Dustin Leclerc Photography

Bunnies – Program Information

The Bunnies program is designed for the 5 year old child new to x-country skiing.   You may notice that much of the lesson time is used  practicing skills and playing games without the use of poles.  This is to teach and encourage good body position and balance without depending on the poles for balance.  Later, poles will be introduced and will be needed by all skiers.   The focus of this program is to ensure that children have fun on skis. Many games are used to teach skill lessons and to incorporate fun into skiing. They may forget that they are on skis!  The majority of the lessons will take place on packed flat terrain.

***BUNNIES – X-Country Ski Program age 5***

Fri Nov 29, 2019- Mar 6, 2020 (12 sessions) $140 (price increase to $170 after Oct 31)

4:00-5:00pm

no classes Dec 27, Jan 3, Feb 21, Feb 28 (AYC)

Location: West Bragg Creek Trails

Classic ski gear is required.

A parent or responsible adult must be present during these bunny classes to assist their youngster

Please see “Calendar” at top menu bar for the season calendar.

Bunnies program goals:

  • Basic classic skiing techniques
  • Rising & Falling, Side Stepping, Star Turns, Diagonal Stride, Herringbone
  • Games and Activities
  • Having fun on skis
  • Balance and Agility
  • Gaining Confidence on skis

Cold weather cut off is -15 C with windchill for bunnies & jackrabbits.

Unfortunately we are not able to provide make up classes for lessons cancelled due to inclement weather.

If conditions are considered dangerous or risky, classes are subject to be cancelled.

Registration link in flip box below.

Days & Times

Information on class days and times.

Schedule

Fri 4-5 pm, Nov 29, 2019- Mar 6, 2020 (12 sessions)

no classes Dec 27, Jan 3, Feb 21, Feb 28 (AYC)

Program Costs

Costs for season with Bunnies

Costs

$140 (price increase to $170 after Oct 31)

+ Membership Fees

Join Our Club

To join our program!

Club Involvement

If you wish to be added to our email distribution list: Program Director

Events Register

Zone 4 registration.

Information

Registration Link

Bunnies Further Information

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The checklist for Bunny Skiers ages 5:

Equipment:
Classic Gear:

  • waxable or waxless classic skis that are appropriate for your child’s weight ( please have the camber & kick zone checked at a reputable ski store for weight) and height (tops curve over the head is the approximate size ski length for this age group & skill level).  Have your kick zones marked with permanent marker on the ski sidewall if you have waxable skis.
  • classic poles- pole top/handle straps should be between the armpit & top of shoulder.  Straps should be adjusted so hands are close to the pole.
  • classic boots that fit well.  No lift or rubbing in the heel area.  A way to snug them up tightly ie) laces or pull tie.

Clothing:
3 w’s wicking layer (no cotton):

  • under layer (wicking layer -to take dampness away from the skin such as polypropylene long underwear or wool (NO cotton!))
  • mid layer (warm layer– fleece or wool works well)
  • windproof layer (our club jacket and a pair of light windproof pants will work)

A vest is a good to keep your core warm. It is better to dress in multiple thin layers, rather than one bulky one. (you can regulate your temperature better).  Be warm but avoid sweating – take off layers as needed and make sure your outer layers are breathable. Being damp is what will make you cold (especially if you have to stop moving)

  • appropriate ski socks (no cotton)-You can again use the 3 Ws; wicking, warm, then your boots are the wind layer. It’s better to have two thin socks than one pair of bulky thick socks. If your feet are prone to getting cold, then get a ‘boot warmer’. (It’s a layer you put over your boots that are designed for ski boots and bindings). For kids- a large wool sock over their boot, (with the appropriate holes cut in it to accommodate bindings) will suffice as a boot warmer.
  • mitts are warmer than gloves (no cotton). Again, for colder days, layering mitts are a good idea.  Some little fleece mittens work well inside a x-country ski mitten for cold days.  Instant hand warmers (‘hot shots’) are good if your hands get really cold.

Please NO “magic mittens/gloves” in cotton.

  • a toque
  • thin neck buff (Lycra or fleece for very cold nights)
  • sunglasses (for late season lessons)
  • Headlamp NOT necessary for bunnies on Friday’s 4-5pm classes but ARE required for Thursdays 5-6pm classes when the evenings are in darkness.

Other:

  • Water bottle for after practice (the bottle needs to be covered or it will freeze)
  • Snack for after practice

Wax: (for the family)

For starting out, 3 hard waxes will suffice-for example: Swix green (-10/-20C), Swix blue extra (v40 -1/-7C), Swix red (-1/+2)

  • Cork
  • Scraper
  • Wax remover- I like “KUU” bio citron base cleaner ( pump bottle)
  • Shop cloths (lint free cloths- blue shop towels from Canadian Tire work great). The x-c version is called
  • fiberlene-it’s much more expensive)
  • Universal klister

Nice to have:

  • Balaclava for our coldest days
  • Ear warmers or headband for warmer days
  • Other waxes not on the above list
Much of the lesson time is used practicing skills and playing games without the use of poles. This is to teach and encourage good body position and balance without depending on the poles for balance. Later, poles will be introduced and are necessary for this program. The focus of the bunny program is to ensure that children have fun on skis. Many games are used to teach skill lessons and to incorporate fun into skiing. They may forget that they are on skis! The majority of the lessons will take place on packed flat terrain.

A parent or responsible adult must be with their child for the entire duration of the class to assist their child.

Below are some helpful links on kick waxing:
http://www.swixsport.com/Wax-Resources/Wax-Wizard

West Bragg Creek Trail Reports:
http://braggcreektrails.org/report

Please see “calendar” for all scheduled program sessions, events and other scheduled XCBC activities.

Please see “calendar” for all scheduled program sessions, events and other scheduled XCBC activities.

FAQs

  • Q: Cold weather cutoff? A: -15 air temp -18 wind-chill
  • Q: If a session is cancelled? A: An email will be sent out by noon the day of the lesson.

What Member’s Say

When you really think about it, this is almost the “ideal” program in so many ways. It is local and convenient. It is a “no stress” introduction to a sport that promotes fitness and health for life. It offers competitive opportunities to those who so desire. Finally it happens in a beautiful outdoor environment. I believe there are many sports clubs who seek to fulfill one of these goals, but very few who attempt to fulfill all of them. We are so fortunate to have XCBC in our backyard!
Greg Morris, Coach
Let me say something. You have an amazing team with awesome support. They really helped me this weekend. This is what I call an “extra mile” in customer relationship. So I give 8 stars for the program theme and if I could, I’d give 10 stars for support.
Carrie, Calgary