Larch Hills Ski Team

General Information

The Larch Hills Junior Ski Team is a Cross Country Ski program organized under the umbrella of the Larch Hills Nordic Society of Salmon Arm, BC. The team is committed to the growth and skill development of young racers. The Junior Ski team is divided into training groups based on both competency and age. Training is aimed toward team participation in competition. Children will be encouraged to race, beginning with local events and moving toward regional and provincial competitions.

The Ski team team accepts competent skiers starting at 8 years of age.  Prospective new skiers will be screened by coaches prior to making the decision to join the team. 

Contact People

• U12 (Ages 9-11) - Kris Maddox - 250-515-1153

• U14, U16, U18 Race Team - Glenn Bond - 250-309-2611

• Rec Program - Lizzy Van Bergeyk - 250-463- 3490

• Para - Donna Flatman - 250-463-4821

Fees
After many discussions, lots of research and more discussions, registration fees for the Larch Hills Ski Team will be increasing as follows, beginning this coming season (2022/23):

U10/U12/Development = $350

U14 = $500

U16/U18 = $750

We recognize this is a big change from our previous fees and we want the ski team to be as inclusive as possible.  If these increases impact your family’s ability to be part of ski  team, you may be eligible to apply for community based grants and parent admin will assist with the required forms.  There will also be an option on Zone4 where families can self declare financial hardship and pay a reduced fee - Honour System please. 

All skiers using the Larch Hills trail system must obtain a membership from the Larch Hills Nordic Society for insurance purposes.

Equipment swaps for used skis and team clothing will be held in October.

Fundraising
Each Ski team family is required to participate in fundraising. Monies raised go towards capital equipment for the team (waxes, tents, etc), race fees for selected races, and subsidizing jerseys/uniforms. All coaches and assistants act on a volunteer basis.

Is this the right ski group for your child?

Joining the ski team can be a very rewarding opportunity for many children. The training and competition demands require that children entering the team need to have completed the Jackrabbit Level 3 or equivalent (competent in all classic ski techniques and basic skating technique) as well as a good level of fitness.  Team practices require that the athletes have an interest in cross country running, fitness conditioning and skiing for longer durations of time.  Our practices usually run from 1.5 – 2 hours.  As this group is focused on racing, your child should have a desire to work hard to improve skiing technique, fitness and speed. As our goal is to produce athletes who have a lifelong love of cross country skiing, it is important that your child be ready physically, mentally and emotionally for this type of training. To ensure that new members are ready for this experience, coaches will be screening children at the beginning of both the dryland and on-snow seasons to ensure that this team is a good fit.

When Does the Junior Race Team Season Begin?

Fitness is a year round expectation. Team families hike, bike, canoe together in summer. Many kids swim and play soccer. Participation in other sports throughout the year is highly recommended to promote the young athlete’s development and to maintain complete fitness.

Dryland Training starts in May, July or September depending on age, with both Saturday and mid-week practices and Weekend Team Events – this is an integral part of preparing your racer for a successful ski season and it is important for all racers to participate. Families are often invited to join in on hikes, etc.

On-Snow Training usually begins when Sovereign Lake (Vernon) opens and team training takes place there until we get snow at Larch Hills.

Fun Races start in December and are good practice for the competitive race season that encompasses the months of January and February. Ski team members are encouraged to attend as many of the races as possible. These include the LHNS sponsored fun races, Reino Keski Salmi Loppet, and the School Loppet (up to grade 7). There are also 3-4 regional cup events each season and 3 BC Cup full weekend events. Our strongest high school aged skiers are able to compete in the Ski Nationals in March.

Are You Prepared to Commit Most of Your Weekends to the Team During Jan./Feb.?

The Junior Ski team operates on a volunteer based system. Coaches give many hours of their personal time during pre-season training and during the race season. The quality of your children’s experience depends on parental support and commitment.

Racer Commitments

• Racers must maintain a good level of fitness year round and be willing to improve their conditioning and challenge their physical abilities–be willing to work hard and give 100% in effort and attitude at practices and in race situations.

• Racers should be able to demonstrate the level of maturity required to listen to and follow the coaches’ instruction.

• Racers recognize that having fun and positive social interaction with teammates is an important part of being on the team.

• Support everyone on your team with positive comments and be willing to help and encourage the younger members of your team.

• Be prepared to train on your own time and develop a strong desire to improve your skills.

• Work hard, push your limits, stretch towards goals and support your team!

Parental Commitments

• To get your young skier to scheduled weekend and mid-week practices with the right equipment and skis properly prepared.

• To keep current on team e-mails and respond ASAP.

• To attend and accompany your child(ren) to local and out-of-town races.

• To provide reasonable equipment and team clothing.

• To ensure that skis are properly prepared prior to all races (glide on / grip zone clean) Note: wax clinics and practice sessions are offered to help you gain this knowledge.

• To accept and fulfill team fundraising commitment.

• To register your skier on Zone4 prior to the deadline.

• To make sure that your racer is well prepared and wears the team jersey to races.

May and June

Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm  Roller ski starting at Farmer John’s and Finish at Grandview bench Hall (🏋️‍♀️bring a yoga matt for strength in the hall)  (U16/18)

Thursday 4:30pm - 6:30pm ski striding Start and Finish at Klahani park  (U16/18)

Saturday Roller ski -8:30am - 10:30am  Start and Finish at Farmer John’s (possible team hikes as well)  (U16/18)
July and August 

Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm  Roller ski starting at Farmer John’s and Finish at Grandview bench Hall (🏋️‍♀️bring a yoga matt for strength in the hall)  (U14/16/18)

Thursday 8:30am to 10:30 am ski striding Start and Finish at Klahani park  (U14/16/18)

Saturday Roller ski -8:30am - 10:30am  Start and Finish at Farmer John’s (possible team hikes as well)  (U16/18)

September, October, November

Tuesday 4:30-6:30pm  Roller ski starting at Farmer John’s and Finish at Grandview bench Hall (U14/16/18)

Thursday 4:00pm - 5:30pm South Broadview School,  Trail running, strength and agility all ages (Track Attack U 10, U 12) Race Team U 14/16/18) 

Saturday - Various (team camps/ events  almost every Saturday) AM sessions 9-12 range  (Track Attack U 10, U 12) Race Team U 14/16/18) 

Note - U16/18 athletes who are participating in school x-c running in the fall would not be expected to practice on Thursdays until after running finishes.

December, January, February, March

Tuesday 4:30pm -6:30pm  Ski at Larch Hills  (Track Attack U 12 finish at 6:00pm) Race Team U 14/16/18) 

Thursday 4:30pm -6:30pm  Ski at Larch Hills  (Track Attack U 10, U 12 finish at 6:00pm) Race Team U 14/16/18) 

Saturday 10:00am to 12:00pm Ski at Larch Hills or at races across BC.   (Track Attack U 10, U 12) Race Team U 14/16/18) 

We will modify for Christmas break ( when kids are off school) as needed.

Note: This works better as Track and Field and xc running are Monday, Wednesday and Friday in spring/fall for grades 8 and up

For more information, contact Glenn Bond

Email: glenn_bond@me.com