Overlander Ski League and Junior Development Information for Parents
The Overlander Ski League is designed for kids aged 6 to 18. Our Ski League programs follow Nordiq Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development model (see https://nordiqcanada.ca/athlete-hub/long-term-athlete-development) and Skills Development Program (see https://nordiqcanada.ca/athlete-hub/youth-programs/). Our programs strive to provide age-appropriate instruction and training for all skiers involved.
Check out this video showing the type of fun events that our skiers participate in!
Goals of the Overlander Ski League
- Fun and friendship.
- Age-appropriate development of skiing technique (classic and skating).
- Increased physical fitness (endurance, speed, agility, flexibility).
- Introduction and exposure to all aspects of nordic sports.
Volunteer Coaches Needed!
Our Ski League program depends on volunteer coaches! If you enjoy cross country skiing and would like to pass your enjoyment on, we are always looking for new coaches. You do not need to ski at a high level as we have opportunities for coaches at all levels of our Ski League. The key is to be enthusiastic and ready to have fun while being active on skis. Coaching is also a great way to become a better skier. The Overlander Ski Club will pay for NCCP coach training and coaching development opportunities. Please contact our Program Coordinator at [email protected] for more information.
2024-2025 Ski League Programs
*Note that all ages refer to age on Dec 31st of the current ski season.
Jackrabbits
- Our Ski League offers four levels of our Jackrabbits program for skiers ages 4 to 10
- Given our priority on fun and friendship, grouping skiers in Jackrabbits is typically done by age
- Parents should register their children in the level that they believe is most appropriate
- After the first session children may be moved up or down levels depending on their ability and on group sizes
- Participation in the Overlander Loppet will be incorporated into all of the Jackrabbits programs
- Participation in the Track Attack Championships event will be incorporated into the Level 4 program for skiers ages 9 and older
- Jackrabbits of all ages are encouraged to participate in local nordic events
Level 1
- Ages 4 and 5
- Parental support is mandatory at this age.
- Level 1 skiers are to come to practice with their parents, prepared and dressed for the day's activity. Layers are encouraged.
- Simple classic skis are all that is required. Poles are not used at this level.
Dates/Times: Saturday 10:30-11:30, starting in January until mid-March
Cost: $100
Level 2
- Ages 6-8
- Required equipment includes classic skis and poles only
- Skiers become more independent from their parents
- Thursday evening sessions from 18:30-19:30 will be contingent upon coach availability
Dates/Times: Saturday 10:30-11:30, starting in January until mid-March
Cost: $200
Level 3
- Ages 7-9
- Skate skiing is typically introduced at this level
- Skiers will require classic and skate skiing equipment
- Skiers are encouraged to use skin skis for their classic skis
Dates/Times: Saturday 10:30-12pm and Thursday 18:30-19:30, starting in January until mid-March
Cost: $200
Level 4
- Ages 8-10
- Skiers will require classic and skate skiing equipment
- Skiers are encouraged to use waxable skis for their classic skis
- Parents will be instructed in how to prepare and wax skis
Dates/Times: Saturday 10:30-12pm and Thursday 18:30-19:30, starting in January until mid-March
Cost: $200
Track Attack
- Ages 10-12
- Our Track Attack program builds on the Jackrabbits program, and is for skiers who have completed Level 4 or who can ski at a comparable level
- Ski playground and Electronic biathlon will be incorporated into some of the practice sessions
- Due to the size and age range of this program, it is typically split into two separate groups for training based on age and ability
- Participants in Track Attack are encouraged to ski three times per week
- Skiers will require classic and skate skiing equipment
- Skiers are encouraged to use waxable skis for their classic skis
- Parents will be instructed in how to prepare and wax skis
- Participation in the Overlander Loppet and the Track Attack Championships will be incorporated into the Track Attack program
- Participants in Track Attack are encouraged to participate in local and provincial-level nordic events, with club coaching and waxing support being provided for participants at these events
Dates/Times: Saturday 10:30-12:00 and Thursday 18:30-19:30, starting in December until mid-March
Cost: $200
Junior Development
- Ages 13-18
- Our Junior Development program is the next progression from our Track Attack program, and is for skiers who have completed Track Attack or who can ski at a comparable level
- Ski playground and Electronic biathlon will be incorporated into some of the practice sessions
- Participants in Junior Development are encouraged to ski four times per week
- Skiers will require classic and skate skiing equipment
- Skiers are encouraged to use waxable skis for their classic skis
- Parents will be instructed in how to prepare and wax skis
- Participation in the Overlander Loppet will be incorporated into the Junior Development program
- Participants in Junior Development are encouraged to participate in local and provincial-level nordic events, with club coaching and waxing support being provided for participants at these events
Dates/Times: Saturday 10:30-12:00 and Thursday 18:30-19:30, starting in December until mid-March
Cost: $200
Nordic Explorers
- Ages 11-18
- Nordic Explorers is a program that provides a recreational alternative to Track Attack and Junior Development for skiers who are 11 and older.
- This program features guided adventures of the Stake Lake trails and a relaxed, social atmosphere for kids to stay active with skiing.
- Skiers will require classic and skate skiing equipment
- Skiers are encouraged to use skin skis or fishscales for their classic skis
Dates/Times: Saturday 10:30-12:00 and Thursday 18:30-19:30, starting in January until mid-March
Cost: $200
Registration and Club Membership
At least one parent and the participating child are required to be members of Overlander Ski Club.