Children’s Cross-Country Ski Programs: Jackrabbits & Bunnyrabbits 2025–26

Registration for Jackrabbits and Bunnyrabbits Cross-Country Ski Lessons will
open on Zone4 starting November 15, 2025.

To register:
1. Visit www.zone4.ca.
2. Search for Hinton if the program does not appear automatically.
3. Select Membership and Programs to purchase the appropriate membership
and pay for both program and equipment rental fees — all conveniently in one
form!
Registration begins November 15, 2025, and will stay open for the season through
Zone4. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as rental equipment is available on a
first-come, first-served basis.

For questions or to volunteer as a coach, please email hintonnordicskiers@gmail.com

Equipment

Families are encouraged to purchase their own skis, boots, and poles — there are
many retailers between Jasper and Edmonton offering great options.

That being said, we’re happy to offer a good selection of rental equipment for both kids
and parents — perfect for families who want to try skiing before purchasing their own
gear. Rentals are for the full season and include a refundable deposit for children’s
equipment and a rental fee for adults. (See Registration & Fees for more information)

Please note: rental equipment availability is limited. If we run out of certain sizes, we’ll
do our best to provide skis for lesson use only — though these may not be taken home.

Program Details

Jackrabbits (Ages 6–10)
Children ski with a certified coach and a team of dedicated parent volunteers in small
groups matched by skill level.

They’ll learn the fundamentals of classic cross-country skiing, outdoor safety, and
develop a lifelong appreciation for winter and nature.

Bunnyrabbits (Ages walking–5)
Our Bunnyrabbit program introduces young children to skiing through fun, play-based
movement on snow. Each child skis with a certified coach and must have a parent on
skis alongside them (a great way for parents to learn too!).

Remember if parents need skis, we have rentals available.

Hinton Bunny/ Jackrabbit Program Information

  • Program Start Date: TBD (Condition-dependent, hopefully December!)
  • Schedule: Saturdays, 11:30 AM – roughly 1:30 PM (approx. 8 sessions, weather
    permitting)
  • Location: Lessons begin at the Hinton Nordic Centre Main Lodge, unless
    otherwise noted for special events.

Please plan to leave Hinton about 45 minutes before lessons begin to
allow time for travel and to get ready at the lodge.

Communications

Important updates — including schedule changes, upcoming events, and reminders —
will be sent via email.
You may also receive texts or phone calls for last-minute updates.

Volunteer Requirement

New for the 2025–26 season, each family is asked to assist their child’s coach during
two lessons or take on an equivalent volunteer activity (such as helping with the Chili
Loppet or other events). Your support helps make the program possible — and
enjoyable — for everyone!

Volunteer sign-up sheets will be available once the season begins.

We’re always looking for additional volunteer coaches! If you have experience with
striding, snowplowing, or pole use — and enjoy working with kids — please reach out.

Cancellation Policy

We want skiing to be a fun, comfortable experience for all!

Temperatures can vary between Hinton and the Nordic Centre. You can check real-time
conditions using the webcam and thermometer on the Hinton Nordic website.

For the safety and comfort of you and your children, if the temperature at the Nordic
Centre is colder than -15°C at 10:45 AM, lessons will be cancelled. Notices of
cancellation will be sent from our coordinators if conditions are unfavorable.

If you can’t attend a session, please let your coach or coordinator know — so we don’t
wait or worry!

Clothing

Please make sure your child and yourself are dressed warmly and comfortably for the
weather. Bring extra mittens, socks, and a jacket for after-skiing. A cozy toque (hat)
and mittens with a water-resistant or nylon outer layer are essential and must be
worn throughout the session. We recommend packing a few extra layers in a bag,
just in case conditions change. It’s always best to dress in several thin layers instead of
one heavy layer, with a non-cotton base layer next to the skin to help stay dry and
warm.

Food & Drink

Many families enjoy lunch at the lodge before or after lessons.
Please pack water and a snack (like a granola bar) for the mid-lesson trail break, as
we’ll be away from the lodge during that time.

Parking

Please back into your parking stall for better visibility when leaving. This also helps if
vehicles need a boost or tow.
For safety reasons, no skiing or sliding is allowed in the parking lot.

Waxing Tips (for Non-Waxless Skis)

A simple starter wax kit includes:

  • Special Green, Blue Extra, and Special Violet waxes
  • Special Red (for above 0°C)
  • A scraper and synthetic cork

These will cover most local snow conditions. Please ensure your child’s skis are waxed
before lessons begin.