What should my child wear for cross-country skiing?
Opt for layered clothing. Wearing several thin layers will allow him or her to add or remove layers if too hot or too cold. The Parent Handbook (available in December) will include tips on dressing for cross-country skiing.
What level is best for my child?
Before registering your child, make sure to carefully read each lesson description as well as the section on “Choosing the Right Level for Your Child.” These sections include course-specific information as well as any applicable prerequisites.
My son will turn 4 after January 1. Can I still register him in the Jeannot Lapin group? He is very active and would have no trouble following the group.
No. All children enrolled in the Jeannot Lapin course must be 4 or older on January 1 of the current ski season. Any falsification of the information entered on the registration form could result in cancellation of the registration, without a refund.
My daughter completed the Jeannot Lapin course last winter, but will turn 5 after January 1. Can I register her for Jackrabbit Level 1? She is very active and would have no trouble following the group.
No. Children aged 5 must register for Jeannot Lapin for a second time. However, all participants are assessed during the first lesson.
Can my child and his friend be in the same group?
If both children are registered in the same level and age group, they should be together for the session. However, if the children are not of the same age or level, they will not be in the same group. Since all participants are assessed during the first lesson, the ski instructors may restructure groups for the following week.
What payment methods do you accept?
Accepted modes of payment are VISA and MasterCard. Please note that full payment is required to reserve your child’s spot. A $50 non-refundable administrative fee is included in the price of the activity. No refund will be given within seven days of the start of the activity unless a written medical certificate is submitted.
What does a typical lesson with Les Amis’ Cross-Country Ski School consist of?
Lessons begin with warm-up exercises outside.
We often practise technical exercises on our school ski trail (figure 8 loop and short ascents/descents). Games are part of teaching cross-country skiing: various games are played on one or two skis, with or without poles, during the lesson to help kids perfect their technique. Participants take part in short or long excursions, depending on the group’s skill level and how far the lessons have progressed during the session.
How does the option “with equipment rental” work?
Lessons begin at the indicated time. If you are renting equipment, it is very important to arrive15 minutes before the start of the lesson, at the rental counter, to get your equipment.
Ski equipment is loaned for the lesson only and must be returned at the end of the lesson.
Your child can borrow the equipment any time (except during course sessions), but may only use it in Mount Royal Park. The equipment may not be used to ski anywhere other than in Mount Royal Park.
Can I accompany my child during the lesson? I have skis and could help the group.
No, it is better for your child to be on her own. In this manner, she will learn to get up by herself (using the technique taught by the instructor) and will be more likely to take part in the various group activities. It will also be easier for her to integrate into the group without the presence of a parent.
Groups are made up of a maximum of 12 children. Two instructors accompany each group of more than 8 children.
Are ski lessons maintained during bad weather?
We follow the guidelines issued by Ski de fond Québec in terms of maintaining ski lessons in certain weather conditions. In the event of a cancellation, and provided it is possible to do so, a special activity or ski clinic will be organized. Further details will be provided in the Parent Handbook to be sent out a few weeks before the start of the session.
If a lesson is postponed, when will it be rescheduled?
A special activity is planned for the weekend of February 24, 25. A condensed course will be offered at this time, followed by the activity.
Who are the instructors in the Les Amis de la montagne Ski School?
Our ski instructors are often CEGEP or university students who love cross-country skiing and teaching this winter sport. Most have practised the sport since childhood or have competed with various ski clubs across Quebec. Our assistant instructors are often former students who are now old enough to teach.
All our instructors are trained as community coaches with Ski de fond Québec and/or Nordiq Canada.
My child does not have a health insurance card (RAMQ), but we have private insurance. Can he still participate in your cross-country skiing lessons?
You can register your child for our cross-country skiing lessons, but you will need to provide all the details of your private insurer when registering online.
Get ready by watching these video clips
Video clip 1
Video clip 2
Video clip 3