Programs

Jackrabbit Ski League

The Jackrabbit ski program is a 10-week program that teaches cross-country skiing to kids. The program starts on the first or second Saturday of January, and is based at the club chalet on Balmer Bay Road. Lessons are held Saturday afternoons starting at 1:30 p.m., and last 1 to 2 hours depending on age and skill level. Hot drinks are served in the chalet after the lesson.

The program is for kids up to age 13, with a special Bunnyrabbit program for kids aged 3 to 5 (accompanied by a parent). Lessons follow the nationally recognized Cross Country Canada program, and are taught by skiers trained in coaching children. See the Registration page for fee details.

If your child needs equipment, consider renting from the club collection of used equipment for a modest fee (see Rentals section below).

Contact Melanie Grant (Jackrabbit Head Coordinator, cell 613-401-1235) for more information.

Racing Program for Teens

High school aged skiers can train and participate in a variety of out of town races. Contact Aubrey Fletcher at 613-633-2474 for more information.

Adult Instruction

The club offers lessons in the classic (diagonal stride) technique. Beginner lessons consist of two sessions in early to mid January.  An intermediate lesson is also offered, consisting of one lesson in mid to late January.

A skate-ski clinic is offered in late February or early March.

The beginner lessons are free to new club members; otherwise, the beginner lessons are $20 (two sessions). The intermediate classic ski lesson and skate-ski clinic are $15 each.

The schedules for the lessons are posted on the events calendar.

Sign up when you register for club membership.  Contact Tom Holden at 613-584-2819 for more information.

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Ski Equipment Rentals – 2023/24 Season

The DRXC has a large collection of used ski equipment for seasonal rentals, at the following costs:

  • Children ski package (skis, boots, and poles): $25
  • Adult ski package (skis, boots, and poles): $40
  • Wax kits: $8

Rentals fittings are held at the Deep River Curling and Squash Club.

The schedule for 2023:

  • Saturday Nov 25, 10 a.m. to noon –  All skiers 12 and under (including Jackrabbits) and their families.
  • Saturday Nov 25, noon to 4 p.m. – All skiers.
  • Sunday Nov 26, 10 a.m. to noon – All skiers.

After the weekend of Nov 25/26, contact Phil Davis (613-584-3033 or phil.davis603@gmail.com) for information on future plans for the rental program.

Moonlight Ski

The Club organizes two moonlight skis on Saturday evenings near the dates of the full moons in the January to early March period.  Warm drinks are provided at the chalet after the ski.  Nature is expected to provide good weather and snow conditions.  More information is sent to members closer to the time.

Grooming

The club has drafted a grooming policy so that members are better informed about our trail-setting objectives. Contact Marc Audet at 613-281-4591 for more information.

Silver Spoon Ski Fest

For 2023, the 51st Silver Spoon Fest will have the following events:

Multi-day touring event

This will follow the same format as in the past two years. From Saturday February 11 to Sunday February 19 (nine days), skiers and snowshoers can rack up their kilometres toward bragging rights and a donation to local charities. The “course” consists of any trail in the Ottawa Valley between Driftwood Provincial Park in the west and the Petawawa Research Forest in the east. Participant skiers must be DRXC members.

Ski (race) loppet event

On Sunday February 19, fun races will start at the DRXC chalet at 10:30 a.m. Skiers can choose a 5 km (freestyle), 10 km (freestyle), or 20 km (classic) course on the Silver Spoon ski trails. These informal races are reminiscent of the friendly Club Championships of the past. Participant skiers must be DRXC members.

Chili lunch

On Sunday February 19, all participants in the above events and all race volunteers are invited to a free chili lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the chalet.

More information is on the Silver Spoon website. Check out the Silver Spoon Facebook page too. Still have questions? Contact Helena Rummens (613-584-4321, rummensh@magma.ca).

Deep River Cross Country Ski Club