Learn to Ski Programs
2010-2011 Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit Ski Programs
‘Active Start’ and ‘FUNdamentals’
On-snow lessons begin Saturday January 8, 2011 and run for 10 weeks. Dryland activities begin in the fall, with an outdoor games day and social events planned. Read the Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit program information for the 2010-2011 season details. Then to register visit the Membership & Registration page. Registration opens on September 1, 2010. Check back here then for a live link to online registration. If you have any questions please contact Ardeth Kirkham, Jackrabbit Coordinator: jackrabbit@kanatanordic.ca.
General Information
The Jackrabbit Program was named after the legendary ski pioneer Hermann “Jackrabbit” Smith-Johannsen – a Norwegian immigrant to Canada, who lived and skied to the impressive age of 112. Jackrabbit attributed his long life partially to cross country skiing, a healthy outdoor life and always striving for his personal best. Many of our Olympic nordic stars, including Beckie Scott and Sarah Renner, got their start in their local Jackrabbit Programs.
Bunnyrabbits (4 – 6 yrs): The purpose of this program is to introduce cross-country skiing both through organized activity, games, and play on skis. It is very important for our new skiers to have fun while they are learning! The objectives for these young skiers are to master the more basic ski skills including falling/rising, side-stepping, herringbone and ski walking. Children in the Bunnyrabbit program ski without poles.
Jackrabbits (6-10 yrs): There are four levels in the Jackrabbit program, starting with Level 1, which follows after the Bunnyrabbit program. Generally children achieve a level in one season, although Level 3 and more so Level 4 can take multiple seasons to master. Participants will gradually develop skills in both the classic and skate skiing techniques with the aim of acquiring competence and confidence for virtually any cross-country ski outing and condition. Skiers are placed into levels according to their age, ability, and previous ski experience.
Dyna-rabbits (9-12 yrs): Part of the Jackrabbit program, Dyna-rabbits is intended for children starting to ski at an older age. It introduces skiing in both techniques so these youth can leapfrog into the level of their peers within a season or two. New skiers aged 13 and up are welcome to join the Adult Novice lessons.
When and Where? Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit sessions are held on Saturday afternoons between 1:30 and 3:30 pm at the Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Centre at 1620 Sixth Line Road in Kanata north. Sessions typically start the first Saturday in January and conclude the weekend before March break.
Wondering what level your young skier should be in? For answers to this and related questions please contact Jackrabbit Coordinator Ardeth Kirkham, jackrabbit@kanatanordic.ca.
