Learn-to-Ski (Skate)

Register for the 2022 Learn-to-Ski (Skate) HERE

Purpose:

• To develop a love for the outdoors and gain an awareness of cross-country skiing as a winter activity
• To develop the competencies required to engage in cross country skate skiing as a lifelong activity, and provide a path for novice skiers into the other Nordic ski programs (e.g. Jackrabbits, Track Attack, Youth Development, Biathlon)
• To engage parents and encourage family ski activities

Prerequisite: 

• Ages 8-12
• Following Nordic Canada developmental recommendations, participants must have some experience with classical nordic skiing before learning to skate-ski (e.g. have completed the Learn-to-Ski program focused on classical skills, Level 2 of the Jackrabbits program, or 1-2 years of independent ski experience).
• Skiers currently enrolled in Jackrabbits Level 3 or 4 or the Biathlon program may also enroll in Learn-to-Ski (Skate) to gain a second ski class per week.

Times:

• Monday from 6:30PM to 8PM
• This is a 12-week program starting in December and running into March.

2022 Fee:

• Learn-to-Ski (Skate): $110 and requires a family membership to ENSC
• All participants in ENSC programs must be members of Cross Country Canada and Cross Country Alberta. This is an insurance and liability requirement. These fees are not refunded by ENSC in the case of a withdrawal of registration or cancellation of a program.

Locations:

• Gold Bar Park
• Other locations may be used for extra activities (other cross country ski facilities, adventure ski, Family ski days, and/or other ski locations)

Techniques:

• Double pole
• One skate, two skate, offset
• Offset
• Two skate
• Diagonal Skate
• Low Tuck
• Step Turn at Speed
• Agility on skis
• Downhill skills

Equipment:

• Classic or classic/skate combi skis (with grip wax removed and replaced with glide wax), or skate skis.
• Skate length poles (i.e. to chin)
• ENSC offers limited rental equipment. An email to all families registered in an ENSC program will be sent in late October outlining the details on how to rent equipment for the upcoming season

Skills:

• Dressing for cold
• Introductory glide waxing
• Winter fire building
• Frost bite prevention
• Hypothermia awareness and prevention

Activities:

• Skill-building games and activities; exploring local trails
• Exposure to ENSC Programs (Racing, Biathlon, Track Attack, Touring)
• Participate in any outings of the JR program

Contact ensc.jackrabbits@gmail.com for questions about the program.