Childrens cross-country skiing programs in Ottawa-Gatineau
By:  Team XC Ottawa   (2013/10/21)

If you want your kids to experience cross-country skiing, consider joining one of our local cross-country ski clubs or signing up for lessons. Learning with other kids is usually a lot more fun than going on outings with parents. Learn-to-ski programs have kids learning and improving skills in a fun environment that often includes games on skis, treasure hunts, costume days, fun relays, and outings to cabins.

Club Programs

The Ottawa area has many ski clubs that offer learn-to-ski programs for kids. Most programs follow Cross Country Canada's progression of skill development for children with programs comprised of three levels or stages: Bunnyrabbit (<5), Jackrabbit (6-9) and Track Attack (10-12). The overall objective of these programs is to help children develop a love of the outdoors, a healthy lifestyle, excellent technical skills and a good level of physical fitness within a sport environment.

Ski clubs are volunteer-based, but have certified coaches (also mostly volunteer), and parents are encouraged to get involved and help out in some way. If you are interested in helping kids learn to ski, most clubs provide short training courses. Don't be surprised if teaching kids helps your own skiing technique! And don't be dissuaded if you're not a skier yourself. Some clubs (e.g., Nakkertok) offer lessons for parents during the learn-to-ski program time, and there are plenty of other ways you can help out.  The time commitment is manageable, and contributing to the growth of cross-country skiing in the area and giving your child this experience is likely to be a rewarding one.

Here is a list of the programs. Registration has begun, and many programs fill to capacity, so register soon!

Chelsea Nordiq

LOCATION: Gatineau Park

Kanata Nordic

LOCATION: Bonnenfant YMCA-YWCA Outdoor Centre at 1620 Sixth Line Road.

Nakkertok Nordic

LOCATION: Nakkertok has two locations (North and South), but most activities take place at Nakkertok South (located in Cantley at the northern end of Gatineau Avenue). Nakkertok North (located on Highway 366 east of the junction with Highway 307, near McGregor Lake.

Orleans Nordic Ski Club

LOCATION: Danis Clubhouse at the Hornet's Nest on Bearbrook Road in Blackburn Hamlet.

Skinouk

LOCATION: Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau 397, boulevard Cite-des-Jeunes, Gatineau.

If you are looking for adult fitness groups to ski with or adult ski lessons please refer to Fall and Winter Cross-Country Ski Training Groups in Ottawa.