Jackrabbits

Calling All Adventurers!

Join Our Children’s Learn to Ski Program!

Calling all kids ages 4 to 14! Do you love snow, having fun, and learning new skills? Then you absolutely HAVE to check out the Edmonton Nordic Jackrabbit Youth Learn to Ski Program at Gold Bar!  This awesome, volunteer-run program coaches 200+ kids every winter, and we’d love for YOU to be a part of it!

What to Expect:

Get ready for action-packed Saturday or Sunday afternoons filled with fun and learning! The fun kicks off on December 5th/6th, 2026 and continues until March 19th/20th, 2027 (pending snow conditions). Lessons are not hosted over the Christmas holidays and there is a break in lessons for the annual regional Barnebirkie. 

Levels 1 – 4 and Learn to Ski can expect to ski for 1.5 hours with many opportunities to play games, refine technique and explore Gold Bar Park. Our youngest skiers, Bunnies, can expect to be on skis for one hour. 

Once you register, you will get all of the details directly from our Jackrabbit program coordinator and coaches through email. 

*Please note that our lessons are dependent on weather and snow conditions and may be cancelled or shortened at the discretion of the Jackrabbit program coordinator.

Program Updates for 2026 – 2027!

  • Jackrabbits+ has been redeveloped. This program is now designed specifically for youth that are in level 3 or 4 Jackrabbits that are wanting to ski twice a week. Families will choose either Saturday or Sunday level 3 or 4 Jackrabbit time alongside an additional ski time on Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 pm. 

  • ·Jackrabbits that have completed Jackrabbits level 4 have the option of joining one of our youth development programs (U10/U12) If they wish to go fast and build cross country ski technique. Alternatively, they can join our new Adventure Club to experience the joys of skiing in a socially orientated environment offered during our Sunday Jackrabbit time.

  • ·All Jackrabbit programs receive a club t-shirt as part of their registration.

Our Amazing Volunteers - The Heart of Our Jackrabbit Program:

Our program wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers!  A huge THANK YOU to all the parents, grandparents, youth racers, and young adults who dedicate their time to making this program so special.  As our young skiers grow, so do our volunteer opportunities! We do ask that all families find a way to volunteer with the club - whether it is timing a cookie race, supporting our ski rental program, or coaching., everything is welcome and greatly appreciated.

Want to join our amazing team of coaches? We offer training through the National Coach Certification Program which is a fantastic way to boost your skiing and coaching skills.  If you know anyone who loves having fun in the snow with kids, tell them to get in touch with our Jackrabbit Coordinator (jackrabbits@edmontonnordic.ca)! 

Bunnies

The Bunny program is designed for Edmonton Nordic’s youngest skiers, 4- and 5-year-olds, who are looking for a fun introduction to cross country skiing alongside a parent or caregiver. Through games and mini adventure skis, Bunnies will gain confidence, agility, coordination, and basic cross country ski technique.

Level 1

Level 1 Jackrabbits is a fast paced, fun, and adventurous program for children ages five and above that have no or little cross country ski experience. This program focuses on providing children with FUNdamental physical and classic cross country ski skills to set a firm foundation for sport for life.

Level 2

Level 2 Jackrabbits is a fast paced, fun, and adventurous program for children that have spent two or more seasons on classic skis. This program focuses on providing children with FUNdamental physical and classic cross country ski skills to set a firm foundation for sport for life.

Level 3, 4 & Jackrabbits+

Jackrabbits in levels 3 and 4 will continue to develop classic cross country ski technique while being introduced to skate skiing through games, technique development sessions, and adventure skis. This program focuses on providing children with FUNdamental physical, classic and skate skiing skills to set a firm foundation for sport for life.

For families with a strong interest in cross country skiing, Jackrabbits+ provides an opportunity to ski twice a week, supporting increased development in FUNdamental physical, classic and skate skiing technique. Families may register their child in Jackrabbits+ if they have successfully completed level 2 Jackrabbits.

Learn to Ski

Jackrabbits Learn to Ski provides older children who are new to skiing, or who have limited ski experience, with an opportunity to develop cross country ski skills with similarly aged and skilled peers. Upon completion of the Learn to Ski program, coaches will recommend a program within Edmonton Nordic for the child to continue in based on their skill progression. Children in this program will focus on classic ski technique only.

Adventure Club

Are you an adventure seeker that is done level 4 Jackrabbits that is looking for more adventure? Looking for a social environment where you can ski to your heart’s content? Look no further than Edmonton Nordic’s new adventure club. This club is designed specifically for skiers that are wanting to explore Gold Bar’s trails in a group environment once a week who do not feel like our U10 – U14 programs are the right fit for them. Through the adventure club, skiers will have the opportunity to choose their own adventure as a group, encouraging each other to grow and discover the Gold Bar Park trail system.  The program focuses on sport for life, encouraging cross country skiing as an element of healthy living.