Larch Hills JackRabbits
| Dates & Times
| Parental Involvement |
Child Fitness Tax Credits |
Equipment|
| Frostbite and Hypothermia |
Clothing & Snacks |
Trail Etiquette | This Season |
Family Fun |
Welcome to the 2009/2010 season. Registration
deadline is November 30.
Registration for jackrabbits is now part of the
general LHNS online registration on
Zone 4. We hope to have sufficient snow to begin lessons on Dec.
12th this season. You will be contacted by your group leader prior to
the first session. See below for the remaining class dates for the year.
Also mark your calendars for January 16, 2010
which is the date of the
Reino Keski-Salmi loppet, here in the Larch Hills. This year,
registration for the LHNS jackrabbit program includes entry into this
event. Jackrabbits must still submit an entry form for the loppet if
they choose to participate. They should just write 'jackrabbit' on the
line marked 'entry fee'. Entry forms will be handed out in class. We
encourage parents to ski along beside their child in this fun,
family-friendly event.
Dates
Classes run on the following Saturdays: December 12 & 19, January 2,
9, 16 (RKS loppet), 23 & 30 and February 6 & 13. We will add a session
on Feb. 20 if needed due to any cancellations.
Times
Classes run from 10:30 - 11:15 for the younger ones, and 10:30 -
12:00 for the older ones. Please be there 15 minutes early to allow time
to gear up and find your group. Late arrivals mean others get cold
waiting to start. Cancellations are made if there's not enough snow or
if the temperature is -12 Celsius. Call your leader or check your email
if you are not sure. Please arrive early to allow classes to start on
time.
Parental
Involvement
Our ski program is entirely dependent on volunteers. Please plan to
volunteer at least once during the eight ski sessions. Check with your
leader for sign-up.
Child Fitness Tax
Credits
Receipts of $50 per child ($20 jackrabbit fee & $30 portion of LHNS
membership fee) are available to be claimed. With registration now being
online, we hope to email receipts to all participants. Stay tuned or
check with your leader.
Equipment
Poor equipment, equipment that doesn't fit, or skis that are
poorly prepared for the snow conditions may lead to a negative ski
experience that can have a lasting impression on a child. - CCBC Ski
League, Leader Manual
Therefore, parents are encouraged to buy suitable
equipment for their children. Good equipment is an investment in a
positive, fun learning experience, and it retains its re-sale value.
Frostbite and
Hypothermia
Be prepared. The chances of frostbite and hypothermia are forever
present. Frostbite occurs when the body's extremities (fingers, toes,
ears) freeze. Body parts exposed to wind and wet, and cold temperatures,
combined with constrictive clothing or boots, greatly contribute to
frostbite. Being cold, wet, tired, and hungry, or a combination of
these, can cause hypothermia. Children are more at risk as they are less
able to retain body heat in cold temperatures. BE PREPARED.
Clothing
Layering is recommended. It is good to wear a nice insulating layer,
then a fleece coat or sweater and then a windbreaker. If it is really
cold, one may want to add an extra fleece layer. Always bring a toque.
It is better than an attached hood because if a child takes off their
winter coat, then they still have head protection. Mitts or gloves are a
must.
Snacks
Children can get really hungry out on the trails. Take along some
snacks in your pockets. And, be sure to bring a mug for hot chocolate up
in the chalet after the lesson.
Trail Etiquette
Good trail etiquette makes skiing more enjoyable for all. Please
follow these guidelines:
-
During recreational skiing, slower skiers yield
to the right when being passed. Faster skiers should call out 'track'
when approaching slower skiers, and should pass on the left.
-
If you need to stop, or if you fall, move off
the trail to allow clear passage for other skiers.
-
If at all possible, step over the track that has
been set.
-
Do not litter. Whatever you pack in, please pack
out.
This Season
Listed below are some other great activities for you to enjoy:
-
Santa Cruise Family Fun Race: Sunday December ?
-
Moonlight Lantern Ski : ?
-
Larch Hills Fun Race: Sunday January 3
-
Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet: Saturday January 16
(free for Larch Hills jackrabbits)
-
Elementary School Loppet: Friday January 22
Family Fun
Joining our cross-country ski program is lots of fun. We encourage
you to pack a lunch and have a family ski once lessons are completed.
Enjoy your time up here in these beautiful Larch Hills.
