The Jasper Cross Country Ski Club is looking forward to an exciting year with its new Jackrabbit ski program.

The Jackrabbits are starting up this year after last year’s successful introduction. Dave MacDowell with the Jasper Cross Country Ski Club said there will be two sessions in January and February, twice a week. There will be an after school session and a session offered on the weekend. Eight volunteer coaches within the club have stepped up to take ICC coaching courses to become certified to teach Jackrabbits. 

Classes will run for a few hours after school, and two or three on the weekends.

“It’s not a whole day commitment,” MacDowell said.

The club is pairing with Parks Canada again this year to share information on improving trails in the region and promote cross-country skiing in the Park. Each year Parks sets trails in various areas. 

MacDowell said the Whistlers Campground is an extremely popular ski area, as evidenced by a recent survey the club conducted.

“You get off work, you can just bomb out there,” MacDowell said. “You can get some fresh air close to home.”

Other great ski trails include the Pyramid Lake loop, which was heavily used last season, the Meeting of the Waters at the Athabasca Falls, Maligne Lake and the Mount Edith Cavell Road.

This year Parks will be changing a few locations of the ski trails to encourage caribou populations, including issuing a ban on travel on the Mount Edith Cavell Road from now until Feb. 15, 2011.

“They’re trying to keep people out of the alpine,” MacDowell said, adding that club members understand the reasoning behind the closure. Club members are happy to use the groomed trails. “It’s good for the caribou, it’s good for the skiers, everyone wins.”

Parks will be holding a meeting later this month to discuss track-setting locations.

The ski club will be offering members two different sets of free lessons this season. The first will be two skate and two classic technique classes before Christmas, and the next set will be after. MacDowell said if members take advantage of the free lessons, they could benefit from eight altogether. 

The club will be holding wax nights, group skis and possibly a ladies’ ski once a week after the snow falls. Members are insured under Cross Country Alberta, which provides access to resources as well. 

While no details can be confirmed, MacDowell said the club is discussing the possibility of a loppet event later in the year.

MacDowell said the actual ski season starts at a different time each year, and he is not sure when Jasperites will be able to hit the trails. 

Parks Canada has a minimum snow requirement before they can get out and track-set, which will signal the start of the season. 

MacDowell said cross-country skiing is a great draw for visitors and locals, one that Parks Canada has encouraged.

“I think they recognize that it’s a great Parks activity,” he said. “Cross-country skiing is exciting for our visitors too.”

The benefits of cross-country skiing is that anyone can put on a pair of skis and head out, whereas alpine skiing is more involved.

“If you can walk, you can cross-country ski,” MacDowell said. 

Cross-country skis can be rented at a number of locations in Jasper including Source For Sports, Edge Control, Totem Ski Shop and Wild Mountain.

The ski club will officially kick off the season on Dec. 12 at the Palisades Centre. More information will be announced closer to the event. The Jasper Cross Country Ski Club has a Facebook page, where updates on conditions, events and more can be found.

Last year the club boasted over 70 members, and MacDowell is hoping to improve on that number.

“There’s been all sorts of neat ideas thrown around. I think it’s really building in momentum.”

For more information on the club, visit the Facebook page or contact MacDowell at 780-852-5304, or freeride@telusplanet.net.

For information on the Jackrabbit program, contact Jeanine D’Antonio at 780-852-7043 or email jasperjackrabbit@gmail.com.