Youth Programs
2023-2024 Program information (for youth ages 11-16)
Teen Skate is our recreational skate-only youth program. The emphasis is on a fun, social environment with the opportunity to develop skate ski skills, physical literacy (agility, balance, coordination), and speed. Teen Skate follows Cross Country Canada’s ‘Learn to Train’ level of athlete development, which is the third level after Bunnyrabbits and Jackrabbits or DynaRabbits. It’s designed for Kanata Nordic members ages 11-16 (YOB 2012) who’ve completed Jackrabbit Level 4 or have equivalent experience.
Registration for 2023-24 opens September 10th for returning members and September 17th for new members. Enrolment in programs requires a club membership.
RegisterTeen Skate (11-16 yrs) Program Information for 2023-24
The TEEN SKATE PROGRAM focuses on a combination of participatory and competitive elements. The lessons combine technique work, touring and fitness activities.
Teen Skate 1*
TS1 is for youth skiers aged 11-16** (YOB 2012) who are new to the skate ski technique, who need additional time to practice and reinforce the basic technical elements, or who prefer to ski at a slower pace. Lessons combine the teaching and practicing of the fundamentals of skate skiing (Offset, Diagonal skate, Free skate, double poling techniques, hill techniques) along with a 3-5 km trail ski. Starting the season already with some aerobic conditioning will enable students to maximize learning and applying the techniques of skate skiing. Lessons will be Sunday mornings.
Teen Skate 2*
TS2 is for skiers aged 11-16** (YOB 2012) who are skate skiing at an intermediate level. Lessons combine the teaching and practicing of skate techniques (Offset, Diagonal skate, Free skate, One skate, double poling, hill techniques) along with a 5-7 km trail tour. Lessons will be Sunday mornings. A good level of aerobic fitness is expected for this class. Several of the TS2 Sunday classes are conducted in Gatineau Park. A pass is required for skiers aged 13 and over. Day passes, Family passes and Season passes are available. Information can be found at Gatineau Park winter pass
Teen Skate 3* INSTRUCTOR NEEDED
Teen Skate 3 is for skiers aged 11-16** (YOB 2012) who ski at an intermediate/advanced level. It will not be listed on the Zone4 registration page unless a volunteer offers to lead the class. Contact Heather at KNteenski@gmail.com for details.
* Occasionally, at the discretion of the coaches, a student may be moved to a different class to better accommodate his/her/their skill level. Please register in the class that suits the skill level.
** Minimum age for registration is 11 (YOB 2012). Contact KNteenski@gmail.com before registering next season if you have any questions.
What’s Included
Registration includes both pre-season/Fall hikes and on-snow sessions as soon as the weather permits. Teen Skate instruction is exclusively in the skate technique and participants are required to have skis, boots and poles specifically for skate skiing.
Fall training begins in November with Sunday morning hikes, ranging from 5-10 km over varied terrain. Energetic parents and siblings are welcome to join us.
Winter training takes place on Sundays, mainly on the trail network starting from the Kanata Nordic Cabin at Wesley Clover Parks (411 Corkstown Rd.) or from the Kanata Nordic Cabin at the Wesley Clover Park Equestrian Centre (401 Corkstown Rd.). Teen Skate 2 will have several lessons in Gatineau Park.
Weekly winter evening training sessions, designed to focus on technique improvement, are held at WCP on Wednesdays (beginning January 10, 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.)
Program Dates and Cost
Fall Hikes:
Sundays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, beginning November 5, 2023
These sessions are for youth registered in Teen Skate 1, Teen Skate 2 . Energetic parents and siblings are welcome to join us.
Ski lessons:
Teen Skate 1: Skiing Sundays (beginning January 7, 2024) 10 am – 11:30 am
Equipment: TS1 participants are required to have skis, boots and poles designed specifically for skate skiing.
Teen Skate 2: Skiing Sundays (beginning January 7, 2024) 10 am – 11:30 am
Equipment: TS2 Participants are required to have skis, boots and poles designed specifically for skate skiing.
Combined class (for TS 1 & TS2): Wednesday evenings (beginning January 10, 2024) 7 pm – 8 pm
Program Price: $170.00
If you have any questions please contact Heather Boswell, Teen Skate Coordinator.