For years, coaches with the Nordic Racers ski club have been helping skiers improve their technique and, for those with a competitive streak, improve their racing skills through their Learn to Loppet program. "These clinics have been hugely popular with our able-bodied members." says Sherryl Yeager, club president. "With the success of our Skiing is Believing (SIB) clinics the past two seasons, we wanted to give people with physical disabilities who enjoyed these one-day sessions an opportunity to ski on a regular basis so we are proud to announce the launch of our Adaptive Learn to Loppet program, or AL2L, each Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Cypress Mountain's nordic area starting February 8th and concluding on March 14th, 2012.
Designed for adaptive skiers who are at the beginner level but have skied at least once in the past five years, the AL2L program will help skiers with physical disabilities improve their technique and learn racing skills.This program will benefit a variety of skiers from those who just want to develop their technique and build skills to those who want to race. "Whether you want to race at a local or elite level or just ski for fun, the whole experience is more enjoyable when your technique is stronger," notes Yeager. "Through the AL2L, skiers will definitely improve their technique, making them better skiers as a whole."
Upon completing the AL2L you will have the option to take part in the Mount Washington Loppet on Vancouver Island March 31st (cost not included in course fee). Athletes will have the option of racing for time or just celebrating completing a loppet. We will join other Nordic Racers who participated in the able-bodied Learn to Loppet program.
Ski equipment, with the exception of sleds for sit-skiers, is not provided as part of this program, but we would encourage any potential participants to visit Sigge's Sport Villa on West 4th Avenue. Here, your Nordic Racers membership will give you a 10% discount as well as expert help in choosing equipment fit just for you. Sigge's Sport Villa sells both new and used equipment so you might be surprised how affordable your own skis really are!
Cost for the AL2L is $75 per person, which includes 12 hours of coaching over 6 weeks and your trail pass, provided by Cypress Mountain. The cost for guides is $50 for beginner/novice level skiers, free if experienced, trail passes supplied courtesy of Cypress Mountain. Athletes and guides who have been identified to compete at the BC Winter Games can access this program for just the cost of a membership with the Nordic Racers. All participants must become members of the Nordic Racers a fee of $15. We do offer reduced program rates for those who qualify!
For more information, to request an application for financial support or to sign up for AL2L, please email adaptive@nordicracers.ca.
