Program Overview

Cross-country skiing is a lifelong sport suitable for people of all ages and abilities. This sport is fun, low impact, uses all of the body’s major muscle groups and develops a healthy cardiovascular system. In Canada, most children learn to cross-country ski through the Skills Development Program. The main component of this is the Jackrabbit Program, named after the legendary Hermann “Jackrabbit” Smith-Johannsen – a Norwegian immigrant that lived and skied to the tender age of 112. Many of our current Olympic stars, including Beckie Scott and Sarah Renner, got their start in their local Jackrabbit program.

The Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club ski programs consist of Nordiq Canada’s Skills Development Program for young children (starting at age 5) and recreational and racing programs for teenagers, which is based on Sport Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development model.

 

Skill Development Programs

  • Jackbunny: ages 5
  • Jackrabbit: ages 6-9
  • Track Attack: ages 10-12

We place children by both skill level and age. The age ranges listed above are flexible to some extent as various factors related to each child are taken into account. During the first session there is the opportunity for coaches to move the child to a more appropriate group if an incorrect placement has been made.

See our Program Guide to help you decide on the appropriate Skills Development Program for your child.

Teen Programs

There are two options for teens:

  • Adventurers: ages 13-18 — for those teens with a sense of adventure who want to continue to ski recreationally and broaden their ski technique
  • Race Team: ages 13+ — for those teens interested in racing and training on a year round program

See our Program Guide for more information.

The club encourages skiers graduating from the program to stay on with the club as coaches.

Adult Programs

The club offers an Adult/Masters program for those adults (19+) that are at an intermediate or advanced skiing level. It is directed at those interested in refining their technique, improving their fitness level, skiing in a team environment and perhaps even entering a race/loppet or two. We encourage families to learn and ski together!

See our Program Guide for more information.