U14 Adventure Ski (formally Marmots)

We are excited to announce that registration for 2024-25 dryland and winter season will officially open on June 24.

For our valued members who have participated in the 2023-2024 season, registration will open earlier on September 12.

• Fall Session (Dryland): September 18 through November 20
• Winter Session (On-Snow): Starting December 4th to mid March

Ages

10 – 13 years

Pre-requisite: Participated in Jackrabbits or U14 Adventure Ski 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 – $140
• Winter Session (On-Snow) fee – $250
• Optional Biathlon Bears Winter Session ADD-ON Mondays: $350 plus a Biathlon Alberta Membership
• Foothills Nordic membership (during registration)
• Confederation Trail User Fees (during registration)

PROGRAM DETAILS

The U14 Adventure Ski program is designed for youth who want to enjoy skiing for fun, fitness, and friendship. The program features group ski sessions that build on the skills developed in the Jackrabbit program. Our practices are relaxed and enjoyable, but they also offer a great workout, so kids should be prepared to break a sweat! The goal is to keep youth engaged in cross-country skiing and promote an ACTIVE-FOR-LIFE lifestyle.

Fall Dryland Training: Our fall sessions include running, biking, core/strength exercises, and movement skills (agility, balance, coordination). We also incorporate games and activities that emphasize fitness and fun. In November, we may offer additional indoor activities if the weather makes outdoor training challenging. (Note: Some extra costs may apply for activities such as a climbing gym.)

Winter On-Snow Training: During winter, practices will focus on fitness and skill development for both skate and classic skiing techniques. Our coaches are NCCP or CANSI certified, with many having training or experience in Outdoor Leadership. Additional group activities include weekend activities (family or group skis), and may include a basic ski tour in non-avalanche terrain.

Program Highlights: Highlights of the U14 Adventure Ski program include weekend excursions, hostel trips, and participation in the Cookie Race. The U14 Adventure Ski program runs concurrently with the U18 Adventure Ski program.

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 U14 Adventure Ski 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 the Program Manager.