Course Content:
The focus will be on developing ski specific fitness and improving technique and efficiency on skis. It will also include current practical info and tips on topics like equipment, waxing, clothing, stretching, hydration and nutrition and race strategies to help you plan and ski your best Birkie yet. An activation warm up will be followed by technique and drills moving to a focused ski.
Scheduled lessons will be between Strathcona Wilderness Centre and Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. An email prior (night before) will communicate the exact location.
A couple of long ski days will be held at Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area with dates and locations by mutual agreement, based on weather and ski conditions.
You should have average to excellent fitness, have experience cross-country skiing and not be a complete beginner.
Registration:
Ten 2-hour Sessions Wednesdays and one Thursday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm starting December 14, 2022
Wednesdays, December 14, 21, and 28, 2022
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Wednesdays, January 11, 18, and 25, 2023
Wednesdays, February 1, 8, and 15*, 2023
*Note: this session is to keep the Birkie feeling going and ski with the gang!
Cost:
- $315.00
- Minimum 6 to run the course
- No refunds if the course is run, including for illness/COVID
Location:
Strathcona Wilderness Centre and Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Lead Instructor:
Joy Mekechuk will be the Lead Instructor for the Mid-Week program. An Edmonton Nordic Ski Club instructor and coach and an accomplished Birkie skier, Joy has her Level 3 CANSI and an extensive cross-country ski racing background, representing Alberta both Nationally and Internationally. She will create and foster an environment for learning while improving classic technique and ski awareness.
CANSI = Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors