Kids Discover the Magic of Nordic Skiing with Youth Programs.
Welcome to Nickel Plate’s Skills Development Program (SDP) for 2025/2026!
Our Youth Program isn’t just about learning to ski—it’s about discovering a lifelong passion for adventure, confidence, and community. Here, your child will do more than just glide across the snow; they’ll build lasting friendships, sharpen their skills, and grow into young leaders, all while having an incredible amount of fun.
Why Kids and Parents LOVE Our Youth Programs
Our Youth Program offers a fun, engaging way for kids to develop their Nordic skiing skills while building confidence, making friends, and staying active. We welcome kids of all skill levels and offer lessons throughout the winter season.
Skills That Last a Lifetime:
Come ski with us & our volunteer coaches. Your your child will develop balance, coordination, and technique giving them the foundation for a lifelong love of skiing.
Fun Games. Lasting Skills:
We believe that the best learning happens when you’re having fun. Through engaging, skill-based games, we teach technique in a way that feels like play, not practice.
Community and Confidence:
Every child belongs. They’ll learn teamwork, build leadership qualities, make lasting friendships, and find a second family on the snow.
Register NOW for our 2025/2026 Season.
Spaces are Limited!
Lesson Dates
The program runs on Saturdays. Lessons start at 10:30 a.m. Sessions start on December 6th and continue on the following dates:
- December 6th & 13th
- January 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
- February 7th, 21st, 28th
- March 8th (last day 2026 Loppet on a Sunday)
Please note, we take a break over the holidays. (No lessons Dec 20th, Dec 27th and Feb 14th).
Age / Pricing
If your child has never skied before, or you don’t know what level to sign up for, please email [email protected] and we will help.
- Bunnyrabbits (Ages 4-5): $103
- Jackrabbit Level 1 (Ages 6-7): $126
- Jackrabbits Level 2 (Ages 6-7): $126
- Jackrabbit Level 3 (Ages 8-9): $126
- Jackrabbits Level 4 (Ages 8-9): $126
- Trailblazers (Ages 10-12): $126
Membership & Registration Details
To register for Jackrabbits, you can either add the program to a family membership or purchase an individual Youth membership and add on a youth program. Lesson costs vary by age and cover all sessions for the season.
Both can be purchased easily through Zone4. Take advantage of our early bird pricing available until October 31st!
If you have any questions or need assistance with equipment rentals, we’re here to help!
Getting Ready for Lessons
- Lessons start at 10:30 a.m. sharp! Please arrive early if your child needs to rent equipment.
- Rentals for the season can be reserved when you sign up, but don’t worry, we’ll send reminders if something is missed.
- Parents are always welcome to participate in lessons, help coach, or volunteer for activities like making hot chocolate!
Coaching & Communication
Our coaches will send an introductory email before the first lesson to help your child feel prepared and excited.
We’ll also send you practical information about things like how to dress and what to do in case of cold weather cancellations.
Register Now! Spots are limited!
Questions about the program? Email [email protected]
The Joy of Jackrabbits
The Jackrabbit ski program began in Canada in the mid-1970s, inspired by the legendary ski pioneer Herman “Jackrabbit” Smith-Johannsen. It started in Manitoba with just 10 enthusiastic kids and quickly grew into a national sensation!Designed for children aged 6-9, the program focuses on fun, skill development, and a love for cross-country skiing. With playful games and friendly competition, Jackrabbits helps kids build confidence and make lifelong friends on the trails.Today, thousands of young skiers across Canada are hopping into winter adventures, all thanks to the joyful spirit of Jackrabbit!
