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Jack Rabbits (JR) – Program Information

XC Bragg creek ski club is pleased to offer a ski program specially designed for 6-9 year old children. The Jackrabbit program focuses on the fundamental skills of cross country skiing including movement on skis, downhill techniques and trail etiquette. This is accomplished through both structured and less structured ski experiences in a positive learning environment.

***JACKRABBITS (JR) – X-Country Ski Program age 6-9***

Fridays 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, skate ski gear is optional in addition to classic gear. Children in the more experienced groups will be skate skiing in addition to classic skiing.

For season schedule, see “Calendar” at top menu bar.

Jack Rabbit program goals:

  • A variety of movement techniques on classic skis
  • Balance, agility, coordination on skis
  • Safety (dressing appropriately, hill techniques)
  • Intro to skate skiing in level 3 & 4
  • Games & Activities
  • Having fun on skis

The focus of jackrabbits will be to have fun on skis, while building age appropriate technical skills, basic level of ski fitness, and having the opportunity to experience a low key race, only if your child is ready and interested.

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

Fridays 4-5pm, Nov 29, 2019 – Mar 6, 2020 (12 sessions) @ West Bragg Creek

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

Program Costs

Costs for season with Jack Rabbits.

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

Jack Rabbits Further Information

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The checklist for JR Skiers ages 6-9:

Equipment:
Classic Gear Mandatory:
•waxable 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 or slightly longer is the approximate size ski length for this age group & skill level). Have your kick zones marked with permanent marker on the ski sidewall.
•waxless classic skis are not optimal if your child wishes to pursue ski racing. When learning how to skate ski in JR level 3/4, the fish scales on waxless skis will provide resistance.
•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.
Skate Gear Optional:
•Optional for JR level 3/4: skate skis that are appropriate for your child’s weight ( please have the camber checked at a reputable ski store for weight) and height (tops curve over the head).
•skate poles- pole top/handle straps should be between chin and nose. Straps should be adjusted so hands are close to the pole.
•skate ski boots that fit well. No lift or rubbing in the heel area. A way to snug them up tightly ie) laces or pull tie.
•Some children are choosing to use the same pair of skis and boots for both classic and skate. If this is the case, the set should be classic gear. Longer poles for skate skiing would be needed. Their skis will need to be cleaned of all kick wax (sticky wax) prior to a skate ski day. When glide waxing skis that are shared between classic & skate, never glide wax the kick zone area.

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.
•a toque
•thin neck buff (Lycra)
•sunglasses (for Fridays)
•Headlamp NOT necessary for Friday 4-5pm jackrabbits classes, but ARE required for Thurs 5-6pm jackrabbit classes during the darkness of winter.
•Plastic whistle mandatory for emergencies (no metal whistles)

Other:

•Water bottle and holder (the bottle needs to be covered or it will freeze)
•Snack for after practice
•Hip pack for water bottle. Backpacks are not optimal as they will throw balance off, especially with skate skiing.

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

Please have your child put on and take off gear on their own in daylight prior to XCBC programs. This will help them learn and become familiar with their equipment. At this age, they should be self-sufficient with gear and clothing.

The Jackrabbit program focuses on the fundamental skills of cross country skiing including movement on skis, downhill techniques and trail etiquette. This is accomplished through both structured and less structured ski experiences in a positive learning environment.

Younger level jackrabbits will classic ski.
Older level jackrabbits will classic ski as well as skate ski.
One set of ski gear, preferable classic, is required. Having 2 sets of gear (both skate & classic) are optional at this level.

Please have ski equipment ready and waxed for these sessions before the start of classes. Arrive 15 mins early to prepare.

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

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

http://www.cccski.com/Programs/Coaching-Development/CCC-launches-new-Online-Waxing-Clinic.aspx?lang=en-CA#.XBsSKS0ZORs

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

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

Race Events:

Please see “Calendar” for all up to date events

Jackrabbit events TBD

AYC (Alberta Youth Championships) Mar 2-4/18 – XCBC in West Bragg (for athletes born 2004-2007)
Save the date. We need many volunteers to host this event, please keep this in mind.

B4S (Built For Speed) TBD – XCBC West Bragg. We will need many volunteers to host this event, please keep this in mind.
(B4S are a series of race events created for novice skiers. Dates to be determined by other ski clubs.)

Please see “calendar” for all up to date 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