Clothing and Equipment

Please ensure that your Rabbits have all required gear,  clothing and skis, and they are ready to go at 10 am. Be prepared for all types of weather conditions, cold, wind, rain, and/or snow.  Dressing in layers is a great way to keep warm and dry, and it gives you the option of removing layers if the weather is warmer than expected. Remember to protect your eyes with sunglasses. 

If renting equipment, it is best to set this up well in advance, either through Mount Washington nordic rentals at the Raven Lodge or at the Ski Tak Hut in Courtenay.

Rabbit SDP rentals at the Raven Lodge   
• These rentals will be seasonal rentals this year.  Instead of using them just for Rabbit SDP days, you will be registered and able to come up anytime and use the ski rentals.
• Rentals will be set out each Rabbit day.  10-week renters can skip the line and see Jenny to get their equipment.  All other times please see the rental staff.
• You must tell the rental staff, in advance, if you need classic or skate skis, so they can have the skis ready for you.
• Rentals must be returned by 3:15 pm on Sunday to Wednesday, and 7:30 pm on Thursday to Saturday.
• All other rentals (i.e, those not renting on the 10 week Rabbit program) are at regular rates and these people need to line up.

10-week Rabbit SDP Rental prices 09-10 ( including taxes)

Trail Passes

If you don’t have a Season’s Pass for Mount Washington Nordic, discounted Rabbit session trail passes are available at the Raven Lodge. You should see them before the first day to avoid the rush.

10-week Trail passes:

• Passes can be purchased from the rental counter in the Raven Lodge beginning on Mount Washington’s opening day.
• The 10-week trail (discounted Rabbit session) passes listed below are good for the whole day of your child’s Rabbit session (either Saturday or Sunday).   These passes are available for parents and coaches as well.
• Bunny Program parent helpers (Bunnies are 5 yrs old and under) can receive a free trail pass at the Raven Lodge. The Bunny helper pass is only valid from 10am until noon.
• Bunnies, 5 yrs and under, need a pass to be on the trails, and this pass is also free. Bunny passes are valid for all Bunny Rabbit sessions.
• All other Rabbit SDP helpers, parents, and coaches need to purchase a trail pass or have a season pass to be on the trails.

10-week Rabbit SDP Trail Pass Prices 09-10 (including taxes)

Start-up Meeting location and signs

Mount Washington Nordic has asked us to meet with our groups away from the entrance to the Raven Lodge. We will meet beside the Raven Lodge overlooking the Ski Playground area.

Red Signs will be posted every session: 1 large Bunny Rabbit sign and Rabbits Level 1 – 4 group signs. Use these signs to find your coach. 

Coaches will typically return to this area at the end of the coaching session to regroup with parents unless other arrangements have been made.

Contact with Coaches

Your child’s coach should contact you at least one week prior to the start of the Rabbit SDP. However, lists of all skiers and their coach & Rabbit group will be posted just inside the door in the Raven Lodge by 9:30 am on the first day.  Your child’s coach will give you contact information. Check in to the Rabbits pages on the  Strathcona Nordics website every week for any change or updates.

Being a Rabbit Helper

As an accompanying parent/guardian to a group heading out to ski, you must be a SNSC member for insurance liability purposes. All Bunnies are required to have an accompanying parent/guardian until you have permission from your Bunny coach.

Rabbit coaches may require some parents to ski along with their kids and join in playing games.  Walking is not allowed, so bring some skis!

Coaching Group Skier Placement

All kids are placed into their coaching group by their developmental age, skills evaluations from last year’s coaches and information that parents provide. We create skill–based subgroups in each level. Please note that some skiers may be shifted into another group at the coach’s discretion during the first couple of sessions if it is in the best interest of the child’s success, enjoyment, and skill development.

Terrain Park and Facilities

Mount Washington Nordic very kindly let us use their space. Rabbit families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and eat it there following the program.  Otherwise, there is full cafeteria service to take advantage of. Please be mindful of other nordic patrons and do not leave your gear at tables if you are sitting there.

The Ski playground and Terrain Park (next to the Raven Lodge) is a wonderful place for kids to practice their skills in a fun place.  The more we use the Terrain Park, the more attention the mountain will provide to grooming and expanding this area.  The club is looking for volunteers who would like to further develop this area, expanding the challenges and obstacles for the kids to enjoy.

Please note that sledding and tobogganing is not allowed on Mt.Washington Alpine Resort property.

Weather and Conditions

You will find at these websites great information to prepare for the day up the mountain,  http://www.mountwashington.ca/conditions/default.cfm?page=nordic_snow_report or http://snow-forecast.com/resorts/Mount-Washington.0to3bot.shtml

Snack Time

During each Rabbit session, the groups take a break for hot chocolate and a snack. This provides hydration and an energy boost for the rest of the session.  Parents are asked to volunteer for a specific day to bring the hot chocolate and healthy snack.  Coaches will typically provide cups for each day, but your child’s coach will give you details either before or on the first day of the Rabbits session.

Thank you to our Volunteer Coaches!

Every year a group of new coaches complete their Intro Community Coaching course and many also complete the Community Coaching course.  These courses require a total of 26 hours to complete.  In addition, coaches take a refresher course, volunteer their time every week to coach your children, keep everyone organized, and spend time completing paperwork at the end of the season.  This is a tremendous commitment.  Please support your child’s coach in every way you can, and thank them for making this commitment to this program