Train 2 Train (T2T) – Competitive Program Information
XC Bragg creek ski club is pleased to offer the Train 2 Train program which follows the Cross Country Canada ski program- advancing young skiers into a more competitive ski environment. At this stage, the skier has more than likely been involved in classic and skate skiing for some time including race event competitions. Expectations for longer training seasons, including off season dry land training, are common at this level as sports specialization occurs. This program is designed for athletes who wish to race and develop competitive ski skills in both skate & classic skiing. Athletes will be placed into cohesive skill set groups decided by coaches and may be moved around as the year progresses and skiers develop (not based on age or friendships).
***COMPETITIVE – X-Country Ski Program ages 12-18 (3 nights/week)***
Nov 2, 2019 – Mar 17, 2020 (48 sessions plus optional Fridays) $690 (price increase to $720 after Oct 31)
Tues 5:30-7:00pm, Thurs 5:00-6:30pm, Fri optional club night, Sat 10:00am-12:00pm
no classes Dec 21-Jan 5, Feb 14-21, Mar 1 (AYC)
Location: West Bragg Creek Trails/Redwood Meadows/Canmore/Weekend Race Events
Friday club night: 5:00-6:30pm
This program is designed for athletes who wish to race and develop competitive ski skills in both skate & classic skiing.
Mandatory classic & skate ski equipment, mandatory club jacket & club
Athletes will be placed into cohesive skill set/age groups decided by coaches and may be moved around as the year progresses and skiers develop
For season schedule, see “Calendar” at top menu bar.
Train 2 Train program goals:
- Improvement of all classic & skate ski techniques
- Increasing Speed & Distance while skiing
- Improved Endurance, Balance & Agility
- Ski preparation – equipment, grip and glide waxing
- Attend the Alberta Youth Championships as an assistant coach/volunteer
- Attend local Alberta Cup events & other competitions/loppets
- Assist the Jackrabbits in coaching as a regular coach or as needed on Fridays
- Attend an XCBC hosted on snow ski camp
Optional additional dry land training & weekend racing.
Cold weather cut off is -18 C with windchill for track attack.
If conditions are considered dangerous or risky, classes are subject to be cancelled.
Unfortunately we are not able to provide make up classes for lessons cancelled due to inclement weather.
Registration link in flip box below.
Days & Times
Information on class days and times.Schedule
Train 2 Train – 3 nights/week (ages 12 -18)
Nov 2, 2019 – Mar 17, 2020 (48 sessions plus optional Fridays)
Tues 5:30-7:00pm, Thurs 5:00-6:30pm, Fri (5-6:30 pm) optional club night, Sat 10:00am-12:00pm
no classes Dec 21-Jan 5, Feb 14-21, Mar 1 (AYC)
Program Costs
Costs for season with Learn to Train.Costs
$690 (price increase to $720 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
Train to Train Program Further Information
The checklist for Train 2 Train Skiers:
Equipment:
Classic Gear:
•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.
•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 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.
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 mandatory (for evening classes)
•Plastic whistle mandatory for emergencies (no metal whistles)
•Wrist Watch (for race events)
Other:
•Water bottle and holder (the bottle needs to be covered or it will freeze)
•Snack for after practice
•Hip pack to carry water bottle and whistle. Backpacks are not optimal as they can throw the skier off balance especially when 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
T2T is all about advancing young skiers into a more competitive ski environment. At this stage, the skier has more than likely been involved in classic and skate skiing for some time including race event competitions. Expectations for longer training seasons, including off season dry land training, are common at this level as sports specialization occurs.
Learn 2 Train program goals:
•Improvement of all classic & skate ski techniques
•Increasing Speed & Distance while skiing
•Improved Endurance, Balance & Agility
•Ski preparation – equipment, grip and glide waxing
•Attend the Alberta Youth Championships as an assistant coach/volunteer
•Attend local Alberta Cup events & other competitions/loppets
•Assist the Jackrabbits in coaching as a regular coach or as needed on Fridays
•Attend an XCBC hosted on snow ski camp
We plan on skate skiing on Tuesdays and classic skiing on Fridays, but weather & snow will be the determining factor. Unless posted otherwise, please have the appropriate equipment, skis ready and waxed for these sessions before the start of class.
Below are some helpful links on kick waxing:
http://www.swixsport.com/Wax-Resources/Wax-Wizard
West Bragg Creek Trails Report:
http://braggcreektrails.org/report
Please see “calendar” for all scheduled program sessions, events and other scheduled XCBC activities.
Upcoming race events:
AB Cups to be announced by Cross Country Alberta
AYC (Alberta Youth Championships) Mar 2-4/18 – XCBC in West Bragg ages( born 2004-2007)
Save the date. We also 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).
On Snow Camp:
Ribbon Creek Hostel Jan 5-7 , 2018
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!
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.