Trip Support

A Typical Day Out

Here is a brief description of a typical day out for our club:

Most families leave Calgary between 11-12 to arrive at the day’s venue (perhaps Kananaskis Country, Canmore Nordic Center, or West Bragg Creek) for lessons starting at 1 PM. Some families choose to have lunch with their kids at the hut or buildings prior to the lessons.

A Rocky Mountain Jackrabbits sign is posted at an obvious gathering place at the venue. The kids put on their skis (sometimes with the help of mom or dad) and meet their coaches. The club is broken down into smaller groups of children in similar skills and ages. The groups are always lead by at least 1 coach and one assistant coach. Often 1 or more additional parents join in too. (What do parents typically do? Often one helps with the group and the other goes off skiing, to switch at half time…)

Lessons start with warm-up exercises. These are basically fun on or off skis, and get the kids ready to go! Sometimes the kids themselves lead the warm-ups.

After warm-up, there is typically a review of last weeks skills. If anyone missed a week, this is a good chance to catch up.

Following the review, a set of new skills will be introduced. This often takes the form of imaginative and fun games and exercises. A quick trip down the trail, and then time for a quick snack break. In good weather many groups do this on the trail. If the weather is worse, kids head inside for a quick warm-up.

The second half of the session can be more lessons or just heading down the trail. With such small groups Coaches and assistants can keep an eye out and give individual guidance and encouragement. As children excel, they are often given turns at leadership roles.

By 3PM the lessons wind up. There might be hot chocolate and cookies as we often do at the Nordic Center. Some families choose to continue skiing, others head home to be back in Calgary around 4-5.

Come on out and join us…it’s loads of winter fun for the whole family!