WELCOME TO OUR TRACK ATTACK PROGRAMS FOR THE 2023/24 SEASON!
Registration is closed, please reach out to [email protected] to see if there is still room.
All of our youth programs are designed around Sport Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development principles and Nordic Canada’s program guidelines. The Track Attack program is in the “Learning to Train” stage of athlete development (10 to 12 years of age) and is the third level of the Skill Development Program. A high coach/athlete ratio and a wide variety of activities create a fun, dynamic team environment and instill a lifelong love of the sport.
Our objective for the Track Attack participants is to become technically competent cross-country skiers and to utilize their skills to explore a range of cross-country ski activities.
Track Attack Program Goals:
- Fitness! Fun! Teamwork!
- An opportunity to be part of a sports “team” and social atmosphere
- Ski technique improvement through drills and feedback from qualified coaches
- Games, relays, and terrain parks to develop technique, speed, and fitness
- The opportunity to explore and enjoy off-trail ski activities
- Introducing skills on how to wax and care for your skis
- Introduction to competition in a team-focused environment
- Building blocks to race with confidence
All participants will have the opportunity to try Biathlon during one Track Attack session. A Biathlon Day membership is included in the program cost.
All participants will be registered in an OK Cup (local or neighboring) and Club Championships as part of the registration/program cost. At this stage of development, the LTAD recommends 6-8 competitions in a season. If competition is not something you want to explore please see what our Winter Fit Programs have to offer.
Alternate location practices for the Track Attack Participants:
- Track Attack Champs location for the Saturday that coincides
- And one other practice at a close-by race event for the coinciding Saturday ie: Home race, Larch Hills (Salmon Arm) or Telemark (West Kelowna), for a total of three Saturday sessions that race experience focused.
- Fall Regional Camp (Telemark), date TBD usually end of September
- Winter Regional Camp (Sovereign Lake or Silver Star), date TBD usually early November additional cost, or ski with your family.
- Other Regional Race events (OK cups, Loppets, close BC cups) are encouraged to a total of LTAD 6-8 race experiences.
Parents are required to help as parent sweepers for at least 4-6 sessions throughout the season. The sweeper’s role is to stay right behind the last skier of the group, making sure no one gets left behind. There will be a sign-up sheet sent out closer to the program’s start date.
* An SLNC season pass is required for participants in this program.
* Inclusiveness is an SLNC value and priority. Instruction for children with special needs is part of all Track Attack programs. Please contact the Programs Coordinator to discuss any needs that your child has so that we can set them up for success.
Program Details
| Track Attack 1
Ages 10-12 yrs old |
Track Attack 2 Ages 10-12 yrs old
|
Notes | |
| Dates | Sept 12, 2023- March 16th, 2024 | Sept 12, 2023- March 16th, 2024 | The cold weather cut-off for “Learn to Train″ is -15*C. |
| Total # of sessions | 47 | 62 | |
| Sessions/wk. | 2
Fall & Winter |
2 Fall
3 Winter |
|
| Days | Tuesday 18:00-19:30
Saturday 10:00-11:30 *Saturday Sept Oct 9:00-10:30 |
Tuesday 18:00-19:30
Thursday 18:00-19:30 Saturday 10:00-11:30 *Saturday Sept Oct 9:00-10:30 |
|
| Cost | $425 | $ 575 | |
| Registration Deadline | Sept. 15th, 2023, or whenever program capacity is reached (whichever comes first) | Sept. 15th, 2023, or whenever program capacity is reached (whichever comes first) | |
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Parent Athlete Orientation/Information Session for Learn to Train: Sept 12th at the start of the session |
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No programming:
- Dec 22 – Jan 5
- Due to a possible high-level race event
- Cold weather cut-offs
Coaching Course Opportunities:
Intro to Community Coaching (ICC)
SDP Coach: Deirdra grew up in Vernon skiing with her parents and has been part of the Sovereign Lake ski community for many years. She started out as an athlete on the cross country and biathlon teams, competing in numerous races and events as part of the SLNC Ski Team. Following her younger years of racing, she has worked at Sovereign instructing in our S’Cool Ski Program and as lodge front counter staff. More recently, Deirdra was co-leader for two seasons on the growing WinterFit Program at Sovereign Lake. Deirdra’s love for this sport has only ever grown throughout the years. She is happy to combine sports with her business management degree. “Sovereign Lake is like a home away from home for me.”
Coaching Experience: I’ve coached since I graduated from UBC Vancouver and stopped racing for the varsity team. So 20 years this year: four years at Hollyburn Ski Club and then 16 at Sovereign! I just love how technical the sport is, and how it’s a lifelong pursuit!
Favorite Trail: Silver Queen! I always look forward to that trail opening!
Fun Fact: We have four egg-laying hens in our backyard: Lilli, Lucy, Penny, and Rosie: yay free eggs!
Kevin O’Connor
Frank Descouens
Gregory Baxter
Ski equipment and ski preparation tips for Track Attack – click here.
Winter Safety for Track Attack – click here.
My Trail Etiquette Promise – click here.
Equipment needs: Classic and skate equipment are needed for Track Attack
Equipment Sources:
Rentals –Program participants can utilize our season rental program. A full selection of quality, affordable, classic and skate gear for all ages is available at SLNC. Please email [email protected] to secure skis.
Retail – Stussi Sports in Vernon provides an excellent selection of gear with advice to match. They also have a rotating “kids gear exchange” program and info on ski swaps. They are a huge supporter of our club, programs and events.
Facebook: Sovereign Lake Programs Gear Swap
Q. Where do Track Attack sessions take place?
Track Attack meets in the stadium. Skiers typically warm up on the Saddle loop before reviewing skills in the stadium or heading out onto the trails.
Q. How long are Track Attack sessions?
Track Attack sessions are an hour and a half long.
Q. What does a typical Track Attack session consist of?
Coaches use large and small groups, games, drills and longer continuous skiing on all types of terrain to reinforce skills and encourage natural learning. Group sessions generally include warm-up, review and instruction of key skills, a continuous ski and relays to improve fitness, with ski play/games to wrap up.
Q. What is the split between classic and skating sessions?
50/50. There is roughly the same number of classic and skating sessions. A full schedule for the winter is posted well in advance so that you know which technique occurs on which day.
Q. How do I learn more about waxing & what waxes I should have for my Track Attacker?
A list of recommended waxes will be provided at the beginning of the season. Advice and basic wax instruction are delivered to Track Attack skiers as part of their programs. Introductory through advanced wax clinics are also available to the public through Stussi Sports in Vernon. Contact your coach or Stussi Sports for details.
Q. Do children race at this stage?
Yes, opportunities to race are offered and encouraged. Appropriate competition formats (relays, obstacle courses, sprints, individual challenges) are an integral part of the program as they play an important part in athletic development. Coach support at races is included in the program through participation in:
- Local, Regional and Provincial races (Okanagan Cup, BC Cup and BC Championship races).
Q. What is the cold weather cancellation policy?
The cold weather cut-off for “Track Attack″ is -15*C.
Q. Is there a wrap-up event at the end of the program?
The formal season ends with participation in the Best in Snow in early March.
Q. Will my Track Attack skier make good progress by skiing just 2-3x/wk in formal sessions?
Every athlete (and parent) progresses at their own rate. While Track Attack sessions provide great coaching and opportunities to learn, your child will improve quicker the more you get out! We strongly encourage parents to take full advantage of our fantastic snow and trail system by getting out at least one other time during the week with their kids. A family ski on Sunday works well for many families. Many families share driving responsibilities mid-week as well.
Q. What opportunities are there for my child to “move up” to the next level(s)?
We do our best to place every child at a level that serves their current abilities and challenges them sufficiently to improve. Coaches strive to communicate with each other regularly and make adjustments when appropriate and practical. Some Track Attack skiers may be getting ready to move up to Junior Development and will be offered opportunities to join in.
Q. As a parent learning to ski…how can I help/keep up with my own Track Attacker?
Ultimately, parents/guardians will often be the ones taking their own youngsters skiing outside of session times. We can assist parents in understanding the technical skills and share ideas on how to facilitate their child’s learning. If you need help improving your own skiing, then consider talking with our staff to arrange a group or private lesson(s) with our well-qualified instructors!
Q. Do parents/guardians accompany their children during Track Attack?
No. By this stage children are skiing independently during sessions, in small groups led by certified coaches. BUT, we do need and want your help as all youth programs run on parent volunteers! Read on…
Q. What kind of help does the club need and how can I pitch in?
It takes many volunteers to run club programs and activities. We need your help with:
- Coaching – introductory and community coach workshops are provided and paid for with support and mentoring along the way for all coaches in our programs.
- Coordinating programs – registration, refreshments, hot chocolate table, pizza night…
- Equipment set-up – hoops/balls/props, playground maintenance, special events…
- Races – timing, stadium & course set-up, marshalling, traffic control, bib gathering…
- Other – everything big & small happens because people pitch in – please just offer or ask us!
Q. Are coaches certified?
Yes. All our volunteer coaches are certified with NCCP standards.
