Rabbits
Welcome to Bunnyrabbits & Jackrabbits at the BV Nordic Centre!
The Bunnyrabbit program, for children aged approximately 4-5 yrs old, and the Jackrabbit program, for children aged approximately 6-9 yrs old, are part of the Skill Development Program (SDP) from Nordiq Canada and Sport Canada's Long-Term Athlete Development model. These programs are all about FUN! The primary intent is for your child(ren) to safely enjoy exploring the world of nordic skiing and learn lifelong ski skills. These skills will be introduced mostly through games and activities. Children are grouped according to their age and skill level (children may be moved around in the first couple of sessions to ensure each child is in the right group).
Program Schedule
All programs run on Saturday mornings from early January - mid March. This includes approximately 10 sessions, participation in 1 evening Night Ski, and culminating with the Wetzinkwa Loppet. Current Season Program Schedule
Bunnyrabbits - approx age 4-5 yrs old
The Bunnyrabbit program is designed to develop fundamental movement skills such as balance, agility, coordination, self-confidence and imagination. Sessions are approx. 45-60 minutes. Classic technique, skiers do not use poles. Parent participation at this level is required.
Jackrabbits (Levels 1-4) - approx age 6-9 yrs old
The Jackrabbits Program is designed to help children learn basic cross-country ski skills and instil a lifelong love of sport while developing movement/motor skills, confidence, and encouraging fun participation. Classic technique, poles are introduced at an appropriate time in the Jackrabbit progression. Basic skate skiing skills will be introduced in Levels 3-4.
*All registered families are expected to volunteer throughout the season*
These programs are entirely volunteer run! Parents are expected to volunteer throughout the season 2-3 times. Volunteer roles: being an on-snow helper for your childs group and handing out cookies to all participants at the end of the session. Strong ski skills are not required! For sessions when you’re NOT the parent volunteer, we encourage you to go for a ski or play with your younger children on the sliding hill. We find that bunnies and rabbits do better if their parents give them space to be a part of their group and focus (ha!) on the coach.
Register Here
Early bird registration deadline: November 30. Registration cutoff: January 1.
Cold Weather Limits and Cancelled Sessions
Both programs operate unless temperatures are below -15 C (including wind chill). At temperatures below -15 C, it is too difficult to ensure kids are warm and safe from exposure. If a session is going to be cancelled due to weather, all families will receive an email no later than 1 hr prior to the start of their session. Temperatures can be quite different between town and the trails. The Nordic Centre posts updated weather conditions here: https://bvnordic.ca/
Equipment and Clothing Requirements:
Children should have ski boots and classic skis that fit.
- Skis: Classic skis, non-waxable
- Boots: Please make sure that your child’s boots are compatible with their ski bindings. This is as simple as making sure the boots snap into the ski bindings. Classic or combi boots are suitable.
Dressing your child for the changing weather of outdoor winter sports is a bit of an art! Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- LAYERS! Dress your children in layers, following this basic order:
- CLOSEST TO SKIN: something light but warm. Fleece, wool or synthetic long underwear
- MID LAYER: a slightly heavier layer that’s easy to remove, for example a fleece zip-up jacket.
- OUTER LAYER: This should at LEAST be wind resistant and ideally is also waterproof. Kids will be laying on and rolling in the snow. If there is a way to get damp, they will find it.
- HEAD & NECK. Children should always have a toque. For cold days, we recommend a buff or balaclava as well. If your child gets too warm, it’s simple to take it off and stuff in a pocket.
- HANDS. Mittens are much warmer than gloves! On very cold days, you may consider hand warmers or layering a thin mitt or glove inside their usual mitten. Again, ideally the mitten is wind and waterproof or resistant.
- FEET. Boots that are a bit too big are far warmer than boots that are too small. Your child’s boots should allow for a thick sock to fit inside.
- Après Ski: consider having a dry set of mitts, an extra coat, and dry winter boots for your child to change into after the session.
Coaches Wanted!
The SDP program is always looking for coaches. BV Nordic pays for the necessary coaching certification programs designed by Cross Country Canada. The first level of coaching certification needed to coach Rabbits is an online course. The Club also strives to host coaching clinics for some on-snow instruction, before Rabbits starts in January. The masters drop-in program Wednesday evenings is another great way for parents to work on their technique. You don’t have to be an expert skier, just willing to take one or both of the CCBC courses and, of course have fun with kids! Email nsdp@bvnordic.ca if you are willing to coach or need help getting started on coaching courses.
See this page for more details on the coaching certification programs http://www.bvnordic.ca/events-activities/courses/
Track Attack 1 (Age 8-12)
Ready for the next step? Track Attack 1 is the next progression from Jackrabbits Level 4 and an option for children who want to ski more than once a week over a longer season. The focus is on learning balance, agility and rhythm over a variety of terrain. Beginning with fun, age-appropriate fitness activities in the fall, skiers get on snow as early as possible in the season. Ski skills are taught through games, drills, team relays and special activities. Skate skiing equipment is necessary for children in Track Attack. Find out more about Track Attack here!
