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Nordics, Rabbits glide into winter

Cross-country ski swap this Saturday The Whistler Nordics are taking their sport to the next level, as interest in cross-country skiing continues to grow locally.

Cross-country ski swap this Saturday

The Whistler Nordics are taking their sport to the next level, as interest in cross-country skiing continues to grow locally.

Last season the club boasted 135 members, and organizers expect that number to grown another 20 per cent this season.

"Our goals for this season include working towards getting more of our coaches to a Level 2 certification, growing the racer and recreation programs, and to let people know that Nordic skiing is alive and well in Whistler," said Michelle Crowe.

"It is a vibrant, dyanamic sport that is a great cross-training opportunity for any of our athletic locals and visitors using one of the finest trail systems in Western Canada."

Youth development is a large part of the club’s focus with three successful programs up and running this year.

The Whistler Nordic Rabbits program for children aged four to 12 is entering its seventh season, and last year attracted 60 Nordic skiers. The Rabbits train every Sunday morning.

The Whistler Nordic Racers program is new this year, with kids aged 10 to 17 training twice a week.

In its third year, the Whistler Nordic Recreational program, for kids from Grade 6 to Grade 12, was offered for one evening a week. Last year there were more than 30 kids signed up.

All of the programs will benefit form the experience of head coach Donelle Muroch, who is a Level 3 National Coaching Certification Program graduate. Her services were provided to the club by Cross Country B.C. as part of the ongoing LegaciesNow program to develop young athletes.

With interest growing, the club also wants to train new instructors. They will be hosting a Rabbit Leader Course on Nov. 22, and a NCCP Level 1 Technical course from Dec. 12 to 14.

More events will be held locally this year.

The Chateau Whistler Cup Cross Country Ski Loppet, one of Whistler’s oldest events in its 27 th season, will take place on Jan. 25.

A pair of Coast Cup events, sanctioned by Cross Country B.C. will be taking placing in the region, with a classic race in Whistler on Jan. 31, and a sprint in Pemberton of Feb. 1.

The Spud Valley Loppet classic race will take place on March 7.

In addition, the Whistler Cross Country Connection will return with the third annual Lost Lake Shuffle, an endurance event for solos, teams of three and families.

Club memberships are $15, which includes a season race license, a subscription to Cross Country B.C. Magazine, and more. A portion of each membership fee will go towards coaching incentives and programs.

The first event of the season is the Cross Country Equipment Swap at Myrtle Philip this Saturday (Nov. 15) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Equipment drop-off starts the night before from 6 p.m. To 8 p.m.

People can use the opportunity to themselves and their children up for the club and different club programs.

For more information, contact Cheryl Morningstar at 604-932-3438.