603-383-9355 | info@jacksonxc.org

Youth Instruction & Programs

Kids love to cross country ski. XC skiing is the most liberating ski experience for a young age: no lines, plenty of wide open spaces, and no sitting around.

Starting at a groomed cross country ski center – JacksonXC – kids can:

  • Become competent recreational skiers.
  • Develop racing skills and speed.
  • Learn the basics that they can use in the back country with parents or when older.
  • Prepare to learn biathlon by becoming skate skiers.
  • Practice ski-orienteering (a military-inspired sport using skiing and maps).
  • Prepare to take up jumping/Nordic combined.
  • Learn the core balance and edging skills needed to become successful downhill skiers.

XC skiing both builds and burns youthful energy, and engages them in the outdoor world.

You can help your child become an avid skier:

  • Have fun while you are XC skiing together. Roll with the weather and conditions.
  • Plan for success: not too long a day; be ready to divert to more fun terrain.
  • Provide appropriate gear and clothing (including replacement dry items), and food/water.
  • Instruction and coaching.
  • Find age-appropriate group options so kids can ski with peers.

JacksonXC offers numerous entry points for youth xc skiing.

Toddlers & Tots – not available Feb. 20; returns Feb 27 and every Tues in March

Tuesdays, non-holiday, JacksonXC offers free tickets and rentals, including pulks and tot skis, to skiers (up to two adults) who bring a child or children under the age of 5. Use of equipment is based on availability. This is a good time to meet other families with children of similar age. You may arrive at any time for T&T however pulks are available for either morning or afternoon sessions (not all day, on T&T), and rental equipment for T&T must be returned by 3:30 pm (we do not send T&T rentals out after 2 pm.)

Call to reserve a pulk: 603-383-9355. Be sure to speak with a person.

Rental Pulks and Tot Skis

Pulks let you ski along with your child in a purpose-made sled that you tow from a hip-belt. You can bring your child on your ski outing and easily carry along toys, tot skis, music, snacks, and a change of clothes for a nice family outing. Very little children often sleep; older kids can alternate between XC skiing and riding.

Family and Youth Lessons

Lessons are 1 hour (unless otherwise arranged).

$60 for the first person, $20/person for additional family members.

Intro lesson package: $71/person. Call to reserve; available daily.

Saturday morning and afternoon programs – multi-week

Youth Programs on Saturday morning

Ages5+
Timing: 9:00am- 11:00am
12 sessions starting Dec. 23. (Possible jump start Dec. 16 pending snow!)
Cost: $175 for the season.
Drop off Program – Parents must be present for the entirety of the first practice.
Kids must be self-sufficient in terms of self-care and clothing management.

Youth Programs on Saturday afternoons
Ages 5+
Timing: 2:30 pm – 4 pm
12 sessions starting Dec. 23. (Possible jump start Dec. 16 pending snow!)
Cost: $175 for the season.
Drop off Program – Parents must be present for the entirety of the first practice.
Kids must be self-sufficient in terms of self-care and clothing management.

Speed Camp

A no-charge coaching program for grades K-6 who already have some ski experience. Non-holidays Tuesdays 3:15 to 4:15. Parents drop off and pick up and kindergartener must have a parent in attendance at all times; all children must have a parent or designated adult in attendance for the first session. Waiver and registration required. (This is not a childcare program; it takes place 100% outdoors.)

NOTE: The program will run 3:30 to 4:30 for the first week (Jan. 2); the goal is to return to the original starting time of 3:15 once the kids get accustomed to getting over to the ski center.

Plus programs for local youth

JacksonXC is supporting the Jackson Grammar School’s physical education classes this winter with XC coaching as needed.

JacksonXC is the site for the Jackson Grammar School’s weekly “early release” ski program.

High/Middle School and College Ski Teams (team members) may ski at no charge with pre-registration.

In addition, JacksonXC is providing XC and snowshoe experiences to participants in the Conway Elementary Schools’ Project Succeed program.