Youth Program:

  1. Where do I get skate and classic skis and boots?

You can purchase these from the ski swap, through the ENSC facebook page or at Fast Trax or Track and Trail where you can mention that you are an ENSC member and receive 10% off.

2. Why do I need to have roller skis? What else do I need to have with the skis? Where do I get them?

If your athlete is in U14 or higher, they must have roller skis because if the group is roller skiing, there will only be coaching support for roller skiing. We don’t have enough coaches to support two or more programs on the same night. Roller skis need skate boots with NNN bindings, a set of poles without the basket and a helmet. The club will be selling used roller skis for $45. We will also offer a mini workshop for parents and athletes on maintaining their roller skis. 

3. Can I use skin skis for racing?

Yes, skin skis are allowed at the Alberta Cup and Calforex races, however, we recommend trying to find waxable skis. Skate skis are required for biathlon rifles.

4. I don’t know how to wax skis for my kids (or myself). 

This year, we will offer a waxing clinic to teach parents and older athletes how to put on the best wax for your skis. 

5. I’d like to know that my coaches are trained. How or where do they get training? May I coach as well?

All of our coaches have a minimum of Community Coaching from Nordiq Canada. Many of them have further training through the National Coaching Association following the Canadian Training for LIfe model. As well, all of our coaches have submitted a current police check and done the Safe Sport module from Nordiq Canada. You are welcome to find out more about coaching for ENSC by speaking with a coach. We also encourage volunteers to ski with our groups as a parent helper. 

6. What is the Safe Sport module? Why do I have to do it? 

This module is mandatory as per Nordiq Canada for all volunteers and is highly recommended for all parents. It is also mandatory for any athletes who plan to race. It takes about 1.5 hours to complete and does not have to be repeated.  Safe Sport Training

7. What happens if I come late? What if my athlete has a conflict? Can I make up the missed time by coming on Thursdays?

If you come late, you may try to text the coach to find out where they are; however, if they do not respond, it is your responsibility to stay with your child. Coaches will not wait for late athletes - our club starts on time and ends on time. If you have a conflict with a Tuesday or Saturday, your athlete misses that class. There is no availability to make up the class on Thursdays.

8. Brrr - it's cold out. What is the cold weather policy to cancel?

For U10 and all Eco-aims we have a -15 with wind chill cutoff. Athletes at this age often don’t have the appropriate base layers and the eco-aims don’t work well at colder temperatures

For U12 and up, we have a -20 with wind chill policy. If it’s -18, we want you to make sure your athlete is dressed for the weather. This means that the athlete has a base layer that is not cotton, and a number of layers that will allow air to insulate them all covered by a wind breaker of some sort. The athlete should also have a warm coat to change into post-workout.

9. Why do I need to supply a headlamp? 

Athletes need to be visible to other park patrons and they need to be able to see where they are going. This is to keep our athletes safe. 

10. I see that the Club is offering t-shirts for sale. How do I know what size to buy? How can I make a purchase?

Here is a sizing chart. Long sleeve Sizing Chart This year, the teeshirts are long sleeved so athletes can choose to use them as an optional race shirt rather than purchasing a complete kit. You can make a purchase by filling in this google form: Teeshirt purchase form

11. Do I need to buy a racing kit (outfit)? 

No, we do not require athletes who race with ENSC to have a racing kit, however, it is certainly encouraged as the athlete will feel like a team member. Parents within the program often have kits that have been outgrown - please talk to your athlete’s coach. As well, we are offering long sleeved tee-shirts: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdrQygMxz72iXzq5F9HYeAj_TD-NQHjLuyCKU2IwS9Li4gAw/viewform?usp=header

12. Why is the cost for the Racing Program so expensive? 

Racing is expensive. Coaches need to support the racers at these events which means they need to travel, and stay at races that are away from Edmonton. Waxing is supplied for the racing team and wax costs a lot of money as does the wax technician who needs to be there to wax all the racers’ skis. As well, the club maintains both a set of TEST skate and classic skis to determine the most appropriate wax that will allow your athlete to have a great race. 

13. What if my athlete decides that they love racing? Can I pay for one race at a time? What if races are cancelled due to poor weather? Do I get a refund?

If your athlete chooses to race more than one weekend, you will be charged the fee for the racing program or alternatively you may pay $200 per weekend. This is non-negotiable. We do not give refunds due to race cancellations. 

14. Am I able to fund-raise to alleviate some of the costs of the racing program?

Yes, the club encourages fundraising. Please speak with your athlete’s coach to get more information.

Biathlon

  1. Why do I need to enroll in cross country skiing to participate in the Biathlon program?

Skiing is part of biathlon and although the sport focuses on skate skiing, classic skiing is important to stay fit during the cold weather days that are common in Edmonton. If your athlete just wants to shoot and not ski, there are gun ranges around the City where this is available. 

2. What is a PAL? Where do I get a PAL? 

This is a Personal Acquisition Licence that is required to purchase and keep/store rifles and all firearms in Canada. 

To obtain a PAL it is a two step process. First, you must pass a course available at Cabellas, P&D Enterprises, AHEIA.  Secondly, you submit your paperwork and photo to the federal government. This second step can take up to 6 months, so begin early. 

3. Who needs a PAL?

There must be an adult in the household who has a PAL in order for the athlete's rifle to be stored at home and to purchase ammunition. Rifles need to be taken home for drying out and cleaning between practices. 

Athletes (age 12-17) are encouraged to get a Minor’s PAL as soon as they are able as this promotes overall rifle safety and awareness. They will need one as they reach the Senior Boys/Girls level.

4. Where do I buy ammunition? 

You can purchase it at Cabella’s where they stock biathlon specific ammunition. Talk to your coach.

5. Why do I have to buy a Biathlon Canada membership? I already have one for Nordiq Canada. How do I buy one? Do I need one if my athlete is in EcoAims? 

You need to have a membership with Biathlon Canada because they supply our insurance which is different from Nordiq Canada. You should buy it before you start your registration process with Edmonton Nordic and you can buy one here: https://www.biathloncanada.ca/membership

Your athlete needs a Biathlon Canada membership if he or she is competing in EcoAims as well. Please purchase one under the recreational athlete heading. 

Adult Program FAQ’s

  1. What is included in my training fee for the season?

You get coaching from trained coaches and highly skilled player coaches who are willing and excited to share their skills. You get team support at Alberta Cups. You get trails at Goldbar that are groomed in expectation of our club’s training times. You also are involved in a great community that is supportive and fun. In fact, each session works out to about $15 for a great coached program. 

2. Why do I have to buy a club membership? 

A club membership gives you access to register for programs and skill development lessons; gives you the ability to vote at our AGM; opens up fantastic volunteer opportunities;  gives you discounts at Track and Trail as well as Fast Trax; allows you to purchase Team clothing; participate at recreational ski nights and weekends; and an option for coaching development and mentorship.

3. What equipment do I need?

You should have classic skis, boots and poles for Adult Lesson Classic; skate skis, skate boots and poles for Adult Lesson learn to skate; classic and skate skies, boots and appropriate poles for the Adult Learn to Train and Train to Train. As well, you should have a head lamp, optional roller skis if you choose to roller ski. 

4. How do I know what level to register in?

    1. If you have never skied before, you should sign up for Adult lessons. These are a 4 week class that will introduce you to skiing techniques. 

    2. If you have taken these classes but are looking for a bit more, Monday night Learn to Train which is technique focussed and requires a reasonable fitness level is a great class to take. This is also a class that will develop skills for loppets and races.

    3. As well, ENSC offers a Wednesday night and weekend recreational skiing group for adults who want to ski with others in interesting locations within an hour or so of Edmonton. You can find out more on our website. 

    4. Once you have strong technique you can progress to a two or three times a week program with Train to Train for Adults which is more intensity and more fitness for those interested in Alberta Cup races.

5. What is the difference between  Learn to Train and Train to Train lessons? Where are these names from?

We have adapted these names from the Government of Canada Sport for Life model. Learn to Train is based on developing skills and techniques to improve your skiing while Train to Train focuses more on developing techniques and fitness to compete in races or loppets. 

General faq’s

How do I find out more about family or private lessons, or about lessons I have already registered for?

Does ENSC have day rental equipment?

No, the ENSC doesn’t have day rentals. We recommend you go to Strathcona Wilderness Centre which is about 40 minutes drive east of Edmonton. They have rentals, lessons, great trails and a warm-up day lodge.

Does ENSC have somewhere I can sell or buy used ski equipment?

ENSC holds a Ski Swap in November or you can advertise you equipment on our Facebook page

Who can I contact if I have questions about Jackrabbits?

Please email: jackrabbits@edmontonnordic.ca

How can I make a donation to ENSC?

ENSC welcomes all donations which we use to help maintain the trails, snowmaking and grooming during the ski season.

Donations can be mailed to our postal address:

PO Box 38035,

RPO Capilano
EDMONTON AB
T6A 3Y6