Strathcona Nordic Ski Club (SNSC) has a program for everyone! There are recreational and racing programs for adults and children and also coach and race official training opportunities too.
Registration for SNSC membership and programs will open in the fall on Zone4. The Earlybird registration deadline will be November 30, 2010. The registration deadline for Rabbit Skills Development Programs (Rabbit SDP) will be December 31, 2010.
SNSC Membership
SNSC membership has benefits. On a practical level, membership means you are insured when you participate in SNSC activities, but membership also means that you can participate in SNSC socials and events. If you have ever attended an SNSC event, you know that you are always in good company! Membership also means you get 10% off purchases at Ski Tak Hut in Courtenay. Last year’s prices were Family membership $75, Individual membership — Child $25, Adult $35, Senior $25 (We are still awaiting final word from the Directors if prices can remain the same next year or if they require a slight increase.)
Here is a quick overview of SNSC programs. Visit individual program pages to learn more:
Bunny Rabbits
Bunny Rabbits introduces four and five year olds to the sport of nordic skiing. This program focuses on balance and learning through organized activity and active play in a variety of terrain. Bunny Rabbits is part of the Skill Development Program (SDP) from Cross Country Canada. Skiers in this program require parent support during the lessons. Skiers can choose the Saturday or Sunday Bunny Rabbits program. Winter 2010 fee Earlybird $60 / Regular $90
Rabbits
Rabbits is a program for skiers aged six to 12 and is also part of the Skill Development Program (SDP) from Cross Country Canada. Rabbits has four skill development progressions or levels, which focus on balance, agility, and rhythm. All classic techniques are covered, and skate skiing is introduced in the third and fourth levels. Skiers will develop confidence, build overall motor skills, and develop outdoor winter safety skills. You can choose either the Saturday or Sunday Rabbits program. Winter 2010 fee Earlybird $60 / Regular $90
Parents and guardians remember that Rabbits needs you! Click the volunteer button on the sidebar!
Powder Pack
This is a new program for tweens and teens who have graduated from Rabbits and want to continue skiing on Sunday mornings and continue improving their skills with SNSC friends. Powder Pack puts a focus on fun, social skiing and exploring nordic trails. The program will run on Sundays from 10:00 to 12:00. Winter 2010 fee Earlybird $60 / Regular $90
Devo
The Devo Program is a developmental group for keen skiers in the 10-14 age range and is presented in a fun format. This group focuses on skiing and ski technique development, and it introduces racing. We present the idea of racing as a personal challenge, and help young skiers to see the steps involved in preparing for a race. This program runs two to three times per week from fall through winter. Winter 2010 fee Earlybird $300/ Regular $325
Junior Racers
The Junior Racing Team is for 14-19 year old athletes interested in pursuing the skills necessary to participate and compete at the provincial Junior level and beyond. These athletes work hard on a daily basis. Junior Racers are shown that through hard work, perseverance, and teamwork anything is possible. This program runs all year round. Winter 2010 fee Earlybird $475/ Regular $525
Elite High Performance Racers
This program is for athletes who are looking to compete at the national and international racing level. The program is modeled after the National Team program. Dedicated high performance athletes age 15 and up receive full individualized training and racing programs. The program is also available on an outreach basis to athletes who live and train away from Mount Washington. Winter 2010 fee $1000
Senior and Masters Racers
These programs are for Senior (19+) and Masters (30+) athletes who are interested in skiing for fitness and competition but have other life priorities such as school, work, and/or family. Both summer and winter programs are available. Local participants will meet twice per week for training under the supervision of head coach Dave Battison and club assistant coaches. Outreach programs are available for remote athletes (i.e. students) who can’t attend weekly group sessions. Winter 2010 fee Earlybird $250/Regular $275
Masters Recreational: Beginner and Intermediate
These programs are for recreational skiers who wish to improve their skiing techniques (classic and skating) and fitness through a season of coached sessions. Participants meet on a weekend morning and are coached by NCCP qualified club coaches. The Masters programs run concurrent with the weekend Rabbit programs with Beginner Masters on Sunday mornings and Intermediate Masters on Saturday mornings. Winter 2010 fee Earlybird $115/ Regular $135
Back-country skiing
NEW – winter 2011! SNSC members can join skilled back-country guide Andrew Pape-Salmon on some day trips where they will explore the back country of Strathcona Provincial Park on back-country X-country skis. Look for more details coming soon!
Learn to Loppett
This is a program for skiers who have never been in a Loppet before and for skiers who want to improve their Loppett experience. There will be five on-snow sessions leading up to the March 27th Vancouver Island Loppet. Topics covered will be technique and course management, which includes warm up and start, proper nutrition and hydration, ski preparation and selection. Winter 2010 fee $99
Paranordic
SNSC has two sit skis. Registered SNSC members can become approved sit ski users and take the sit skis out on the trails. Contact us for more information info@stratchonanordics.com. Winter 2010 fee $10
Coaching and Officials
The sport of cross-country skiing relies on qualified volunteer coaches and officials to train skiers and run race events. SNSC offers Level 1 and Level 2 Officials courses. Contact us for information about officials training info@strathocnanordics.com. Coaching Courses follow the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) of Canada. Coaching courses are being offered in November 2009, December 2009, and January 2010. See the Coaching & Officials Programs pages for more details.
