Youth Programs
The Youth Skill Development Program is operated by the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club for children up to 12 years of age, with the emphasis on fun, participation, skill development and safety. The objective of the program is to provide the opportunity for children to move through the sport at their own ‘speed’, based on their ability, skills and interests. Parents are expected to assist program delivery.
The program is designed to help children develop excellent ski technique through a vertically integrated continuum of skier development opportunities, beginning with Bunnyrabbits, followed by Jackrabbits and concluding with Track Attack. This reflects the emphasis on achieving program goals in an atmosphere that is fun and exciting for children.
This exciting program is held at Bull Mountain Ski Area, operated by the Williams Lake Cross-Country Ski Club. The sessions take place on Sundays from 1 pm to 3 pm and Tuesdays 6:00PM to 7:30/8:00 starting in December (snow conditions permitting) and running through to early March.
We will place your child into a group at the appropriate skill level and age. Please provide as much detail as possible about your child’s ability, experience, fitness level and any medical concerns on the back of the registration form.
Bunnies (up to 5yrs)
The first level of the SDP is the Bunnyrabbit program, which is directed at children in the ‘Active Start’ stage of athlete development (children five years of age and younger). The objective is to introduce cross-country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play. In addition, it is designed to:
Help children develop a positive self-image
Be fun
Provide children an opportunity to make ski friends
Develop fundamental movement skills
Help children develop an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment
Jackrabbits (6 - 9)
The Jackrabbit Program, which is directed at skiers in the ‘FUNdamentals’ stage of athlete development (children six to nine years of age) is the second level of the SDP. 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. In addition, it is designed to:
Help children develop confidence
Be fun
Provide children an opportunity to ski and socialize with their ski friends
Build overall motor skills
Help children develop outdoor winter safety skills
Track Attack (10 - 12)
The Track Attack Program, which is directed at children in the ‘Learning to Train’ stage of athlete development (children 10 to 12 years of age), is the third level of the SDP. The objective is for the participants to become technically competent cross-country skiers and to utilize their skills to explore a wide range of cross-country ski activities, from back country excursions to Ski Tournaments. In addition, it is designed to:
Develop fitness through active play, games and other activities
Be fun
Provide children an opportunity to be part of a sport ‘team’
Develop overall sport skills
Expose children to a variety of ‘adventure-based’ cross-country ski activities
