Haliburton Nordic Development Team 2025/26
What:
The Haliburton Nordic Development Team (HNDT) is a program for youth wanting to pursue nordic skiing at a higher level than that offered by Jackrabbits/Track Attack. The program is intended for graduates of Track Attack, but keen skiers in level 3 and 4 are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age is 9 years. Note: we will be developing both classic and skate techniques.
Why:
To offer a program to further develop nordic skiing skills for youth in the Haliburton Highlands. We will introduce concepts of training, ski waxing, and offer some race opportunities to increase exposure to nordic ski racing. This program is separate from, but will collaborate with the Jackrabbit/Track Attack programs when appropriate.
Participants in the program will be well prepared to:
-
- Pursue racing at the High School level
- Volunteer with the Jack Rabbit Junior Instructors Program
- Pursue higher level racing in the Ontario Cup circuit
- Pursue future ski adventures with friends and family
When:
- Wednesday 4:30pm-6:00pm, and Saturdays 1:30pm-3:00pm at Glebe Park
- Start date – Wednesday December 10
- End date – When the trails are no longer skiable – typically early March
- Race and training camp – dates tbd
Equipment checklist:
- Skate skis, boots and poles.
- Classic skis boots and poles – classic skis should fit the skier’s weight and be waxable.
- Skin skis may be acceptable if appropriately fitted.
Note: The ski club has a limited supply of rentals, especially classic skis. If appropriate rental equipment is not available, be prepared to purchase your own equipment. To explore club rental options – contact Annalee Winter or Kristy Waito via jackrabbitrentalshaliburton@gmail.com
- Optional but recommended: a second set of older skate and classic “rock skis”
- Optional but recommended: a few grip waxes, plastic scraper and a cork – Swix sells in a small kit with all of this included
- Drink belt – allows skiers to carry water while on the trails
- Wristwatch
- Running shoes – for dryland practice when conditions are poor
- Wool/polypro baselayers/long underwear
- Lighter-weight ski jackets and pants (”warm-ups”)
- Gloves and hats to match the conditions
- Buff/balaclava
- Warm jacket/hat/gloves for inactive periods.
Coaching Team:
Brian Suke, Ian Ritchie, Jason Ward
Costs:
- $75 (+HST) registration fee
- HHNTA membership to ensure full access to local trail systems
- Cost of Equipment – check out rental options (contact Annalee Winter or Kristy Waito via jackrabbitrentalshaliburton@gmail.com) but be prepared to purchase equipment if necessary. Note: We have kept the cost of the program low with the understanding that some families may need to purchase some equipment and that this can be expensive.
- (Optional) -Costs of Races –registration fees/travel
- Team clothes – TBD
Interested?
- Email Brian Suke at briansuke@gmail.com with the subject line of ‘Interested in Development Team’ to learn next steps.
- Please email as soon as possible to learn more. Registration for this program ends December 1st.
- Parent helpers. To make this program thrive and be sustainable we welcome parent helpers to join us for practices, and to help with travel logistics/race day planning.