The following information and resources are for onsnow lessons only. These skill development programs are based on the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. See the Jackrabbit technique awards for a description of each skill. The videos for FUNdamentals in the Athlete Development Matrix by Cross Country Canada are a must see resource, although note they are using an advanced skier to demonstrate the skills (login required).

 Level General Description
  Skills Covered
Bunnyrabbit Be able to ski on easy terrain (flats and slight hills), including changing direction and getting up from falls Movement on skis, falling & rising, side stepping, star turn, tracking, ski 2km during class (100% classic [no poles] / no skate)
Jackrabbit L1 Be able to ski the trails below the escarpment (Charron’s Chute) with some assistance Herringbone, snowplow braking, diagonal stride, free glide, falling and rising, side stepping, star turn, ready position, ski 3km during class (100% classic [very limited poles] / no skate)
Jackrabbit L2 Ability to classic ski in control almost all trails at Nakkertok South including up, and down, bigger hills such as Charron’s Chute (1), Beep Beep (4) and Powerline Herringbone, diagonal stride, free glide, snowplow turn, snowplow stop, double pole, kick turn, ski 5km during class (100% Classic [with poles] / no Skate)
 Jackrabbit L3 Weight transfer and extension in all techniques. Ability to skate ski on easier terrain. Diagonal stride, double pole, tuck, free skate, diagonal skate, one skate, ski 6km during class (50% Classic / 50% Skating)
Jackrabbit L3/4 Weight transfer and extension in all techniques. Ability to skate ski on most terrain. Diagonal stride, double pole, tuck, free skate, diagonal skate, one skate, two skate, skate turn, step turn ski ski 7.5km during class (40% Classic / 60% Skate)
Jackrabbit L4 Very high level of proficiency in both techniques Uphill diagonal, one-step double pole, offset, one skate, two skate, skate turn, step turn, parallel side slip, stem christie, ski 10km during class (20% Classic / 80% Skate)
Look over the detailed description of the Nakkertok Bunnyrabbit & Jackrabbit evaluation rubric (onsnow only). Please ensure that you do the following for each athlete on your team:
  • Have a 50-100m timed result (Jackrabbits only)
  • Take notes on areas of improvement and strengths
  • Make note of what techniques have been attained for the level
  • Get an estimate on the number of hours hiked/skied outside of lessons (Jackrabbits only)

This information is used to determine next year’s level and the LTS awards attained.  Some techniques take more than one Nakkertok ski season to fully grasp (especially Jackrabbit Level 3 and Level 4).  Remember that it’s more important to have very good skills than to move on to a higher level where a child could experience frustration the next season.

Progress reports to be completed and returned to atheletes:

Also available: