Jackrabbits Learn To Ski (U8 - U11)

Child skiing in a winter sports area, wearing colorful clothing and a helmet, with other people in the background.

Jackrabbits Learn To Ski Program

Jackrabbits will acquire basic ski skills while developing agility, balance, coordination and speed with an emphasis on FUN and participation! The essential goal of Jackrabbits is to provide children with FUNdamental physical and cross country ski skills, as a foundation to participate in SPORT-FOR-LIFE.  Youth/Jackrabbits Learn to Ski provides older children who are new to skiing, or who have limited ski experience, with an opportunity to develop cross country ski skills with similarly-aged and skilled peers. Upon completion of the Learn to Ski program, coaches will recommend which level of Jackrabbits the child should join.

The Jackrabbit Learn2Ski U10 and U12 (Pikas and Hares) program is targeted at kids ages 7-12 who are NEW to skiing (or have done limited nordic skiing).  The program will mainly work at Jackrabbit Level 2 skills (classic), with the goal to have kids ready for JR level 2 or 3 in the next season.  The group will be divided into sub-groups as needed for age and ability.

Participation in low-key regional events such as the Cookie Race, the Alberta Cup hosted by Foothills Nordic, and other local ski races is encouraged for all Jackrabbits as an overall skill development opportunity.  It’s also a great way to meet other Foothills Nordic families.

Additional activities included in your registration are Terrain Park FUN Nights, Family Ski Days (Saturday or Sunday in Bragg Creek or Kananaskis), and the Foothills Club Day. These super fun events are well loved by Jackrabbits and their parents and are a great way to connect with the Foothills Nordic community.  See the calendar for more information.

Our coaches are all NCCP-trained (Community Coach), many are former Jackrabbits and many are Foothills Nordic high performance athletes.

Registration Opens Sept 7

Program Details

  • Ages 7 – 12

    Prerequisite: None (for children new to skiing or with limited ski experience)

  • December 11 to March 11.  The program runs for 12 coached sessions of 1.5 hours once per week.

  • The Youth/Jackrabbits Learn to Ski program aims for 12 coached sessions of 1.5 hours once per week.

    • Wednesdays – 6:15 to 7:45 pm

    Note:  Foothills Nordic reserves the right to cancel any group session with insufficient registrants.  Normal minimum class size is five children.  Participants will be given the opportunity to register in another program or receive a FULL refund in the event a session is cancelled.

    • Fall Session (Dryland): Edworthy Park, Confederation Park at Rosemont Community Centre, possible indoor activities

    • Winter Session (On-Snow): Confederation Park Golf Course.  Other locations may be used for extra and weekend activities (Terrain Park nights, Family ski days – West Bragg Creek trails, Canmore and other mountain locations)

  • Participants are expected to have appropriate ski equipment and winter clothing. There will be a Parent Information session before the start of classes to review equipment and clothing.

  • 2026/2027 Fees

    We encourage families of all economic levels to participate in this awesome winter sport. If you have constraints for program or equipment costs, Foothills Nordic encourages families to seek support through KIDSPORT, a local program to help lower-income families with sport and activity program costs.

  • Foothills Nordic is able to run high quality programs for a reasonable cost due to the volunteer support from our families.  Based on the Club’s volunteer bond, ALL Jackrabbit parents will be required to volunteer six hours throughout the season.  Numerous volunteer opportunities will be available from coach support for Bunnies, Group Monitoring for Jackrabbits, parking or snow grooming support and support for weekend events (Terrain Nights, Family Ski Days and the Cookie Race).  A full sign-up list with details on volunteer jobs will be available and communicated before the first on-snow sessions.

    For information on the volunteer bond and the many other volunteer opportunities available throughout the year, see Club Volunteer Opportunities.

    We also welcome keen parents with strong basic ski skills to become coaches. Please note your interest when you register or contact the Jackrabbit Coach/Leader Coordinator.

  • If you have any questions please e-mail the programs@foothillsnordic.ca