Dakota Ridge Nordics

Our 2018 ski season is now full
with a record numbers of skiers!

To be placed on a waitlist, please email drjackrabbits@gmail.com.

Registration for the 2019 Season will be open HERE in October 2018.

THANK YOU to the Wilson Creek and Gibsons IGA for fueling our skiers!
IGA's generous commitment to supporting youth sport
over the next three years will allow our program to keep growing!

Cross-Country Ski Skill Development Program

The Dakota Ridge Nordics programs are a fun way for kids aged 3-16 to learn basic cross-country ski skills while providing an opportunity to ski and socialize with their parents and friends. It helps children to develop confidence, outdoor winter safety skills, and build overall motor skills. The program’s long term goal is to foster an appreciation of physical exercise and nature in children by exposing them to a fun outdoor family activity. The Bunnyrabbits, Jackrabbits and Adventurers programs require parent volunteerism.

We utilize Cross Country Canada's progression of Skill Development Programs (SDP) for children.

Bunnyrabbits (ages 3-5) is directed at children in the “Active Start” stage of athlete development. Plan for lots of time sliding on skis and bottoms! Often children participate best without their parents present, however, at this young age parents may wish to or may be required to walk along with their child. Your coach will discuss this with families after the first session. 3 & 4 year old Bunnyrabbits may borrow the Club's strap-on skis. Kids only require a snow suit and good winter boots. 5 year old Bunnyrabbits will require proper cross-country skis and boots.
Jackrabbits (ages 6-12) is directed at skiers in the "FUNdamentals" stage of athlete development. Children collect stickers for 'Technique' and 'Program' skills throughout the four levels as a Jackrabbit. Older Jackrabbits are exposed to skate skiing
Adventurers (ages 12-16) is our NEWEST ADDITION for 2018! Adventurers turn their focus toward wilderness skills, physical fitness and endurance, and teamwork. Youth will continue to develop their ski technique at the start of each session before skiing out to adventures that may include building snow caves, skiing under the stars, learning avalanche and first aid basics, attending community races, and ski touring.

Program Costs
Program fees cover mandatory skier insurance, volunteer coach trainings, and operational costs for our non-profit organization.

Bunnyrabbits $70
Jackrabbits $100
Adventurers $150, plus ages 13-16 require a Dakota Ridge season trail pass (youth $60 or family $290)

Family discounts available for 2 or more children!
Payment by credit card only.

For financial assistance with program and equipment costs, check out www.jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.
Any further funding questions or needs, may be addressed by drjackrabbits@gmail.com.

2018 Session Details

Classes are held Sundays from 10am-12pm at the Dakota Ridge Winter Recreational Area. Please plan to arrive early so that skis are gliding at 10am sharp. Parents of Bunnyrabbits should be prepared for classes to end closer to 11am.

2018 session dates shared by all Bunnyrabbits, Jackrabbits and Adventurers:
Sunday January 14, 21, 28, and
Sunday February 4, (break Feb 11th for Family Day), 18, 25, and
Sunday March 4

*Additional 2018 session dates for Adventurers only:
Sunday November 26, 2017
Sunday December 3, 10, 17, 2017
Tuesday January 23, 2018 night ski - skate technique
Wednesday January 31, 2018 night ski - classic technique
Tuesday February 27, 2018 night ski - skate technique
Wednesday March 7, 2018 night ski - classic technique

Required Ski Gear & Dressing Appropriately

BUNNYRABBITS:
3-4 year old Bunnyrabbits can borrow strap-on skis from the Club. They only require a snowsuit and good winter boots.
5 year old Bunnyrabbits require proper nordic classic skis (waxless with fish scales) and boots. If buying used gear, double check the binding system matches the boot! SNS and NNN are incompatible. Poles not required.

JACKRABBITS:
6-12 year old Jackrabbits require proper nordic classic skis (waxless with fish scales), boots, and poles. If buying used gear, double check the binding system matches the boot! SNS and NNN are incompatible. A small pack to carry water and snacks or to stash a layer of clothing is useful and recommended. 9-12 year olds are strongly encourage to choose combi boots with NNN bindings in order to borrow the Club's skate skis on days skate skiing is taught. If skate skiing is already a family activity, kids are welcome to bring their own gear.

ADVENURERS:
12-16 year old Adventurers require proper nordic classic sis, boots, and poles. There will be some days of skate skiing, however, our club does not have gear to loan in 12-16 year old sizes. Skate ski days will be announced ahead of time so that families can plan rentals accordingly. Adventurers will need a comfortable well fitting technical backpack for hiking and skiing. It will be necessary to carry a snack and water bottle and dry base layer on session days.

Alpha Adventures in Wilson Creek sells new and some used ski equipment. They offer a buy-back program to Jackrabbits families. Enquire in store for details.

Cross Country BC recommends layering or wearing several pieces of lighter clothing in combination for comfortable skiing. The first layer is full top and bottom sport underwear that allows perspiration to evaporate away from the body. The second layer should be stretchy or looser clothing, like fleece (depending on temperature). Jeans or cotton should not be worn skiing, as they absorb and retain moisture easily. The third and final layer should generally be some sort of windproof clothing that snow won’t stick to. Pants are especially important for younger children, who may spend more time in contact with snow. This final layer should be easily removable (think bathroom breaks!) and easily stored if not needed.

Parent Volunteers

The not-for-profit TOC Dakota Ridge Nordics program is coordinated and run entirely by parents and other volunteers. Each parent is required to contribute in one of the following volunteer positions:

Coach
Coaching Assistants
Volunteer Coordinator
Fundraising
Social Coordinator
Ski Equipment Loan Coordinator
Ski Playground Builders
Hut Monitors & Hot Chocolate Monitors
Loppet & Fun Day assistants
SCRD Dakota Ridge Fall Work Party

Your preference for your volunteer position must be indicated on the online registration form. If you are interested in receiving training as a coach or otherwise volunteering, please contact us at drjackrabbits@gmail.com.

If you like how the club operates or would like to see some changes please consider attending a Jackrabbit meeting and getting involved as a committee member. Any feedback is welcomed to assist with ongoing program development.

Carpooling

Four wheel drive vehicles and chains are required to access the Dakota Ridge Ski Area.
For shuttle service call Alpha Adventures, phone (604) 885-8838.

Once registered, you can send an email to our parents list and arrange carpooling.

Snow and Road Conditions

Classes may be cancelled due to road and/or weather conditions. For updates on road and snow conditions please go to the SCRD's Dakota Ridge Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Dakota.SCRD This site is regularly updated by road and area users.

The Dakota Ridge page on the SCRD website also has information.

The parking lot is very small, so if you do drive, try to park relatively close together. Please note the driver heading downhill has the right of way. Use caution when pulling off to the side as a heavy snowfall can obscure the ditches on either side. The road is not as wide as it looks!

History

For many years the Tetrahedron Outdoor Club has recognized the need for child and youth winter recreation opportunities on the Sunshine Coast. The idea of a Jackrabbit cross-country ski program has long been a goal of the club along with the original Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Society, the Sunshine Coast Nordic Ski Club, and staff of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD). In February 2009, thanks to the efforts of an enthusiastic group of parents and volunteers, the first pilot TOC Jackrabbit Cross-Country Ski Program was launched at the new Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area.