WELCOME TO OUR WINTERFIT PROGRAM
The Winterfit is for the winter adventurist who wants to continue or advance their ski techniques and broaden the boundaries of winter activities within a non-competitive environment.
Come experience the best that winter has to offer by becoming technically competent classic skiers, and skate skiers, with the added adventure of backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing, right here in our own backyard. Our goal is to create lifelong participants in winter activities. We are seeking youth that have a sense of adventure, a willingness to learn, and a desire to share this unique experience with other like-minded individuals.
Winterfit Program Goals:
- Offer fitness
- Be fun
- Encourage teamwork
- Provide children with an opportunity to be part of a sports “team”
- Improve ski technique through drills and careful input from qualified coaches
- Utilize games, relays, and terrain parks to develop technique, speed, skills, and fitness
- Explore and enjoy the fun with off-trail ski activities
- Nurture a team/social atmosphere
- Encourage “inter-club” social, skill and fitness-orientated ski activities
All participants will have the opportunity to try Biathlon during one Winterfit session. A Biathlon Day membership is included in the program cost.
Parents are required to help as parent sweepers for at least 2-4 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.
Winterfit 1
This program is geared toward kids aged 10-12. Participants can expect a fun-filled Saturday morning developing skiing skills and trying out a number of different winter snowsports right here at Sovereign.
Winterfit 2 – Recreation Group
This program is geared toward youth aged 13-18. These participants are looking for a more comprehensive program that takes place once a week. Saturday mornings are aimed at adventures. Look forward to meeting guest speakers that will share their advanced skills with us throughout the season.
* An SLNC season pass is required for participants in this program
* Inclusiveness is an SLNC value and priority. Instruction for participants with special needs is part of all WinterFit 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
| Winterfit 1
Ages 10-12 yrs old
Geared toward new skiers that do not want to be in a racing program |
Winterfit 2
Recreation Group Ages 13-18 yrs old Geared towards kids looking for winter adventures |
Notes | ||
| Dates | Nov. 23, 2024 – Mar. 8, 2025 | Nov. 23, 2024 – Mar. 8, 2025 | The cold weather cut-off for Winterfit is -15 | |
| Total # of sessions | 14 | 14 | ||
| Sessions/wk. | 1 | 1 | ||
| Days |
Saturday 10:00-11:30 |
Saturday 10:00-12:00 | ||
| Cost | $160 | $160 | ||
| Registration Deadline | Registration opens June 18, 2024, and closes October 31. 2024 or until program capacity is reached (whichever comes first) | Registration opens June 18, 2024, and closes October 31, 2024, or until program capacity is reached (whichever comes first) | ||
No Formal Programming:
- Dec 21 2024-Jan 3rd 2025
- Dec. 7
- Due to a possible high-level race event
- Cold weather cut-offs
Coaching Course Opportunities:
Intro to Community Coaching (ICC)
SDP Coach:Deirdra Frank
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.”
Volunteer Leaders
Barry Hodgins
Equipment needs
WinterFit Participants will need classic and skating equipment as both techniques will be taught. Snowshoes will also be used during some sessions.
Rentals are available to Program Participants for $60 for the season or $5/day as needed. Please include program rentals in your cart during registration online.
Retail – Stussi Sports in Vernon provides an excellent selection of quality kids and adults 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.
For a thorough explanation on ski equipment please follow the following link Ski equipment and safety
Q. Where do Winter Fit sessions take place?
Winter Fit meets by the Old Day Lodge on the hill by the outhouses.
Q. How long are Winter Fit sessions?
Winter Fit sessions are two hours long, some activities might be scheduled to go over or under this time frame.
Q. What does a typical Winter Fit session consist of?
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 technique is used in Winter Fit sessions?
There is roughly the same number of classic, skating, backcountry, and snowshoe sessions. A full schedule for the winter is posted well in advance so that you know which technique occurs on which day.
Q. What is the cold weather cancellation policy?
The cold weather cut-off for “Winter Fit″ is -15 C.
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 Winter Fit or Adventure 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 Winter Fit kid?
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 Winter Fit?
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, marshaling, traffic control, bib gathering…
- Other – everything big & small happens because people pitch in – please just offer or ask us!
