Youth Cross-Country Ski Program

Photo : © Freddy Arciniegas

Certified by Ski de fond Québec, the youth program is designed for children aged 4 to 15 of all levels, who want to develop their cross-country skiing skills while enjoying the natural beauty of the mountain in winter.


Winter 2025: Registration opens on October 10, 2024 at 10 a.m. Existing Amis de la montagne customers on the Amilia booking system will have access to a 24-hour priority registration period, starting at 10 a.m. on October 9, 2024.
Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our activities for children, by checking the “Children's activities” box.
 

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SEE ALSO OUR ADULT CROSS-COUNTRY SKI PROGRAM

About the lessons

Geared towards youngsters, the Jeannot Lapin program focuses first and foremost on fun! Children learn how to stand and maintain their balance on skis, which is the first step in becoming a proficient skier and enjoying the cross-country skiing experience.
 

Prerequisites: Must be 4 to 5 years old on the day the activity begins. No experience necessary.


Cost: $175 
Equipment rental cost: $45 plus taxes

REGISTER HERE

Need more help? See How to Set up your Personal SmartRec Account (Amilia)

This program is designed to introduce cross-country skiing to children aged 9 to 15 who have never taken a course before. They will learn to develop their classic cross-country skiing technique, and will be able to hike and explore the trails of Mount Royal as a group.
 

Prerequisites: Must be 9 to 15 years old on the day the activity begins. No experience necessary.


Cost: $235 
Equipment rental cost: $70 plus taxes

REGISTER HERE

Need more help? See How to Set up your Personal SmartRec Account (Amilia)

Once they've found their balance on cross-country skis, youngsters move on to the technical development stage, learning classical and freestyle. The Jackrabbit program comprises four technical levels and is designed to develop accomplished skiers, highlighting progress at each stage in the acquisition of technical skills related to speed, consistency and distance covered!
 

Prerequisites - Level 1: Must be 6 to 8 years old on the day the activity begins. No experience necessary.


Prerequisites - Level 2: Must be 7 or 8 years old on the day the activity begins. Must have completed Level 1 of the Jackrabbit program OR know the following techniques: basic position, be able to get up by themselves, take side steps, do the star, be able to run on skis and slow down using the herringbone technique. 


Prerequisites - Level 3-4: Must be 8 or 9 years old on the day the activity begins.  Must have completed Level 2 of the Jackrabbit program OR know the following techniques: diagonal stride/extended glide, double poling, conversion and skate ski techniques, be able to turn using the skate ski technique and be able to ascend, turn and come to a full stop using the herringbone technique.


Cost: $235 
Equipment rental cost: $70 plus taxes
 

REGISTER HERE

Need more help? See How to Set up your Personal SmartRec Account (Amilia)

In this program, young skiers learn the advanced techniques of classic and free-style cross-country skiing. 
 

Prerequisites: Must be 9 to 15 years old on the day the activity begins. Must have completed the Jackrabbit program OR master the basic techniques: the gliding step, the herringbone, the wedge turn and complete stop, the extended step, the double pole, conversion, alternating skate technique, skate turn, and be able to ski long distances.

Cost: $235 
Equipment rental cost: $70 plus taxes

REGISTER HERE

Need more help? See How to Set up your Personal SmartRec Account (Amilia)

Parent Handbook

The Parent Handbook provides a wealth of information to help you get ready for the lessons.

PARENT'S HANDBOOK


Meeting Point

The meeting point is located at the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors, 2000 chemin Remembrance, Montréal, Québec H3H 1X2. See How to get to the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors.


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 includes tips on dressing for cross-country skiing. 


How can I be sure I'll hear from you after I've registered?

To ensure that you receive our messages after signing up, we recommend that you add notifications@amilia.com to your contact list and check your junk mail periodically.
 

 

Which level should I enroll my child in?

Before registering your child, make sure to carefully read each lesson description as well as any applicable prerequisites.


My child will turn 4 years old after the start of the activity. Can I enroll them in Jeannot Lapin? They’re very active and would have no trouble keeping up with the group.

No. Any child registered in Jeannot Lapin must be 4 or 5 years old on the date the activity begins. Any falsification of information entered on the registration form could result in cancellation of the registration, with no possibility of refund.


My child was enrolled in Jeannot Lapin last winter but will turn 6 years old after the start of the activity. Can I enroll them in Jackrabbit - Level 1?  They’re very active and would have no trouble keeping up with the group.

No. Children aged 5 at the start of the activity will have to repeat the Jeannot Lapin Level. All children enrolled in Jackrabbit - Level 1 must be between 6 and 8 years old on the date the activity begins. Any falsification of information entered on the registration form could result in cancellation of the registration, with no possibility of refund.


What payment methods do you accept?

Payment for the activity is made by credit card on the Amilia platform. Payment is required to reserve your child's place.


My child doesn't have a health insurance card (RAMQ), but we have a private insurer. Can he still take part in your cross-country skiing lessons?

Your child will be able to participate in our cross-country ski lessons, but you will need to provide full details of your private insurer when registering online.


Can my child and their friend be in the same group?

If your child and their friend are enrolled in the same time slot for the same level, there's a good chance they'll be in the same group. However, we cannot guarantee this, as there are sometimes several groups per level and time slot. 


How does the “with equipment rental” option work?

The lesson starts at the time indicated. If you are renting equipment, it is very important to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the lesson, at the rental counter, to borrow the equipment. The equipment is loaned to you for the class period only. You must return it at the end of the lesson.


What does a typical lesson look like?

The lesson begins with a short outdoor warm-up. Skiing techniques are often practiced on our school trail (loop 8 and short ascents/descents). Games are part of cross-country skiing learning; on one or two skis, with or without poles, various games are played during the course. Short or long tours are organized, depending on the level and the progress of the program during the season.


Can I accompany my child during the lesson? I have skis and could give the group a hand.

No, because it's better for the child if the parent isn't around. This way, they will learn to stand up on their own (according to the technique taught by the instructor) and will be more inclined to take part in the various activities with the group. Integration will be easier if the parent doesn't accompany the child.


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. Where possible, a special activity or workshop will be organized. More details are provided in the Parent Handbook.


If a lesson is cancelled, will it be rescheduled?

An end-of-season activity is planned for the weekend following the last lesson. A condensed course will be repeated at that time, followed by the special activity. The exact date will be indicated in the activity description and on the registration receipt.

If you have any questions about the choice of level or the program in general, please contact the ski school team at ecoledeski@lemontroyal.qc.ca / 514 843-8240, ext. 4.
If you have any questions about the online booking platform, please contact our registration department at reservations@lemontroyal.qc.ca / 514 843-8240, ext. 2.

You can only cancel your registration yourself using the Amilia mobile application (available from Apple Store or Google Play Store).

Up to 24 hours before the start of your activity: As the service has not yet begun, there are no charges or penalties for cancellation. You will receive a full refund.

During the activity: A credit will be issued pro rata to the service rendered, less 10% of the price of activities not attended.

In the event of an absence, no credit and no resumption of activity will be possible.

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