Each family is required to volunteer in some way with the club. New members are typically given tasks which do not require a knowledge of club activities, such instructing younger groups, helping out with the AGM or sports day, or taking photos. Once a family has been with the club for a few seasons and has experienced most of the club activities, it is easier for members to take on tasks such as running an optional tour or a hostel weekend. Note that our club has no fundraising requirement. For a detailed description of volunteer tasks, click on the Club Library or Volunteer Positions.

For further information about registration, please e-mail Nancy Stapley: robandnancy@shaw.ca

New Member FAQs

What is the Jackrabbit Program?
From Cross Country Canada:
Named after the famous "Jackrabbit Johannsen", the skiing pioneer in Canada who lived to 112 years old, the Jackrabbit ski league is a skill development program for children. Over 9,000 children, ages 4 and up enroll annually in over 300 clubs across Canada. The children participate in skill sessions and fun days, enjoying themselves while they learn the basics about cross country skiing, fitness & nutrition. This helps to develop good technique and lifestyle habits early in life.

In addition to the basic Jackrabbit program for children 8 - 13, there are two related Youth programs which cater to younger and older skiers. For the youngest set is the Bunnyrabbit program for 4 to 7 years olds, and for adolescents there is the Challenge program.

How do I know if cross-country skiing will be a family success?
We thought you'd never ask ... In over a decade of running the Bow Waters Jackrabbits cross-country ski club, we have found that the old adage is true, "the family that skis together, stays together." We find that the more involved the parents are in cross-country skiing, the more likely that young children will follow in the ski tracks of mom and dad. And while they enjoy skiing together as a family when children are young, as they get older, they want to ski more and more with their friends' families too. This is why we encourage adults to improve their ski skills with adult lessons and optional family tours. Children who start with our program at a young age, make friends with other childen who they ski with for years. We could swear that some children come to Jackrabbits strictly for social reasons, but the good news is that they learn to ski very well in the process!

What equipment do I need?
You will need skis, poles and boots, of course. While ski swaps offer excellent deals, you may require some expertise on quality and sizing. X-C ski stores such as LifeSport or Norseman give excellent service. Norseman carries new and some second hand equipment, and LifeSport holds an annual Ski Swap. Used equipment is a great idea for beginners, and for children who seem to grow out of their equipment every year! While very young children can get away with using "fishscale" skis, we encourage the use of waxable skis. We will try to keep our x-c Gear page (under Useful Links) up-to-date on retailers, ski swap information, and rental shops in the area. Address and phone information can be found there for all gear suppliers.

Skiers must have a toque or headband and mittens or gloves. Dress in layers. A typical mistake for beginning x-c skiers is to overdress, especially if the skier comes from the downhill world. We also ask that skiers bring a drink and a snack to lessons. Children can carry a light pack with room for removed clothing.

"A Parents Guide to Ski Equipment for Children" can be found at this link to the Cross Country Canada website.

In what level will my child be placed?
Last season, we had levels ranging from Bunnies to "Touring Group". Children are placed on ability rather than for social reasons. This makes instruction easier and skiing safer, as a group of same-level skiers can more easily stick together on the trail. Our Leader Co-Ordinator or Registrar will speak to you about your child's skiing experience and place the child in an appropriate group. Typically there are changes made after one or two lessons as we get to know the children and find the most appropriate level for each skier. Note that levels are awarded when skills can be demonstrated. Children who attend all or most lessons, and supplement skills learned with out-of-lesson kilometres are more likely to attain a level. Though many skiers take two, or even three seasons to attain a level, the pace at which skills are picked up is generally a reflection of the amount of skiing a child does. For a description of skills learned at each level, click on Club Library.

What is the hardest thing about skiing with Bow Waters Jackrabbits?
This is an easy one. We meet for a 2-hour lesson in Kananaskis Country at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings. This means leaving Calgary just after 8:00 am, and some families find this a daunting task. Before you ask, the reason that we meet at this time is so that we can tour after lunch. We like to take advantage of having driven all the way to K-Country, and many families make it a full day activity. Once you get out there, you'll find it is worth the early start.... really!

What is the best thing about skiing with Bow Waters Jackrabbits?
You have a choice. You can hide from Calgary winters and hibernate in your house, or you can come and enjoy the great outdoors. The best part is being outside, in the mountains, with some great people (and some pretty good skiers too).