2024 Hawea Flat School Cross Country Skiing Program 

The Hawea Flat School Cross Country Ski programme runs for five weeks with one weather day. The program runs on Friday's and starts on the 16th of August.

Learn, develop and expand your cross-country skiing ability! Whether it’s your first time or a seasoned skier, the Hawea Primary program is your chance to get up on the hill mid-week and progress your cross-country skiing ability. 

Students that participated last year will be assigned groups according to their previous achievement level. New students are assessed on the first day, and they will be assigned into a group based on their ability. No experience Cross Country Skiing is necessary. 

Lesson Fee:

The program’s cost is $75 for the 5-week program - plus another $75 for passes and rentals, or you can buy a  Season pass at discounted rates; see details below. Parents can book the programme online here, as well as school trail passes, rentals or if desired, buy a school seasons pass from the Snow Farm Website here https://snowfarmnz.com/youth-programs/. 

Lesson Structure:

Students typically arrive at Snow Farm between 9:30 and 10:00 am, and we aim to have them out on snow by 10:30 am for the morning session. which will conclude around  12:30 pm, at which point they will break for lunch and if the weather allows parents are encouraged to ski with their kids in the afternoon.

The programme outline will vary depending on groups and abilities. Our goal will be to balance the amount of classic skiing and skating for each group depending on their ability. New skiers will have more Classic sessions as they build up their ability levels and fitness, and more advanced skiers will spend more time skating. All groups will spend time on both disciplines. 

Season Pass and Rentals:

All students can buy a regular Season Pass or a Seasons Pass with Rentals at discounted rates. It allows the students to come up anytime during the winter. There are links on the Youth Programs page on the Snow Farm Website to buy a Seasons Pass or Season Pass with Rentals for participants, and family passes are also available.

Clothing/Equipment:

Cross country skiing is quite different from alpine skiing in that your child will be remaining active all day.  It is important they have dressed appropriately so they remain comfortable, do not overheat or get cold.  Your child will be participating in a wide range of activities not simply skiing.  Because of this, we suggest your child brings the following clothing/equipment to give them options come lesson day.

·  A lightweight wind jacket (for skiing)

·  A heavier Alpine ski style jacket (for snow play/snow-caving activities)

·  Alpine ski pants or lightweight, waterproof over-trousers.

·  A ski hat/beanie

·  Sunglasses are preferred to alpine ski goggles as goggles tend to fog up.

·  Gloves-at least 2 pairs per session, one lightweight and one heavier waterproof pair.

·  Neckwarmer or Buff

·  Thermal Underwear top and bottom

·  Ski socks + an extra pair to change into if your child gets wet feet.

·  A change top (t-shirt + hoodie) for putting on once they have finished skiing.

·  Any asthma/allergy medication, which your child would normally carry.

Food/Drink:

Cross country skiing takes a lot of energy so it’s important your child has adequate supplies of food and drink to keep their energy levels up.  Ensure your child has a full lunch box with nutritious snacks/sandwiches etc.  It would also be advisable to provide your child with a drink bottle they can refill with water to drink throughout the day.

The course content may vary to accommodate weather, conditions, and the skills of the group. The Snow Farm provides the facility, trails, ski equipment, and lessons. The school/parents/caregivers are responsible for transport, food and winter clothing.