ADVENTURE PROGRAM 2008-2009
The Strathcona Nordics Adventure skiing program is aimed at aggressive skiers in the 10 to 16 year age range, who like to explore new ski terrain, learn about snow and winter weather, practice navigation and survival skills and develop new ski techniques. The program is in its fourth season.

Participants
The program provides an introduction to backcountry skiing, but good skate and classic track skiing skills are required and reinforced beyond the senior Jackrabbit program level. Younger skiers, in the 10 to 12 year old Jackrabbit age group, are enrolled at the discretion of the coach based on their fitness, motivation and skiing skills. For skiers aged 12 and up who have completed 'Jackrabbits', Adventure is an alternative to the Devo and Junior racing programs, but is not intended to be exclusive of racing. For the current season two race events are scheduled following the maxim that 'racing is just another form of adventure'.

Activity Schedule
Sessions are run most Sundays from late December through February, meeting at Raven Lodge at 10 am and returning early to mid afternoon with lunch in the field. Routes and activities are scheduled weekly to take advantage of weather and snow conditions and occasional club events. In previous seasons we telemarked through the glades below the north ridge of Mt Washington, toured over Mt Elma and into the Forbidden Plateau, dug snow shelters, camped overnight and raced in the Coastal Cup.

Gear
Ideally, participants would have skate and classic ski gear plus touring skis suitable for backcountry skiing. However, as a minimum good classic skis or light backcountry gear (e.g. NNN BC boots and bindings or Solomon equivalent on e.g. Rossignol BC skis; talk to Al Dunnett at Ski Tak Hut) would be suitable for most outings with the expectation that other gear be rented when needed. Telemark or AT backcountry equipment is not required however desirable it might be in some circumstances. (Versatility of gear and adaptability of technique are emphasized.) A day back large enough for carrying a water bottle, lunch and warm jacket is required. Small hydration packs are not generally suitable except during a short outing.

Coaching
Adventure skiers are coached by Hardolph Wasteneys with the essential assistance of many highly skilled certified club coaches and keen parents. We welcome any willingly shared expertise in ski techniques and winter backcountry skills to enlighten our sessions for participants, parents and coaches alike. Guest coaches and parents are actively encouraged to come along, but must (to obviate liability concerns) be Strathcona Nordics club members or sign a club waiver(guest coaches).

For more information contact Hardolph Wasteneys or 250-830-2261 or 203-1762.

DEVO TEAM
The Devo program is a developmental group for keen skiers aged 10-14, which has a strong focus on ski technique, some racing introduction, and is presented in a fun format. Skiers work on skills in both classic and skate techniques. We present the idea of racing as a personal challenge, helping children to see the steps involved in preparing for a race so that they can make the decision if they want to participate in races or not. Emphasis is on participation and self-improvement rather than results, and will focus on the the great sense of accomplishment and fun that comes from working on team and individual goals.

Fall Dryland 2008: Group dryland practices after school on Wednesday afternoons. These include some light run sessions, games, strength and balance exercises.

Winter 2009: The group meets to ski on both days on the weekend and after school on Wednesdays.
For this age group there will be several opportunities to participate in club races on Mt Washington this winter. Our club will host Coast Cup races on January 31-Feb 1st, and the Vancouver Island Loppet is March 28th. Skiers born in 1996-1997-1998 are eligible to participate in the BC Midget Championships Feb 28-March 1 in the Callaghan Valley. This is an age group provincial event we have found to be a very positive experience for our skiers. It is open to skiers of all levels of ability.

If the Devo Program sounds of interest, or if you would like more information please contact Marilyn Atkinson 250-338-9345 marilyna@shaw.ca . Your child would be most welcome to join us.

JUNIOR RACE TEAM
"A competitive program that guides dedicated athletes towards the pursuit of excellence in Nordic Sports "
This Team consists of 14-19 yr old athletes interested in pursuing the skills necessary to participate and compete at the Provincial junior level and beyond. Following a fully monitored and comprehensive program designed to meet each individual 's goals, these athletes work hard on a daily basis. The athletes are shown that through hard work, perseverance, and teamwork, anything is possible. Following this program the athletes use general, multisport, and specific training modalities to achieve exceptional fitness. Team members develop self-discipline and great work ethics as they continually challenge themselves. This year round program consists of both a summer and winter program.

HIGH PERFORMANCE RACE TEAM (H.P.)
"A fully comprehensive elite race team designed to provide athletes with an environment to achieve success at a national and international level. " Modeled after the National Team program, dedicated high performance athletes age 15 and up receive full individualized training and racing programs. The program includes national standard testing, daily monitoring by head coach Dave Battison, training camps, and race support for selected races. Athletes in this program train and compete with a common goal "To be the best Nordic racer they can be". The program is also available on an outreach basis to athletes who live and train away from Mt Washington.

More detailed program description email info@strathconanordics.com or phone coach Dave Battision at 702-3554.
Fees can be found on the registration form from the link below.

Registration