Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club is excited to introduce adult programming for the 2025/26 season. Our instructors are certified Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) and are members and coaches of the Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club who volunteer their time and skill to coach our Youth Programs. Below is a description of each of the programs we offer. Finding the lesson that is best for you is important to us.

LOCATION FOR ALL PROGRAMS: Allison Chinook Provincial Recreation Area Ski Trails

REGISTRATION CLOSES DECEMBER 2, 2025

ADULT WINTER PROGRAMS 2025-2026

Program participants must bring their own ski equipment.

CLASSIC INTRO PROGRAM

This program is designed for first timers and those who have not been skiing for many years. The program covers the very basics to get you safely started and information on which trails to stick to. This program includes falling and recovery, diagonal stride, double polling, introduces uphill and downhill techniques (snowplows and herringbone).

Saturdays for 6 weeks: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Cost: $120.00

REGISTER

SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

This program is for people who have some experience and would like to enhance their classic skiing skills. Our instructor can help you improve your diagonal stride, double poling, uphill diagonal stride, one step double poling if there is interest, and if time permits, we can introduce skate ski technique and learn some balance and coordination exercises. Depending on program participants, additional techniques like free skate, one skate and offset skate may be introduced in the programming.

Saturdays for 6 weeks: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Cost: $120.00

REGISTER

NORDIQ CANADA: LEARN TO CROSS COUNTRY SKI

YOUTH PROGRAMS 2025-2026

Coaches and Parent Support Lessons are led by National Coaching Certification Program Level I ski coaches and supported by parents who stay to help supervise, participate, and offer encouragement. One parent per child.

Note that lessons conclude on February 21st with all students participating with their families in the Flight of the Crows Loppet.

BUNNY RABBIT: AGES 3-5

The first level of our programming introduces cross-country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play. Participants will develop a positive self-image, movement skills, an appreciation for the outdoors and new ski friendships.

Saturdays for 6 weeks: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cost: $25.00 per child payable at time of registration, plus the $80.00 cost of a family ski club membership.

REGISTER

JACK RABBIT: LEVELS 1-4: AGES 6-10

The second level of our programming is the “FUNdamentals” stage of development. Objectives are for children to learn basic cross-country ski skills, including classic and skating styles and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport. Participants will develop the basics of agility, balance, coordination, and speed, as well as good ski technique habits, fun and fitness.

Prerequisite for Jack Rabbit Level 1 is Bunny Rabbit or equivalent skills demonstration.

Each Jack Rabbit level requires completion of the previous level (e.g. Level 2 prerequisite is Level 1).

Saturdays for 6 weeks: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cost: $25.00 per child payable at time of registration, plus the $80.00 cost of a family ski club membership.

REGISTER

LEARN TO TRAIN: AGES 10-12

As a progression from the Jack Rabbit program, Learn to Train helps participants become technically competent cross-country skiers and use their skills to explore a wide range of ski activities. Prerequisite for Learn to Train Level 1 is completion of Jack Rabbit Level 4. This program is currently unavailable.

REGISTER
We need a couple more coaches!  If you think this is something you would enjoy, please let us know.  You can check www.nordiqalberta.ca for upcoming coaches courses and will be reimbursed for the Course Cost as well as gas mileage for the course!! If you have any questions about this please email us and our youth programs coordinator will respond.
It is a short season and a lot of fun!

SKI LOAN DAY

NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2025

The Ski Loan Day will be held in the MDM hallway, just outside of the gymnasium, to hand out equipment for our Youth Ski Program. Please note that ski equipment is primarily for ages 4-12 and you must be part of the Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club to loan equipment.

PARENT HANDBOOK

Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club Skills Development Program

COACHES

Have you been wondering if there’s a way to have even more fun on a Saturday morning out on the ski trails? You’re in luck! The Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club is looking for volunteers to help coach this season! All you need to coach is a pair of skis, a fun-loving attitude, and the ability to wrangle a group of kids! It’s truly that simple. 

We teach kids from ages 3 to 12. Skill levels range from first-time skiers to more experienced skiers. This means we need coaches with a wide range of experience too. From coaches who are experienced skiers who can help kids refine and improve technique to coaches who can help beginners have fun and build a love for the sport.

We will support you to develop your coaching skills through formal certifications and mentoring. All costs to become a certified coach are covered by the Club. All we ask in return is for your enthusiasm and commitment to coaching a minimum of one season, a total of 8 lessons on Saturdays in January and February.

If you are interested or would like further information, please email us at info@skicrowsnest.ca. We’d be thrilled to have you join our coaching team!