Quick Links to detailed program pages
JackRabbit Program (Winter)
FOCUS: Active play and FUNdamentals
For kids aged 5 to 11. This nationally supported program promotes the fundamental development of ski skills in a fun-filled environment. The objective is for children to learn basic cross-country ski skills (both classic and skating) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health. Many special event nights are included throughout the program. Parents must choose from a number of volunteer opportunities to help the program run smoothly.
Track Attack (Fall and Winter)
FOCUS: Learning to train
The Track Attack program is for kids aged 9 and older who have completed Jackrabbits or reached a comparable level of skiing. This program is for skiers who are committed to improving their skiing and fitness and who want an introduction to training and racing at the local level.
THERE ARE 2 OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROGRAM:
1. INTRODUCTION TO TRACK ATTACK
For skiers 9 years of age (or skiers who are 10 years old and have completed Jackrabbits but don’t want a transition to the full Track Attack program, or for those that are new to the sport or haven’t completed the Jackrabbit program). This program is to help with the transition from the Jackrabbit program to the full Track Attack program; therefore skiers in this program have not been in the Track Attack program before. The Introduction to Track Attack program is for kids who enjoy on improving their skiing (classic & skating) and fitness. The program gives the kids an introduction to training and racing in a fun and encouraging environment. Participation at local races is encouraged but not required.
2. TRACK ATTACK
For skiers 10 and 11 years old ,(older skiers could join if they are starting up in the sport) who have completed Jackrabbits, Intro to Track Attack or reached a comparable level of skiing. The Track Attack program is for kids who are keen on improving their skiing (classic & skating) and fitness. The program gives the kids an introduction to training and racing in a fun and encouraging environment.
Participation at the local races is encouraged but not required. The Track Attack program follows Cross Country Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model that confirms the importance of sequential motor development.
This program alternates between two and three sessions per week from Mid-September through mid-March and consists of 60 sessions. Dryland training commences in September to build fitness, and continues on-snow at the first possible opportunity. Skill development/training camps and events are included in the program for a nominal additional fee.
Parents will be asked to help either on snow or with various camps and activities throughout the season.
Biathlon Bears Programs
Summer Bears EcoAim
FOCUS: Introduction to Biathlon
Biathlon EcoAim program for ages 9 to 10, with a focus on biathlon skill development and fun. Four weekly sessions in August will be offered to introduce participants to laser rifle marksmanship and will include running, games, and other dry-land activities.
Summer Bears .22
FOCUS: Biathlon Rifle and Racing Skill Development
Biathlon .22 calibre rifle program for ages 11 to 13, with a focus on biathlon racing skill development. Four weekly sessions in August will help athletes progress from EcoAims to shooting .22 calibre rifles and will include running, games, and other dryland activities with an eye toward competition.
Polar Bears
Winter Only
FOCUS: Introduction to Biathlon
Biathlon EcoAim (laser rifle) program for ages 9 to 10, with a focus on biathlon skill development and fun. This program runs in the winter only and must be taken simultaneously with one of the following cross country ski programs: Jackrabbit, Intro to Track Attack, or Track Attack. The biathlon program is an add-on when registering for the ski program.
Grizzly Bears
Fall & Winter
FOCUS: Biathlon Rifle and Racing Skill Development
Biathlon .22 calibre rifle program for ages 10 to 11 with a focus on biathlon racing skill development. This program runs through the fall and winter and must be taken simultaneously with the Track Attack ski program. Older skiers who are new to the sport and registered in Track Attack may also join the Grizzly Bears program. Athletes will be able to compete in 2 local races and 1 away race throughout the season. The biathlon program is an add-on when registering for the ski program.
Youth Recreational – Cross Country – Flying Squirrels
FOCUS: This program is geared towards 12 – 14 year old skiers who would like to maintain their cross-country ski skills from previous youth programs but at a more recreational level.
Youth Racing – Biathlon & Cross Country – U14
FOCUS: Continued development of overall fitness and ski specific skills of children age 12-13, who have completed the Track Attack (TA) program or similar level. This stage is the window of optimal trainability for aerobic training. Developing sound technique is again a major component at this stage. Divided into U14-1 for 12 year olds, and U14-2 for 13 year olds.
Junior Racing – Cross Country – U16 & U18
FOCUS: Training and racing
A complete year-round training and racing program for youth aged 14 and older who have completed the U14 program or reached a comparable level of skiing and training. This program provides skiers the opportunity to develop their physical conditioning and skiing technique in a training and racing environment.
Junior Racing – Biathlon – U16 & U18
FOCUS: Training and racing
A complete year-round training and racing biathlon program for athletes aged 14 and older who have completed the U14 program or reached a comparable level of skiing and training. The program provides biathletes the opportunity to develop their skiing and shooting skills with physical conditioning, shooting education and proper skiing techniques. This program provides skiers the opportunity to develop their physical conditioning, skiing technique, (biathlon shooting) in a training and racing environment.
