Strathcona Nordic Ski Club (SNSC) has a range of recreational programs for skiers from 4 years old and up. In the Nordic Area of Mount Washington, we enjoy lots of beautiful trails, cross-country skiing for fun and fitness! Improving your technique can enhance your ski experience. You can improve your technique, become more familiar with the trails, and make some new ski friends by signing up for SNSC programs.
SNSC recreational programs run one day per week during the winter. Participants should be registered in the program and ready to go — with their Mount Washington Nordic Trail Passes, equipment, and clothing appropriate to the weather — at program start times at the Raven Lodge.
- Register for SNSC membership and programs on Zone4.ca after October 1 (use the link on the sidebar).
- Membership fees are as follows Family membership $75, Individual membership — Child$25, Adult $35, Senior $25.
- Program fees are listed below (Note: HST will be added when you register.)The earlybird registration fee for programs ends on November 30.
- Don’t forget that you need a Mount Washington nordic trail pass or nordic season’s pass too, and their earlybird fees end September 30!
Rabbit Programs
See the Rabbit Programs page for information about the Rabbit Skills Development programs available for four to 12 years olds. These programs start in early January. Note: Registration closes for Rabbit programs on December 30!
Powder Pack
This is a new program for tweens and teens who want to ski on a weekend morning with an SNSC group. 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 starting in early January. Earlybird $60 / Regular $90
Masters Recreational Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
These programs are designed for recreational skiers who want to improve their skiing techniques (classic and skating) and fitness through a season of coached sessions. Masters Recreational skiers meet on a weekend morning and are coached by NCCP qualified club coaches. These groups run concurrent with the Rabbit Program.
The Beginner program is oriented towards new skiers learning basic skills. The Intermediate program is for established skiers who wish to improve their technique and fitness in a fun, social, and group environment. The Advanced group is for skiers who have already done at least 2 seasons of Intermediate Masters (or equivalent experience) and are looking for even more challenges. Earlybird $115/ Regular $135
On the Zone 4 registration form, you can tell us your group level and your preference for a Saturday or Sunday session. We will do our best to accommodate.
Backcountry Trips
Explore the backcountry with seasoned guide Andrew Pape-Salmon! Join in one or both trips. If you are new to backcountry skiing, the first trip offers “How to” instruction. These trips are free to SNSC members. Please register online or contact Andrew andrewpapesalmon@shaw.ca.
January 14, 2012 (weekend day trip TBC), Mount Brooks, B2 rating
Introduction to backcountry ski touring – beginners welcome. Ski tour from Mount Washington Resort along Lake Trail into the backcountry to this 1500m summit with a few turns down. Intermediate group will summit Mount Brooks, depending on the group and the conditions. Includes an avalanche transceiver practice for the beginner group and possible summit of mountain.
March 18, 2012 (weekend day trip TBC), Mount Becher, C2 rating.
Intermediate downhill skills required. Backcountry ski tour from Wood Mountain ski area (Forbidden Plateau) to this 1390m summit in Strathcona Park. Avi gear required.
The B2/C2 ratings are explained on the Alpine Club of Canada website.
Group leader: Andrew Pape-Salmon completed the Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semester and Level 2 Avalanche Skills Training in 2009. He led three ski tours with SNSC in 2010. Co-leader to be identified.
Gear required: Metal edge skis with skins for climbing. Telemark or alpine touring. Poles should have reliable snow baskets. Avi gear is required, including avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. All gear can be rented at Valhalla Pure in Courtenay.
Here are links to Andrew’s photos from last year, his favourite photo from each tour.
Mount Brooks 2011
Mount Becher 2011
Learn to Loppet
A Loppet is a long distance ski race in which many people participate for fun. Historically, a loppet was a citizen’s race in which whole towns and villages of people in northern Europe would strap on cross-country skis and challenge themselves with a long distance ski.
The Learn to Loppet program is for people who have never been in a Loppet before or who are looking to improve their Loppet experience. There will be five on-snow sessions leading up to the March 27th Vancouver Island Loppet. The topics will include technique, course management, warm up and start, proper nutrition and hydration, and ski preparation and selection. Each session will consist of at least one hour on snow training and 45 minutes of in-lodge work. It will start at 6:30 pm at the Raven Lodge.
The coach will be Rick Morson, our Club Sponsorship and Fundraising Director who is also a Level 2 certified coach, with Head Coach Dave Battison making appearances. The program cost will include the Vancouver Island Loppet entry fee. not offered this year
Paranordic
SNSC has two sitskis. Registered SNSC members can become approved sitski users and take the sitskis out on the trails. Contact us for more information info@strathconanordics.com. $10
