Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors

Ontario X-Country Courses 2009-2010 (Updated) Posted on Oct 18th, 2009

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We are please to announce that the XC courses for this coming winter are now open for registration. Thank you for your patience. We had to ensure we will have enough Course Conductors now that Steve Gentles, Paul Graner and Mike Lalonde are no longer available.

This winter, thanks to Wendy Grater, Peter Grey, Paul Jorgensen (who just moved back from BC), Clare Magee, Rob Henderson, and our trainees Ted Williams, Murray Wood and Jan Vopalensky, we are able to offer you in total 17 XC courses over 8 events and 5 locations.

Note also that this winter not only are we keeping current course prices same as last year, but we also offering four Refresher/Professional Development courses for free. But if you still feel our courses are costly, keep in mind we are again offering Youth Scholarships to qualified individuals.

Bellow is a summary of all the Ontario XC courses planned for this season. Here you'll find direct links to the available course pages from where you can easily register. But if you know exactly what course you want, simply select it from the courses page. Just make sure you select the ON-Ontario and X-Country options (for easier viewing) and register for the right course.

Level I+II+III Instructor Refresher and Preparation - 2 Days

This early season course is especially designed for aspiring instructors, level I and II instructors teaching in Southern Ontario area ski clubs. Refresher and prep courses always provide great learning and a chance to relate to peers working on the same challenges without the stress of a certification course. You must be at least Level I instructor to take part in the Refresher part of this course.

December 19-20 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon

1) Level I+II Refresher - $140 ($100 if you register early and online**)
2) Level I Preparation - $180 ($150 if you register early and online**)
3) Level II/III Preparation - $180 ($150 if you register early and online**)

Note: In case there is not enough snow at this location, this course may be moved to a more suitable location. Your registration fees will be fully refunded if you do not want to drive to the new location. A decision will be made at least 3 days before course start.

Level I Instructor Refresher/Professional Development - 1 Day

If you cannot make the above special refresher, you can always tune-up your skiing and teaching skills in the following three courses. You must be at least Level I certified instructor that did not expire more than 10 years ago to take part in them.

1) January 3 - Arrowhead Prov. Park, Hunstville
2) January 5 - Hardwood Ski and Bike, Barrie
3) January 9 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon
4) January 16 - Mooney's Bay Park, Ottawa

Price: $0

Note: These refresher courses are offered in conjunction with a Level I preparation and/or Level I certification courses, and are limited to no more than 8 students each.

Level I Instructor Preparation

Make sure that your skiing skills are ready for the XC Level I Instructor course. This full day session is for ski improvement, with a focus on the skiing that is required for the Level I course. You must be a strong intermediate skier to take part in this course.

January 3 - Arrowhead Prov. Park, Hunstville

Price: $90 ($75 if you register at least 2 weeks before start of the course)

(Full) Level I Instructor Certification - 2 days

These certification courses train you for teaching beginner XC skiers - be they Classic or Skate skiers. They will introduce you to the fundamentals of XC Classic and Skating skiing technique and the Canadian teaching style. You will improve your demonstration skills and learn how to introduce new people to the sport.

1) December 19-20 - Hiawatha Highlands, SS Marie
2) January 5-6 - Hardwood Ski and Bike, Barrie
3) January 9-10 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon
4) January 16-17 - Mooney's Bay Park, Ottawa

Price: $400 ($350 if you register early and online**)

Note: We recommend completing the XC Level I Instructor Preparation course prior to attending this certification course and/or self-evaluating your skills based on the latest criteria listed in the current Course Conductor manual.

Classic-only Level I Instructor Certification - 2 days

These certification courses train you for teaching beginner XC Classic skiers only. It will introduce you to the fundamentals of XC Classic skiing technique and the Canadian teaching style. You will improve your demonstration skills and learn how to introduce new people to the sport.

1) January 5-6 - Hardwood Ski and Bike, Barrie
2) January 9-10 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon

Price: $400 ($350 if you register early and online**)

Note:
a) We recommend completing a XC Classic Level I Instructor Preparation course prior to attending this certification course and/or self-evaluating your skills based on the latest XC Classic Level I criteria.
b) Due to a limited number of available course conductors, this course is offered in conjunction with a full XC Level I certification course and limited to a maximum of 5 participants.

Level II+III Instructor Certification - 5 Days over 2 weekends

After an absence of two seasons, we are again offering full Level II and III certification courses. This combined 5-day courses are for instructors looking to hone their teaching and skiing skills. It focuses of skills and tactics needed to work with intermediate through advanced skiers.

You must be at least Level I instructor to take part in the Level II course, and Level II instructor for the Level III course.

1) Level II certification course
2) Level III certification course

Both are offered on the two consecutive weekends of January 29-31 and Feb. 27-28, and at the Highlands Nordic, Duntroon resort.

Price: $580 ($500 if you register early**)

Course Conductor Training and Level II+ Refresher - 2 days

This briefing is designed to train current and future Ontario XC Course Conductors. Accommodation is available on site at the Highlands Nordic farmhouse #1 for $25 per night. This farmhouse is located near the main chalet and room for close to 15 people.

December 12-13 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon

Price: $50 plus $14 per day for a trail pass

Note: You are eligible for reimbursement of the costs of this course (course fee plus reasonable expenses) should you commit to assist in the running of Ontario X-Country courses during this winter.

** Early and online registration means that you will register and pay through our web site at least 2 weeks before the start of the course. Further details about Ontario's course registration and cancellation policies, please read this news item.