Skill Development Program (SDP)

The sport of cross-country skiing is enjoyed by people of all ages and makes for great family time in the outdoors! Nordiq Alberta is proud to support youth ski programs, with province-wide partners to help you find a program that is right for you.

Click below to learn more about the Nordiq Canada Skill Development Programs (SDP). This exciting program conforms to the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) Model and provides a vertically integrated continuum of development opportunities for children in the first three stages of skier development.

Bunnyrabbit Program (ages 5 and under)

This program targets the Active Start stage of development. The objective of the program is to introduce cross-country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play.

Jackrabbit Program (ages 6-9)

This program targets the FUNdamentals stage of development. The program aims to teach children basic cross-country skills in both classic and skate techniques as well as instil a lifelong interest in the sport, which promotes quality of life and health.

Track Attack Program (ages 10 - 12)

This program targets the Learning to Train stage of development. The focus of the program is to help participants become technically competent cross-country skiers and use their skills to explore a wide range of ski activities throughout the winter and summer.

Getting Started

Interested in organizing a Skill Development Program in your community? Download the Skill Development Programmers Guidebook to get involved today!

Do you need to order program supplies such as stickers and booklets? Check out all of the materials on our Nordiq Alberta Online Store.

It is no longer required to order Toques & Buffs. Rather than ordering toques & buffs for Bunny rabbit, Jackrabbit, and Track Attack participants the registration numbers will be pulled directly from Zone 4 on the following dates and packing a club order. 

  • December 5, 2023 (Delivery to AB Cup 1 & 2 in Canmore – December 9 & 10)
  • January 5, 2024 (Delivery to AB Cup 3 & 4 in Canmore – January 12 – 14)
  • January 30, 2024 (Delivery to AB Cup 7 & 8 in Red Deer – February 3 & 4)

Please ensure all SDP participants are registered by these dates or their toque & buff will be added to the subsequent date. If you prefer a different method to receive your SDP Toques & Buffs (example: pick up at our Edmonton office) or are looking to order extra please contact us directly at .

All stickers, books, and passports can be ordered through our online store and will be processed as they are ordered. Payment can be made directly on the store or by cheque. See our Skill Development Program (SDP) Materials List to see what’s available. 

For more information on programs, please visit Nordiq Canada.

Ski Parent 101

Whether your child aspires to greatness in our sport or just wants to have fun outdoors during winter, your local club can offer helpful information on everything from equipment and safety to lessons and competition.

Want to do more to support your child? Consider taking two short and inexpensive e-learning courses:

  • Coaching Initiation in Sport
  • Introduction to Community Coaching

While these courses were designed for coaches, many parents have taken them to learn about equipment and to understand what and how their child is learning. After all, parents naturally become unofficial assistant coaches when they take their kids on a family ski.

To get started, go to the Locker and log in or create a free account. If you are creating an account, you will be prompted to create a NCCP number and a Locker account. Happy learning!

Additional Programs

Skill Development Camps

These camps are integral to any progressive athlete development program. Camps can help young athletes learn ski-related technical skills, teamwork, self-reliance, and positive eating habits. They can also work as a recruitment tool for new athletes, promote friendships, influence lifestyle choices, and provide a solid introduction to activities that encourage physical fitness.

Alta Gas Ski-at-School Programs

Ski-at-School provides the opportunity to try cross-country skiing to a wide variety of children in elementary schools in your community. Through fun, skill-building games and activities, classes learn the fundamentals of cross-country skiing with the guidance of certified coaches. The objectives of this program are to encourage fun ski experiences and promote cross-country skiing as a family-friendly activity.

Ski Playgrounds

A ski playground is a designated location which has been developed to assist children to learn to ski naturally.  It provides them with a variety of skiing discoveries that use terrain to help them develop balance and coordination skills.

A ski playground could be set up almost any place there is snow.  Although an established ski area is preferable, a snow-covered school playground, golf course, community park or pasture will also work. 

To learn more about ski playgrounds and how they are used, click on the link to this Swedish Ski Federation video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a9zpaee8hwzhdk1/Ski%20Fun%20-%20Playground%20video.VOB?dl=0 

For additional information about ski playgrounds, including illustrations, click here.