Category Archives: What’s New

For the more adventurous and/or advanced skiers in our group, please note that there are some exciting ski races going on this weekend at Falcon Ridge Ski & Recreation Area!  (Visit CCSAM to view all info re: the CCSAM Provincial Sprints.)

The registration deadline (which was originally tonight) has been extended to tomorrow, Thursday January 26 at noon.  The reason for the registration extension is due to changes from classic to skate (freestyle) technique.

https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=14596&lan=1&cartlevel=1

The CCSAM Provincial Sprints will showcase an exciting new sprint format known as King’s Court which has been used in cup races in Canmore and Thunder Bay.  Again, visiting CCSAM will inform you of all details.

If you are interested in this event and have additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask the coaches for more details.

P.S.  Rumour has it that Windsor Park was amazing last night for skiing!  Groomed beautifully and super fast!

Hi, and this is awful to announce as it is not cold, but the snow is just garbage and quite unskiable for our large group for tomorrow.  On a reconnaissance 4:00 this afternoon I watched snowshoers sinking right through to the ground.  Skis were crunching right through and the poling was bottomless.  I sank a skidoo at Sunshine Village in snow just like this. Other venues close by will be with similar conditions due to the drizzle.

Sorry but we are off for Sunday Jan. 22. So bummed.

Coach Ihor

1. Photos from the Jamboree are now posted… under the “Photos” menu link.  If you took any photos that day and would like to share them with our group, please feel free to email them to me and I will gladly add them to the collage.

2.  I am sloooowly adding our new family pictures to our “directory”.  Due to the size of APJ this year, I only have pictures of 24 out of our 44 families!  To help me out, please forward me a family photo if you don’t see yourselves pictured within our APJ Families link.

3.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26 is our club photos date.  Stafford Studios will be taking individual/family photos as well as a large group photo.  That date is also the day when we will be doing our 2nd annual Cookie-Sprint-Relay.  It’s a super fun time with tons of cookies (we had so many leftover last year that I think we’ll need to begin devouring them right from the start this time around!)

4.  For families looking to get involved in some exciting ski events… CCSAM has all the details.  (Pinawa Loppet this weekend: Jan. 21;  Falcon ski with Biathlon Open-House: Jan. 28-29;  Boundary Trails Distance Challenge:  February 24-25;  Riding Mountain Loppet: March 4-5…)  If you have any questions about these ski events, just ask.  We’ve been there and we’ll be happy to tell you more!

Yes everything is cooperating and we will ski Thursday night at Windsor Park. Prepare for skate technique and I think the conditions will be fantastic.

Meet outside at the ski racks for 6:30, bring your water botttle belt too if you have one,

Coach Ihor

This past Sunday was the annual Jackrabbit Jamboree at Windsor Park.  With temperatures rising to a balmy -7C by the afternoon, it was a glorious day to be outdoors!

We had 29 APJ kids participating in the day’s activities which included a scavenger hunt, prizes, games, lunch, group photos, races, big ski, and an awards ceremony.  Lots of skiing and lots of fun!

More shots of the day will soon be posted under “Photos”.

Some of our APJ members at the 2017 Jamboree this past Sunday

Okay, a busy Sunday!

A lot of the younger skiers will be participating in the Jackrabbit Jamboree at Windsor Park.  So, since many families will already be there and the activities are limited for the Coach Jeff and Coach Ihor groups, if you can, those two groups can ski on fast tracks Sunday: meet at Windsor Park Nordic Center between 1:00 and 1:30, set up for skate, but if you are new to skate technique- come on down anyway!

How to get to Windsor Park:

http://www.ccsam.ca/wheretoski/groups/windsor-park-nordic-centre/

Coach Ihor

Yes, just to confirm we will NOT be skiing  tonight as it is just too ridiculous, and the drive there will just cause too much exposure to hazards that would ruin someone’s weekend.

Stay home and do the strength routine!APJ Track Attack Strength (more, I know!)

Looking forward to seeing some big skiing at the Jackrabbit Jamboree!

Coach Ihor

Last call for registration for the Jackrabbit Jamboree which takes place this coming Sunday January 15 at Windsor Park Nordic Centre.  There are 16 spots remaining and the deadline is noon of Thursday January 12.  Registration and details here. 

For those who are new to attending this annual event, please know that it is a very fun time and non-threatening for new skiers. Temperatures are predicted to be quite pleasant.

For the young ones, the morning is filled with a scavenger hunt (followed by prizes), fun games (with more prizes), and then a hot dog/chips/drink lunch.  The afternoon is fun for those who like doing all kinds of different, short races on the grid (chocolate given after each race).

If you are debating about attending because your child doesn’t know how to ski very well yet, this event might just be the turning point and get your child to love the sport!

Alternatively, if the Jackrabbit Jamboree is not calling your name quite yet, Fort Whyte Alive is offering their annual SnowTrek on Sunday January 15 from 11:00 to 4:00.  Free admission.  Details here.

What a hearty bunch of Manitobans!  Despite the icy winds that blew today, we had 80 club members/parents out skiing at the park this afternoon… 50 of which were the kids!

Give yourselves a pat on the back for getting out the door with your family…not to mention toques, mitts, Buffs, scarves, jackets, snow pants, plus all your ski gear and those precious hot chocolate mugs.

Thank you to all parents/caregivers who put forth a tremendous effort in showing up to the park today.

This season’s Cross Country Canada toques/Buffs were distributed during our hot chocolate time. They are a keepsake for your skier – new designs each year based on an art contest. (details here)

NOTE:  If your skier did not receive his or her toque/Buff today, here are your options:

a) pre-arrange a pick-up time with me (email or phone) (i.e. come to my house OR notify me just prior to a Sunday session that you’ll be attending so I can bring it along with me)

or

b) wait to receive it at the wind-up party in March

Interested in purchasing extra toques?  Visit the CCC online store (or purchase through Coach Ihor – he has a few extras).  FYI: the hot chocolate toque fits larger than the others (i.e. adults can wear it).

Last but not least… don’t forget about registering for the Jackrabbit Jamboree.  It takes place next Sunday January 15 at Windsor Park.  Details here: Register by noon January 12

Hi All,

We will be skiing Sunday Jan. 8 at the Duck Pond as before, 1:30 start.  It will be cool so make sure that the wind-stop clothing is on.  Actually, it will be quite pleasant.  Track Attackers: prepare for classic technique work (the snow will be too slow for fast skating).  Bring a mug for hot chocolate too.

Also, the CCSAM schedule has changed! This means that the Jackrabbit Jamboree is on next week Sunday!!!!!  Please go to the CCSAM website for information and registration.  This is THE go-to event for any skier under 11 and it is a scream for even the 5 year olds.

If everyone is on for that and we thus overrun and rule the Jamboree, then we should have a Track Attack session there too, as this would allow us to learn and ski on some different terrain.  Feedback is welcome (i.e. leave a comment)

Looking forward to seeing everybody again, and don’t forget that hot chocolate mug!

Coach Ihor