What are the Bunnyrabbits and Jackrabbits Ski Programs?
These programs are dedicated to encouraging young participants to enjoy Nordic skiing with their peers and family.
The programs focus on Nordic ski development through fun activities and games that are appropriate to each age and skill level. In order for children to improve their Nordic skiing and advance their skills, they must enjoy themselves!
Bunnyrabbits U6 (ages 3 to 5 years old):
Bunnyrabbits on snow programming is from January to March and sessions are traditionally less than one (1) hour in length. Programming is held on Sunday afternoons and Bunnyrabbits have a maximum of eight (8) sessions per season. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate “on skis” at sessions with their Bunnyrabbit.
This program is directed at children in the “Active Start” stage of development with a fun introduction to a great family-friendly winter sport. The objective of this Nordiq Canada program is to introduce Nordic skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play. Parents or guardians are expected to stay for all their children’s activities: This isn’t a drop off class, but more an active lifestyle family outing.
Bring your skis! Many parents of the Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit programs have learned to Nordic ski by participating in this program with their child!
Jackrabbits U8 (age 5 to 7 years old):
Jackrabbits U8 on snow programming is from January to March and are approximately 1hr 15m long on Sunday afternoons.
This program is directed at skiers in the “FUNdamentals” stage of development and is the second stage of the Nordiq Canada Program. The objective is for children to learn basic Nordic ski skills and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport and an active lifestyle, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health.
Previous enrollment in the Bunnyrabbit Ski Program is encouraged but not required as kids are grouped according to experience and skill level. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, based on their personal abilities, skills and interests
Jackrabbits U10 (age 8 to 9 years old):
Jackrabbits U10 on snow programming is from January to March and are approximately 1hr long on Sunday afternoons and 1hr long on Tuesday evenings. Additional “Introduction to Competition” programming for this age group is available (see Jackrabbits U10 Pre-competitive).
This program is directed at skiers in the “FUNdamentals” stage of development and is the second stage of the Nordiq Canada Program. The objective is for children to learn basic Nordic ski skills and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport and an active lifestyle, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health.
Previous enrollment in the Jackrabbits U8 Ski Program is encouraged but not required as kids are grouped according to experience and skill level. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, based on their personal abilities, skills and interests.
Jackrabbits U10 Pre-competitive (age 8 to 9 years old):
Jackrabbits U10 Pre-competitive is dryland and on snow programming from mid-September to mid-March.
Dryland programming for this age group is from September to November while on snow programming is from November to March (as conditions allow). Sessions are traditionally 1hr 15m long on Sunday afternoons and 1hr long on weekday evenings.
This program is directed at skiers in the “FUNdamentals” stage of development whom want to increase their Nordic ski volume and improve their skills during the Nordic Ski Season.
Previous enrollment in the Jackrabbits U8 Ski Program is encouraged but not required as kids are grouped according to experience and skill level. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, based on their personal abilities, skills and interests.
Learn more by downloading the Jackrabbits U10 Pre-competition Program.
When and Where
On snow programming on Sunday afternoons during January to March will be held outside the Canada Games Athletic Complex at Douglas Park. A heated meeting area and washrooms are made available by City of Regina during programming times. We will also explore other trails in in Regina and surrounding area during the season.
Bunnyrabbits U6 and Jackrabbits U8 are scheduled to start at 2:30PM on Sundays.
Jackrabbits U10 are scheduled to start at 2:30PM on Sundays.
Jackrabbits U10 Pre-competition are scheduled to start at 2:30PM on Sundays and weekday programming.
All on-snow lessons will run approximately 8-10 weeks from the first Sunday in January until mid-March or as snow conditions allow.
Dryland sessions (Jackrabbits U10 Pre-competitive only) are from mid-September to mid-November. Dryland participants also have the opportunity to get an early start to Nordic skiing during programming once on snow trails are established!
Clothing, Equipment and Program Information:
Equipment is not available for rental at the sessions. Equipment may be rented at local vendors such as Fresh Air Experience (open Tuesdays to Saturdays).
We also have an online Regina Ski Club Nordic Buy Sell Group on Facebook – Click Here!
Clothing Considerations for Winter Sports in Saskatchewan – Click Here.
Equipment Requirements
- Bunnyrabbits: Classic Nordic Skis (no poles)
- Jackrabbits U8: Classic Nordic Skis (poles not required for most sessions)
- Jackrabbits U10: Combi Classic/Skate Nordic Skis, Nordic Poles
- Jackrabbits U10 Pre-competition: Classic Skis, Skate Skis, Classic Nordic Poles, Skate Nordic Poles
Kids Ski Size Chart and Buyers Guide – Click Here.
Kids Boot Size Chart and Buyers Guide – Click Here.
Registration
Go to the Regina Ski Club Membership page to Register!
On snow program fees will be refunded if the season is cancelled due to Saskatchewan Heath Authority restrictions. Regina Ski Club membership fees will not be refunded as these fees are required to fund trail maintenance throughout Regina and White Butte Trails.
Lesson Cancellations:
Ski Program sessions will be canceled if there is not enough snow for a good ski track (see Trails & Conditions) or if the wind chill according to Environment Canada (306-780-5744) is below -25 degrees Celsius or colder at scheduled ski times as of 10AM on that day (on weekends) and 12:130PM (on weekends).
Coaching and Volunteering:
The Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit program is a volunteer led program led by volunteer coaches.
Parents who are comfortable with coaching or teaching are welcome to register to coach their own Bunnyrabbit group. If you wish to learn more about Nordiq Canada‘s Introduction to Community Coaching Workshop visit https://nordiqcanada.ca/coaches-and-wax-techs/coaches/coaching-development/ or contact us at [email protected].
