Snowshoe Hare Program (6-8)
Registration for this program will open
- September 11, 2025, at noon for volunteer parents
- September 16, 2025, at noon for non-volunteer parents
The Snowshoe Hare Program is designed for the “FUNdamentals” stage of development (children 6 to 8 years old), the second stage within the Long Term Athlete Development framework for cross-country skiing. The objective is for children to learn basic cross-country ski skills (both classic and skating) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health. Through active play, drills as well and getting out on the WNC network of trails, Snowshoe Hare will learn or improve their skiing abilities in a fun group setting.
This program will start late October with some fun dryland activities once a week, and then around mid-November, become two practices a week on snow until March Break 2026.
Your child must have the required minimum age (6yo) to enter the program by January 1st, 2026.
Goals of the Snowshoe Hare Program:
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Encourage FUN and participation
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Develop ABCs: Agility, Balance, Coordination
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Frequent cross-country skiing during the season
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Good technique habits developed through repeated practice and drill
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Utilize games and ski playgrounds to develop technique, speed skills, and fitness
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Develop a team/social atmosphere
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Introduce competition in a team environment during practice
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Giving an opportunity to compete for the athlete interested in.
Note that some prerequisites are needed to enter the program:
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Having 2 seasons of XC ski program experience
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Being able to ski to Harvey's Hut/Sarah Steele Hut and back
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Being highly motivated
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Seeing XC skiing as the primary winter activity
If you would like to rent equipment for your child, please visit us at the Nordic Centre before the start date of your program, so we can measure your child for their proper size of boots, skis, and poles. Seasonal rentals is available.
If you need more information about the program, contact the program coordinator at jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca
Snowshoe Hare Schedule
Dryland season (starting October 2025 - tbd - until ski conditions are good and safe)
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Saturdays from 1 to 2:30 pm
On snow Season (As soon as ski conditions are good until March 7th, 2026)
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Tuesdays from 4.30 to 6.00 pm
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Saturday from 1 to 2.30 pm
No practice over Christmas break.
FEES
- PROGRAM: $150
- SEASON PASS: $90 ($22 for skiers under 7)
- RENTAL: $100
Equipment rental is available. You must come to the chalet before the first lesson to do your kid's sizing. The equipment remains at the chalet during the season and will be prepared for each training session or upon request.
The Snowshoe Hare program starts and ends at the Stadium Area (at the end of the Canada Games Centre parking lot). Kids using the WNC rental equipment program will have to pick up/return their equipment at the ski chalet, not at the seacan.
Sessions will be fully outdoors for the 1.30 duration of the program. There are no snacks or water provided, so please ensure your child has had food and drinks (and a bathroom visit!) before each session starts.
Call for Group Leader & Group Helper Volunteers!
This program is mostly volunteer-based based and we encourage parents to sign up as group helpers or leaders through the registration form.
We are pleased to offer Group Leaders a free program registration for one of their children if volunteering both days of the week. We will offer a 50% discount to the one leading a group once a week.
Email info@whitehorsenordic.ca to ask for a discount code prior to registering your child.
Cold Weather Guidelines:
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Normal practice at or above -20C (Env Canada Temp 1 hour before practice; not including wind Chill)
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Practice shortened to 1 hour from -21C to -24C (Env Canada Temp 1 hour before practice; not including wind Chill
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Cancelled at or below -25.
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Parents are free to determine their own limits.
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Coach judgment will be used if there are other factors such as high winds, humidity, or precipitation.
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Cancellations will be communicated by email by 10 AM for Saturdays and by 12 PM for Tuesdays.
Need financial support? These programs are here for you
Your child is really interested in cross-country skiing, but your family needs support covering the fees. The Kids Recreation Fund is here to help. After reviewing if you are eligible: https://sportyukon.com/kids-recreation-fund, please select "cash/cheque" for method of payment and contact Ben, the manager at info@whitehorsenordic.ca
Recreation Assistance Options
Kids Recreation Fund
867 668-4236 sportyukon.com
Supports sport and recreation for ages 18 or under. Families may qualify for up to $600 yearly per child.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Funding is available to support children ages 4 to 18 participating in sport and recreation.
