
10 – 13 years
Pre-requisite: Participated in Jackrabbits or Marmots last season
SEASON
- Fall Session (Dryland):
- Wednesdays – 6:30 to 8:00 pm
- Winter Session (On-Snow):
- Wednesdays – 6:30 to 8:00 pm
OTHER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
- Fall Session (Dryland): Weekend activities TBD (October and November day event)
- Winter Session (On-Snow): Once-per-month weekend activities from December to March – dates to be finalized at the start of the program. February activity is the annual Hostel weekend in Field, BC (cost is additional to program fees and TBD by December).
Location
- Fall Session (Dryland): Edworthy Park, Confederation Park at Rosemont Community Centre, possible indoor activities
- Winter Session (On-Snow): Confederation Park Golf Course. Other outdoor locations for week-end activities.
Cost
Program Fees:
- Fall Session (Dryland) fee – $TBD
- Winter Session (On-Snow) fee – $TBD
- Optional Biathlon Bears Winter Session ADD-ON Mondays: $TBD plus a Biathlon Alberta Membership
- Foothills Nordic membership (during registration)
- Confederation Trail User Fees (during registration)
PROGRAM DETAILS
The Marmots program is intended for youth who are interested in skiing for FUN, fitness and friendship. The program includes group ski sessions to develop and improve on skills attained in the Jackrabbit program. Practices are relaxed and fun but are great workouts and kids should expect to sweat! The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for youth to stay involved in cross country skiing, and be ACTIVE-FOR-LIFE.
Fall 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 On-Snow practices will focus on fitness and skill development for both skate and classic technique. Our coaches are all NCCP or CANSI certified and most are trained in, or experienced in, Outdoor Leadership. Additional group activities will include Jackrabbit weekend activities (family or group skis), and may include a basic ski tour in non-avalanche terrain.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
Participants must have appropriate ski equipment (waxable classic skis/skate skis are also preferred, but not essential) 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 Marmot parents will be required to volunteer a certain number of hours throughout the season. The number of 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 willingness to coach on your registration.
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 Foothills Nordic.