About the Program

The FUN-damentals is the next building block after Active Start. This program is offered to skiers aged 6 to 9, broken up between 6-7 and 8-9. Skill development between the ages of 6 and 9 is significant. The athletes will be divided into groups based on age and skill level. In this program, the fundamental movement skills are mastered, motor development emphasized and basic cross-country ski skills in both skate and classic are learned. Our goal is for skiers to develop agility, balance, coordination, and speed, learn correct gliding, jumping and throwing techniques to enhance their development long term in sport and life in general.

Skiers will be introduced to speed, power and fitness (endurance) through games on skis and age appropriate challenges and will learn the basics of flexibility. Hopefully, Mother Nature will be generous with the snow so we can have an exciting terrain park to test some skills and “play” as a way to learn and explore.

It is very important for skiers to have developed the full range of skiing techniques in both skate and classic as they reach the end of the Jackrabbit program. Skate technique will be taught to skiers closer to 8-9 years of age.

A 2-day per week program allows for much needed time on snow with coaches, to practice and really improve their abilities, fitness, relationships with friends and learn to LOVE this great sport. The 2-day program also aligns with the Cross Country Canada program. We hope you will find the extra time in your schedule and see the value in spending another night at Caledonia Nordic in this winter program. We strongly encourage parents to come and ski along with your skiers. It is a great time to learn alongside your child!

ALL PROGRAM PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO GST.

Important notes:

• Practice details are communicated using the SDP Calendar and Slack App. Please check the SDP calendar closer to the session start date, as it is still under development.
• Winter Training Sessions will be held at Otway Nordic Center unless otherwise noted.
• Our Cold Weather Policy will guide any decisions on program cancellations.

What to wear and what equipment you need

Kids (and their grown-ups!) can have fun and be comfortable outdoors when they’re dressed appropriately and have the right equipment. Here are some tips on how to thrive outside and the xc equipment needed:

• Always avoid cotton if you can as it collects and holds on to moisture which can then chill the skin when it’s cold and lead to a drop in body temperature.
• A good variety of layers in wool and synthetic materials, mittens and gloves, light and heavy toques and mandatory socks in synthetic or wool. 

• Waxable or Waxless classic skis
• Classic poles
• Classic boots
• Yoga mat
• Basic grip and glide wax kit (please ask coach for recommendation)