The program has three objectives:

1. To increase participants’ physical fitness, strength. balance and agility
2. To help participants improve their technique in both classic and skate skiing
3. To have fun on skis and enjoy Nakkertok’s facilities with friends.

Ski4Life is intended for adults who already have at least basic skills in classic and skate skiing. For new skiers looking for their first introduction to cross-country skiing, see Adult Beginners instead.

Ski4Life consists of a dryland training component and an on-snow component. The on-snow component focuses on both classic and skate skiing. Participants have the option of joining both the dryland and on-snow components, or just one of the two. Dryland training focuses on stretching, strength, agility/balance work, pole walking, hillbounding and running. On-snow training focuses on improving classic and skate ski technique and fitness through a combination of formal instruction and opportunities to practice what is learned during free-ski time on Nakkertok’s extensive trail network. Half the on-snow sessions will be focused on skate skiing and half on classic skiing. Participants are strongly encouraged to have the appropriate equipment for both techniques.

Social events (e.g., fondue/ski night) will be planned to offer participants the chance to gather outside of the formal lessons.

Program fees

See Zone4.ca.

Meet-Up Times and Locations

Two training-day options will be offered (participants choose one of the two):

• Tuesday evening (6:00-8:00 pm for dryland; 6:30-8:30 pm for on-snow)
• Wednesday daytime (1:00-3:00 pm for both components)

A minimum of 10 participants is required to run the program for a given training day. For the Tuesday session, program size will be capped at 30 participants. For the Wednesday session, program size will be capped at 15 participants. Training for the Tuesday session will take place at Mooney’s Bay (dryland) and Nakkertok South (on-snow). Training for the Wednesday session will take place at Mooney’s Bay/Gatineau Park (dryland) and Nakkertok South/Gatineau Park (on-snow) depending on athlete preferences.

“Dryland training begins right after Labour Day and runs until mid-November.
On-snow training begins right after the new year and runs until early March.”

Feel free to contact Rob Smith, Lead Coach, at rob@midsummer.ca or 613-716-5230 with any questions regarding the program.