Autumn is fast approaching, as is the new ski season. Remember, if you are purchasing a Mount Washington nordic season’s pass, their earlybird pricing ends on September 30! We have more important dates for you below.

Registration

Registration opens for Strathcona Nordics programs on October 1. You can register online on Zone 4or use the Register button that will appear on the club website on October 1. For program information and pricing visit Programs page. Note: HST will be added to program prices when you register.

Rabbits heading off for a snowy adventure. Photo courtesy Andrew Pape-Salmon

Swap & AGM

On Saturday, October 29, we’ll be holding our annual Cross-Country Gear Swap and SNSC Annual General Meeting (AGM). We are currently making the schedule for the day, and we’ll have details for you soon. At the AGM, we’ll be voting in a new Board of Directors. If you have a few hours to spare each month and you would like to help the club, contact us about joining the Board! info@StrathconaNordics.com

Run/hike

Are you ready for the long one? Run/hike the cross-over this Saturday, September 17! It’s approximately 26 km from the old Forbidden Plateau ski lodge to the Raven Lodge at Mount Washington. Meet at 10am at Starbucks in Courtenay to carpool. Be ready for a long run/hike at a moderate pace. Dress for the weather. Bring adequate hydration and snacks. Contact info@StrathconaNordics.com if you have any questions.

Coaches and aspiring coaches

Here are some opportunities to add to your skills and knowledge and to join the ranks of talented volunteer coaches nationwide:

• Important Coaches Meeting — Sunday, October 16, 10am-12pm at Queneesh Elementary in Courtenay
• Waxing clinic — at the Swap on Saturday, October 29
• Learn to Train (Dryland) Workshop — part 1 of the Level 1 coaching course on November 4 (evening), 5 (day), and 6 (day) (ICC and CC are prerequisites)
• Introduction to Community Coaching (ICC) Workshop — November 18 (evening) and 19 (day)
• Community Coaching (CC) Workshop — December 9 (evening), December 10 (day), and December 11 (day) (ICC is a prerequisite)
• Coaching refresher for new or returning coaches — December 17-18, refresh your skills on snow and learn some new tricks with Coach Dave
• Learn to Train (On Snow) Workshop — part 2 of the Level 1 coaching course on January 6 (evening), 7 (day), and 8 (day) (ICC and CC, L2T Dryland are prerequisites)

The dryland courses will take place in Courtenay and the on snow components will be on Mount Washington. More details soon. Contact Alix to register. alibedali@shaw.ca

For information about NCCP coaching courses, visit the CCC website. You can also contact our Head Coach Dave Battison battd@shaw.ca. Coaches Dave, Tim, and Berend will be holding a coaches meeting in early October. Watch for details soon!

Official workshop

The SNSC is pleased to offer a Level 1 Race Official workshop in Courtenay on November 5 and 6. This is a great opportunity to become a nationally certified Level 1 race official!

Here is the course description from Cross Country Canada, “This is a 10 hour course that provides an overview of what a cross country ski competition is all about.  The focus is on the duties of minor officials for both Olympic Style (individual start, mass start, pursuit start, relay start and sprints) and Loppet Style (mass participation) competitions.” Contact us to register info@StrathconaNordics.com

Attention shoppers

If you shop at Thrifty Foods, contact Berend to pick up an SNSC smile card. At no extra cost to you, Thrifty’s will donate 5% of your purchase to our ski club uniform program and help our racers represent our club and island as they travel across the province and nation. bhenckel@telus.net

BC Winter Games

Were you born in 1997 or 1998? If so, you are eligible for the BC Winter Games in 2012! On December 31, we will hold our Winter Games Trial Race on Mount Washington. Skiers must participate in the trial race in order to qualify. At least 8 skiers from our zone (Vancouver Island) can take part in the cross-country skiing events and festivities.

On February 23-36, the Vancouver Island team will join other skiers of the same ages from communities throughout BC for a weekend of cross-country skiing competition and fun in Vernon! Contact Marilyn for more information. marilyna@shaw.ca

Check the Calendar for this weekend’s all-club events. Enjoy this last blast of summer, and stay hydrated!

Details on registration and fall events coming next week!

September is here! We hope everyone has a chance to get outside and enjoy the lovely weather in the forecast this weekend. Also remember, you only have until September 30 to buy a Mount Washington nordic season’s trail pass at earlybird rates.

Smile!

Do you shop at Thrifty Foods? If so, you can now raise money for the ski club every time you buy groceries. Contact Berend Henckel to pick up a SNSC/Thrifty Foods Smile Card. You can load up your Smile Card at Thrifty Foods with as much money as you want and reload the card when it runs out. Every time you use your SNSC Smile Card, Thrifty Foods will donate 5% of the value of the purchase to our ski club. The money will go towards the new ski club uniform program. Visit the Thrifty Foods website to learn more, or contact Berend with your questions or to pick up a card! bhenckel@telus.net/250-703-4571

Roll!

Everyone is welcome to a roller ski training session this Saturday, September 3! We’ll be using the Royston loop. Meet at 10am at the end of Cameron Road in Royston. We’ll be working on technique and preparing for Tuesday’s time trial! Even though there isn’t much traffic on this road, remember that reflective safety vests are mandatory–along with helmets of course.

You can find a video if you visit the July pages. Contact info@strathconanordics.com for more information.

Watch!

If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to scroll down to the August 8 news post to view the beautiful video that was shot on the Mount Washington nordic trails by xczone.tv Look for Snowpocalypse Now.

Happy long weekend everyone!