CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - SEE YOU IN THE FALL
Northwestel Snowshoe Hare (6-9 years old)
This program is sponsor by
Snowshoe Hare Program Schedule
For young skiers ages 6–9 who love being on snow, Snowshoe Hare offers more time on skis, trail exploration, and skill development in a fun, supportive group, with no competitive focus.
Practice Days | Time | Starts | End |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturdays | 1:00 - 2:30 pm
ā | Oct 3rd, 2026) | Feb 27, 2027 |
Tuesdays | 4:30 - 6:00 pm | TBD (Nov-Dec, 2026) | March 2, 2027 |
Note:
- The program begins with dryland sessions (hiking, games, and outdoor activities) until ski conditions are safe and suitable. During this period, there is only one session per week (Saturday).
- Start skiing whenever snow conditions allow: Tuesday + Saturday.
- There are no sessions during the Christmas holidays (December 22, 2026, to January 2, 2027)
- Sessions are cancelled at temperatures of -25°C or colder (see Cold Weather Guidelines).
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Location: Whitehorse Nordic Centre, meet inside the main chalet.
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Sessions are held outdoors for the full one-and-a-half-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
August 31st, 2026 for volunteering parents, and September 3rd, 2026 for non volunteering parents (12pm)
Rates 2026/2027 | Program | Season Pass | Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
Snowshoe Hare | $150 | $80 / $90 after Oct 31 | $100 |
Please note:
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Only program fees are due at registration.
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Age: Your child must be at least 6 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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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 youthprograms@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!
Our program is largely volunteer-run, and parent involvement is essential to its success. We encourage parents to sign up as group helpers or leaders through the registration form. No coaching experience is necessary. If you enjoy skiing and being outdoors with children, we can help you get started. Volunteers should be comfortable skiing to Harvey's Hut on green and blue trails and be able to keep pace with their group.
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Group Leaders:
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Lead a group of 8 children
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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 lead their child's group; however, we recommend volunteering with a different group to help encourage independence.
Role | Early Access Registration | One Child Free Registration | 50% on one registration | Commitment | Training | RCMP criminal records check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leader 1 | Yes | No | Yes | 1.5/week | Online + 1 on-ski course | Required |
Leader 2 | Yes | Yes | No | 3h/week | Online + 1 on-ski course | Required |
Helper | Yes | No | No | 1.5/week | Online training courses | Required |
Note: training fees will be covered by the WNC. If you've already completed the online course in recent years, you won't need to do it again.
Volunteer parents will receive access to early registration for their child(ren) two days before general registration opens. Email youthprograms@whitehorsenordic.ca to receive the early registration link and ask for a discount code. Choose your volunteer role during your child’s registration.
The Snowshoe Hare Program is for experienced skiers ages 6–9 who are ready for more time on skis and a higher level of activity. With two 1.5-hour sessions per week, children continue developing classic and skate skiing skills while building confidence, fitness, and independence on snow.
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Compared to the Jackrabbit Program, Snowshoe Hares spend more time skiing, explore a wider range of easy to intermediate trails, and take on longer outings in a supportive group environment. The focus is on skill development, enjoyment, and building a strong foundation for lifelong participation in cross-country skiing.
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Snowshoe Hare is not a competitive or pre-competitive training program. While participants may have opportunities to take part in local races and ski events, participation is always optional. Friendly competition may be introduced in a fun, supportive, and pressure-free environment, but the focus remains on skill development and enjoyment. The program is designed for skiers who want more time on skis and greater challenge, whether or not they are interested in racing. Competitive programs become available at age 8.
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Program goals:
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Develop strong classic and skate skiing skills
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Increase confidence on easy and intermediate trails
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Build agility, balance, coordination, and fitness
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Encourage frequent skiing and outdoor activity
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Foster independence, teamwork, and sportsmanship
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Promote a lifelong enjoyment of cross-country skiing
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Provide optional opportunities to participate in local ski events and races
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Prerequisites
Participants should:
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Have completed at least two seasons of cross-country ski programming
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Be able to ski to Harvey's Hut or Sarah Steele Hut and back
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Be highly motivated to ski
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Consider cross-country skiing their primary winter activity
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Questions about the program? Email youthprograms@whitehorsenordic.ca
Jackrabbit vs Snowshoe Hare
Not sure which program is the best fit? Here’s a simple comparison to help guide your choice.
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ā 1 session per week (1 hour)
ā Focus on learning ski fundamentals and building confidence
ā Stadium and nearby easy trails
ā Emphasis on classic skiing (with introduction to skate)
ā Ideal first step in organized ski programming
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ā Fun, play-based sessions in a supportive group environment
Snowshoe Hare Program (Ages 6–9)
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ā 2 sessions per week (1.5 hours each)
ā More time on skis and higher activity levelā
ā Skiing on a wider range of easy to intermediate trails
ā Classic and skate skiing
ā For children comfortable skiing longer distances and more independently
ā Designed for highly motivated skiers who already enjoy longer outings
About events and races
Both programs may include optional participation in local ski events during the season. For Jackrabbit, events are designed in a fun and supportive way (for example, non-timed or participation-focused formats). The goal is simply to introduce skiing in a positive, low-pressure environment.
Important Note
Snowshoe Hare is not a competitive or pre-competitive training program. The focus at this age is on skill development, enjoyment, and building a strong foundation in skiing. Competitive training pathways begin at age 8 through Cross Country Yukon Squad programs.
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 1 hour
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-25°C or colder: Sessions are cancelled.ā
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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 10:00 AM for Saturday sessions
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By 12:00 PM for Tuesday sessionsā
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, sports 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). ā