All participants in youth programs must be General Members.
WRNSC teaches children and youth to ski, and also introduces them to training and racing in a fun environment. We deliver instruction in accordance with Nordiq Canada’s programs: Bunnyrabbits, Jackrabbits and Track Attack. We also offer a Senior Adventurers program for skiers aged 13-18, who do not wish to be part of a race team. Most instruction sessions are held at Rockway Golf Course, Kitchener. We offer lessons for an 8 week period, starting the first week of January. All sessions are weather and snow-dependent. All child and youth instructional skiers are invited to take part in our club-sponsored Orion races. Orion race fees are included in the program costs.
Families are responsible for providing ski equipment for their skiers. It is important that children ski on modern ski equipment. Affordable equipment rentals are available for children and youth, and we offer fitting and rental events.
In addition to the instructional groups, WRNSC supports a Junior Race Team (ages 9-13) and a Senior Race team (ages 14 to 18).
All ages that are mentioned below are as of January 1 of the upcoming ski year. Skiers are requested to register in their age group; we will place them in instruction groups depending upon their ski abilities.
Costs are listed on the Pricing page.
Bunnyrabbits is a First Steps program for children aged 4 and 5. Children learn to move and have fun on skis. When they complete the Bunnyrabbit program, children can move confidently on the flat, and can move both uphill and downhill.
- In the winter, Bunnyrabbits meet on Wednesdays 6:20 to 7:20 pm, as well as Sundays from 10:40 to 11:50
- Bunnyrabbits will meet at Rockway Golf Course
Bunnyrabbits are required to have a pair of non-wax skis, as well as boots for the Classic ski technique. Rental equipment is available
Jackrabbits is a FUNdamentals program which is for children aged 6 through 8. This program teaches children both techniques of cross-country skiing (classic and skate). We organize skiers into teaching groups, and we do our best to assign skiers of similar age and ability to the same teaching group.
- In the winter, Jackrabbits meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30, as well as Sundays from 10:30 to 12:00
- Jackrabbits usually meet at Rockway Golf Course
- Jackrabbits are required to have a pair of skis, boots, and poles for the Classic ski technique, preferably no wax skis for the young participants, but possibly a waxable ski for the older ones. Rental equipment is available
- Jackrabbits are encouraged, but not required, to try a local or other Southern Ontario race
2023/2024 Group Leader – Cecile Barthez
For further information on this program, as well as Bunnyrabbit and ski equipment rentals, please contact Cecile at cecile.barthez@gmail.com
Track Attack (ages 9 – 12):
As a progression from the Jackrabbit program, TA is a skill development program aimed at improving skate and classic techniques as well as ski fitness. This is done in a fun and social environment with games, challenges and theme days – all out on the trails! Skiers are encouraged to participate in competitions and will have the opportunity to race several times during the season
- Group sessions are scheduled twice a week during dry-land season (mid-September through December)
- Group sessions are scheduled twice a week during the snow season (January and February)
- Equipment needed: running shoes; dry-land poles; skate and/or classic and/or combi ski equipment
- Ski equipment is available for rental
2023/2024 Group Leader – Jess Sloss
For further information on this program, as well as TA ski equipment rentals, please contact Jess at jesstimsloss@gmail.com
Junior Racer (ages 9 to 12):
Group sessions start in early September with dry-land training to build ski-specific skill and fitness as well as team spirit. From the first snow until the last tracks skiers focus on both skate and classic techniques. The emphasis is on increased technical proficiency and fitness, in a fun team environment. Jr Racers are expected to participate in Southern Ontario races and can also participate in Ontario Cup races.
- Group sessions are scheduled twice a week during dry-land season (early September through December)
- Group sessions are scheduled three times a week during the snow and race season (January through early March)
- Equipment needed: running shoes; dry-land poles; roller-skis and poles; skate ski equipment; classic ski equipment
- Ski equipment, including roller-skis, is available for rental
2023/2024 Group Leader – Justin Faulkner
For further information on this program, as well as Junior Racer ski equipment rentals, please contact Justin at justin@xcskier.com
Trek Program
This is a program for skiers, aged 9 and over, with an intellectual disability.
Athletes will participate in games, fitness and fun challenges to help them acquire the skills and spirit that define a Nordic skier.
- Group sessions are held once a week during early dry-land season (late September to early November) and once a week in January and February.
- Equipment needed: running shoes for dry-land sessions. Boots, poles and skis for classic technique for on-snow sessions.
Senior Adventurers
This is a recreational program for skiers with a focus on fun, fitness and friendship. The program starts in September with dry-land training (e.g., ski hiking, strength training, roller skiing, games, and other activities to help us build a solid fitness base). When the snow flies, we focus on developing and refining our classic and skate technique in a fun and social environment. Skiers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of excursions and challenge-by-choice experiences throughout the season, including the opportunity to try racing, and loppets. We encourage and welcome parent volunteers to help us with excursion planning.
For skiers in this age group who are interested in technique instruction only, adult programs may be an option. Please reach out to Heidi Langenberg for more information (Heidi.langenberg@yahoo.de).
- Group sessions are scheduled twice a week during dry-land season (mid-September through December)
- Group sessions are scheduled twice a week during the snow season (January and February)
- Equipment needed: running shoes; dry-land poles; skate and/or classic and/or combi ski equipment
- Ski equipment is available for rental
Dryland – Tuesday 6:30pm and Sunday 1:30 pm
Winter – Tuesday 6:30 pm and Sunday 1:30pm (some weekend practices will be held at alternative locations to Rockway, TBA)
2023/2024 Group Leader: Katherine Sunday (katherinesunday@gmail.com)
Senior Racer (ages 13 – 18):
Group sessions start in early September. Over a season there will be up to 70 sessions including competitions and special activities. There will be classic and skate skiing from first snow to last snow, with a focus on training for racing. Emphasis is placed on major fitness development, including aerobic capacity and speed. Skiers are expected to participate in competition in Southern Ontario, at Ontario Cup races, and in High School races.
- Group sessions are scheduled twice a week during the dry-land season (early September through December)
- Group sessions are scheduled three times a week during the snow season (January through early March)
- Equipment needed: running shoes; dry-land poles; roller-skis and poles; skate ski equipment; classic ski equipment
- Ski equipment, including roller-skis, is available for rental
2023/2024 Group Leader – Scott Dowling
For further information on this program, as well as Senior Racer ski equipment rentals, please contact Scott at rscottdowling@gmail.com