CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - SEE YOU IN THE FALL
Northwestel Bunnies & Jack Rabbit (4-8 years old)
This program is sponsor by
Bunnies & Jackrabbit Program Schedule
A fun once-a-week cross-country ski program focused on learning fundamentals, building confidence, and enjoying time on snow. A positive first step into skiing with games, skill development, and plenty of fun, no competitive focus.
Options | Time | Starts | End |
|---|---|---|---|
Sundays | 1:00 - 2:00 pm | Nov 29, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 |
Sundays | 2:30 - 3:30 pm | Nov 29, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 |
Mondays | 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Nov 30, 2026 | March 1, 2027 |
Wednesday | 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Dec 2, 2026 | March 3, 2027 |
Note:
- There are no sessions during the Christmas holidays (December 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027)
- Sessions are cancelled at temperatures of -25°C or colder (see Cold Weather Guidelines).
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Location: Whitehorse Nordic Centre, meet at the sea cans in the stadium (on the far left of the Canada Games Centre parking lot). Equipment rental will be directly at the sea can.
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Sessions are held outdoors for the full one-hour duration. No snacks or water are provided, so please ensure your child has eaten, is hydrated, and has used the washroom before each session.
Registration Fees - REGISTRATION OPENS IN SEPTEMBER
Rates 2026/2027 | Program | Season Pass | Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
Bunnies | $75 | $21 | $50 |
Jackrabbit | $75 | $80 / $90 after Oct 31 | $75 |
Please note:
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Only program fees are due at registration.
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Age: Your child must be at least 4 years old by January 1, 2027 to participate in the program.
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A WNC season pass is required for all participants in this program.
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All participants must wear their passes while skiing.
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Volunteer Parents are NOT required to have a day ticket or season pass during their scheduled program.
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Rentals must be arranged in person at the Nordic Centre (see program rental details).
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All communication will be sent by email. The program coordinator will reach out to you 2 weeks before the first day of regular programming. If you have any questions about the program, contact the program coordinator at jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca
Refund Procédure:
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Program fees are not refundable except in cases of injury or illness, in which case there will be a $20 administration fee and a prorated refund based on the remaining time left in the program from the time the injury/illness is reported.
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A doctor's note must accompany requests for refunds for injury or illness.
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Program registration is non-transferable.
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The Program Coordinator and General Manager may grant refunds for youth programs for other reasons on a case-by-case basis.
Call for volunteer parent coach!
This program runs thanks to parent participation. The more parents who volunteer as Leaders or Helpers, the more children we can welcome into the program. No coaching experience is needed: if you enjoy skiing and spending time outdoors, you can help!
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Group Leaders:
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Lead a group of 6 children (Bunnies, ages 4–5) or 8 children (Jackrabbits, ages 6–8)
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Run games and activities using weekly lesson plans provided by the Coordinator
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Help ensure children stay safe, warm, and engaged throughout the session
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Group Helpers:
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Assist the Group Leader during activities
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Help ensure children stay safe and warm, including accompanying children to the warm-up area if needed
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Parents are welcome to volunteer during their child’s lesson time, though we recommend volunteering with a different group to encourage independence.
Role | Commitment | Training | Early Access Registration | One Child Free Registration | RCMP criminal records check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bunnies Helper | 1h/week - 11 weeks | No courses required | Yes | No | Required |
Jackrabbit Helper | 1h/week - 11 weeks | Online training courses | Yes | No | Required |
Bunnies Leader | 1h/week - 11 weeks | Online training courses | Yes | Yes | Required |
Jackrabbit Leader | 1h/week - 11 weeks | Online + 1 on-ski course | Yes | Yes | Required |
Note: training fees will be covered by the WNC.
Volunteer parents will receive access to early registration for their child(ren) two days before general registration opens. Email jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca to receive the early registration link. Choose your volunteer role during your child’s registration.
The Bunny Program is for children aged 4–5 in the Active Start stage of the Long Term Athlete Development framework for cross-country skiing. The program uses games, movement, and ski-based play to build physical literacy in a fun, supportive environment.
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The focus is on introducing cross-country skiing and encouraging a lifelong love of being active outdoors. Children develop basic skiing skills, confidence, and coordination while making friends and having fun on snow.
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Program goals:
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Encourage fun, participation, and enjoyment
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Develop agility, balance, and coordination (ABCs)
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Build basic ski technique through repeated play and practice
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Promote frequent skiing throughout the season
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Use games and ski playground activities to develop skills, speed, and fitness
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Foster a positive, social team environment
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Question about the program? Email jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca
The Jackrabbit Program is for children aged 6–8 in the FUNdamentals stage of the Long Term Athlete Development framework for cross-country skiing. The program focuses on learning and developing basic cross-country ski skills (classic and skate, with emphasis on classic) through fun, active play on the WNC trail network.
Children build confidence and technique while developing a lifelong enjoyment of skiing, health, and outdoor activity in a supportive group environment.
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Program goals:
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Encourage fun, participation, and frequent skiing throughout the season
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Develop good technique through repeated practice
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Build agility, balance, coordination, and speed (linear, lateral, and multi-directional)
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Use games and ski playground activities to develop skills, speed, and fitness
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Foster a positive team and social environment
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Introduce competition in a supportive, team-based setting
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Question about the program? Email jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca
Cold Weather Guidelines
Temperatures are based on Environment Canada readings at the Whitehorse Airport (without wind chill).
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-20°C or warmer: Regular sessions run as scheduled.
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-21°C to -24.9°C: Sessions may be shortened to 30–40 minutes
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-25°C or colder: Sessions are cancelled.
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Parents are encouraged to use their own judgment regarding weather conditions and their child’s comfort level. The Program Coordinator may also cancel sessions due to additional factors such as wind, humidity, or precipitation.
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Cancellation notices will be sent by email:
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By 11:00 AM for Sunday sessions
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By 12:00 PM for Monday and Wednesday sessions​
If you do not receive a cancellation email, the session is running as scheduled. Please dress for the weather!
Need financial support?
Check out these programs >
Supports sport and recreation for ages 18 and under:
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Kids Rec Fund: Can be used for activity registration, sport equipment, CGC membership. Up to $500 per child
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KidSport: Can be used for sport program registration only. Up to $250 per child.
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Contact Sport Yukon at (867) 668-4236 or visit their website.
Funding is available to support children ages 4 to 18 participating in sport and recreation (up to $300 per year). ​