Youth Program – Teen Skate

2025-2026 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. This program 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 2014-2009) who’ve completed Jackrabbit Level 4 or have equivalent experience.

Teen Skate focuses on a combination of participatory elements; lessons combine technique work, touring and fitness activities.

Registration includes Sunday Fall hikes (AM) and 2 on-snow ski lessons per week; Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings, once ski season starts.

*Fall training begins November 2 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 – starting Jan 4th 2026; starting on Kanata Nordic Trail systems that have enough snow and are groomed for skate skiing.

Combined class (for TS 1 & TS2): Wednesday evenings (beginning January 7, 2026) 7 pm – 8 pm

Program Price: $200.00

**Enrolment in programs requires a club membership.

Teen Skate 1

TS1 is for youth skiers aged 11-16** (YOB 2014-2009) 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 with some previous 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 2014 – 2009) 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

Questions? please contact Heather Boswell, Teen Skate Coordinator.