Larch Hills Ski Club - Junior Race Team

Larch Hills Nordic Society, Salmon Arm British Columbia Canada

Larch Hills Junior Ski Team

| General Info | Is this the right ski group for your child?|
Schedule | Contacts | Pictures |

Are you between the ages of 8 and 19? Have mastered the basics of cross-country skiing and are looking for a challenge? Come join the team!!! This dynamic group of committed skiers, whose focus is on fun as a team, is active from September to mid-March. Great fitness and great fun for all.

General Info

The Junior Race Team is a Cross Country Ski Club organized under the umbrella of the Larch Hills Nordic Society of Salmon Arm, BC. The team is committed to the growth and skill development of young racers. The Junior Race team is divided into training groups based on competency rather than age. Training is aimed toward team participation in competition. Children will be encouraged to race but no child will race against their will.

The Junior Race team accepts competent skiers starting at 8 years of age.. Most children become active Junior Racers at 9-10 years of age. The team is active from mid-September to early/mid March, depending on snow conditions.

Fees:

Junior Race team Yearly Membership:

$50.00 per child.

All skiers using the Larch Hills trail system must obtain a membership from the Larch Hills Nordic Society for insurance purposes.

Equipment swaps for used skis and team clothing will be held in October.

Fundraising:
Each Junior Racer family is required to participate in fundraising. Monies raised go towards capital equipment for the team (waxes, tents, etc), race fees for selected races, and subsidizing jerseys/uniforms. All coaches and assistants act on a volunteer basis.

Contacts:

Ken Bakker 250-833-4347; Lizzy Van Bergeyk 250-832-8705; Margaret Kitchen 250-832-6597

Schedule

Practices

Fall Dryland Training Schedule:

Tuesdays 4:00 pm (for 12 year olds and up)

Wednesdays 3:30–5:00 pm

Saturdays 10:00-11:30 am

Regular Season Training Schedule:

Wednesdays 3:45 pm at either Larch Hills or Little Mountain Sports Fields

Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30 am at Larch Hills

Is this the right ski group for your child?

Has your child been involved in the Jackrabbit program? We strongly support the Jackrabbit Development Program prior to racing. The Jackrabbit and Challenge Programs offer great training and skill development programs for young skiers.

Is your child a strong skier with well-developed classic and basic skate techniques? Are you looking for increased ski training for your young skier?

Does your child have the desire to race and are they emotionally ready for the ups and downs of competition?

When Does the Junior Race Team Season Begin?

Fitness is a year round expectation. Team families hike, bike, canoe together in summer. Many kids swim and play soccer. Participation in other sports throughout the year is highly recommended to promote the young athlete's development and to maintain complete fitness.

Dryland Training starts in September with both Saturday and mid-week practices and Weekend Team Events - this is an integral part of preparing your racer for a successful ski season and it is important for all age appropriate racers to participate. Families are often invited to join in on hikes, etc.

On-Snow Training usually begins when Sovereign Lakes (Vernon) opens and team training takes place there until we get snow at Larch Hills.

Fun Races start in December and are good practice for the competitive race season that encompasses the months of January and February. Junior Racers are encourage to attend as many of the races as possible. These include the LHNS sponsored fun races, Reino Keski Salmi Loppet, School Loppet (up to grade 6) and the Larch Hills Tournament Championships. There are also 3-5 out-of-town race weekends per season.

Team involvement is strongly encouraged. Coaches and racers depend on attending as a team.

Are You Prepared to Commit Most of Your Weekends to the Team During Jan./Feb.?

The Junior Race team operates on a volunteer based system. Coaches give many hours of their personal time during pre-season training and during the race season. The quality of your children's experience depends on parental support and commitment.

Racer Commitments:

Racers must maintain a good level of fitness year round and be willing to improve their conditioning and challenge their physical abilities--be willing to work hard and give 100% in effort and attitude at practices and in race situations.

Racers must maintain a good level of fitness year round and be willing to improve their conditioning and challenge their physical abilities--be willing to work hard and give 100% in effort and attitude at practices and in race situations.

Racers should be able to demonstrate the level of maturity required to listen to and follow the coaches' instruction.

Racers recognize that having fun and positive social interaction with teammates is an important part of being on the team.

Support everyone on your team with positive comments and be willing to help and encourage the younger members of your team.

Be prepared to train on your own time and develop a strong desire to improve your skills.

Work hard, push your limits, stretch towards goals and support your team!

Parental Commitments:

To get your young racer to scheduled weekend and mid-week practices.

To keep current on team e-mails and respond ASAP.

To attend and accompany your child(ren) to local and out-of-town races.

To provide reasonable equipment and team clothing.

To insure that skis are properly prepared prior to all races (glide on / grip zone clean) NB. wax clinics and practice sessions are offered to help you gain this knowledge.

To accept and fulfill team fundraising commitment.

To register your racer at the mid-September registration day.

To make sure that your racer is well prepared and wears the team uniform to races.