XC BRAGG CREEK SKI AND BIKE SOCIETY
‘Gearing Up’ for Winter Fun with XCBC
XC Bragg Creek runs fun winter recreational and competitive cross-country ski and biathlon programs for youth ages 5+. Cross-country skiing is the foundation of all of the XCBC winter programs, and great news: it’s a fun family activity too! This month, the XC Bragg Creek team is offering tips for setting up a successful kid- friendly winter day on the trails:
Be a mentor. Kids are more likely to be interested in something if they see that their parents enjoy doing it too. Take the whole family out for a day of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, and make it a fun adventure. Pack a backpack with a picnic lunch and bring some hot cocoa to enjoy on the trail. A few well-timed treats can also help keep everyone’s spirits up.
Start small. Don’t expect your kids to tackle long distances right off the bat. Start with shorter, easier trails and gradually work your way up to longer, more challenging ones. This will help your children build confidence and develop their skills.
Kids are great guides. The West Bragg Creek Trails are well marked and maps are strategically placed at intersections. This is a great opportunity for your little ones to learn important skills in map reading, orienteering, and navigation while feeling empowered by leading your group.
Make it fun! Play games on the trail, have a scavenger hunt or make up challenges on the fly. The more fun your kids have while skiing, the more likely they are to want to do it again.
Dress for success! A fun day on the trails begins with staying warm and dry the whole day long. Skiers need to be onions – dressed in layers, not smelly (though they’re often that too). Layers help wick moisture away from the body and allow for adding or subtracting to maintain a comfortable temperature. Teaching your child how to choose and dress in the right layers is a powerful tool in your winter-fun toolbox.
1) Start with a base layer. Base layers are comfortable layers that wick moisture from the skin and stay comfortable even when they get sweaty from exertion. Synthetic poly-pro or merino wool fabrics make the best base layers. Avoid cotton as it stays wet and causes a chill.
2) Add a middle layer for warmth. This layer can be removed or added as needed and continues to wick moisture away from the body. Fleece and down are popular middle layers. Packable warm layers are great because they can be easily stuffed into a backpack. Resist the temptation to let your child choose their favorite cotton hoodie as a middle layer. Cotton still holds moisture when used as a middle layer and will quickly lead to chilly kids. These are great items to leave in the car to snuggle into AFTER a great day on the trails.
3) Top with a water-resistant, wind- resistant, breathable outer layer. Lightweight soft shells or breathable rain jackets make great outer layers. These can be used directly over a base layer to cut the wind or layered over everything to keep your child warm and dry.
4) Accessorize! It’s important to make sure your child has a ski beanie or a toque. The hood of a jacket will still allow air to circulate around the head and cool them down. Warm heads mean warm bodies. A buff or neck gaiter will prevent those adorable rosy cheeks from getting frostbitten and stops the wind and snow from creeping inside the layers. Don’t forget the mittens or gloves. It’s great to pack an extra pair in your backpack, that way if fingers get chilly, there is a drier, warm set to slide on.
5) Socks rock! Investing in a good pair of merino-blend ski socks that fit your child properly might be the best twenty bucks you spend all winter. High-quality ski socks keep kids’ feet warm and dry even when they are sweaty. Keeping those toes warm and dry will make the difference between tears and terrific.
Do you need skis, boots, poles, or snowshoes for the day? The Moose Mountain General Store and The Handle Bar in Bragg Creek both offer rental services.
The fun doesn’t stop when the snow flies; our XC Bragg Creek athletes and coaches will tell you that the best part of the year is just getting started. We hope these tips will help your family get the best out of winter too. For more information on XCBC programs, check out our website, www.xcbraggcreek.ca.
See you on the trails!
