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Viking BR/JR program levels
Making sure participants are in the appropriate level can be a challenge. The level they’re placed in depends on age, technical ability, the number of years of coaching they’ve had, endurance, and the ability of others in the group.
General comments about levels
- Don’t be concerned about the level your child starts the season in, especially if it’s a lower level than their age might suggest. It’s always easier to move "up" a level than "down". The instructors or program coordinator will advise you after the first or second lesson if your child should change levels.
- Consider your child's experience on skis rather than his or her age. Age matters, but isn't always a guarantee of ability.
- Consider your child's overall motor skills and attention span; the higher the level, the more he or she will need of each.
- If your child has never skied before, he or she will typically be registered at a lower level.
- It’s more important that your child succeed in learning new skills and have fun than achieve a higher level.
Skills Progression
As a general guideline, here’s what youngsters can expect to learn at each level.
| Level* |
Age / Experience |
Expectations |
|
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Viking BR |
New skiers
No or limited ski experience
Usually 4-5 years old |
Emphasis is on having fun on skis
Balance and movement are key objectives
Children must want to ski
Limited use of ski poles
|
Viking JR1 |
Beginner skiers
Limited ski experience Usually 6-7 years old |
Skills begin to be taught
Can get up from a fall on the flats
Can keep skis straight while moving forward
Can climb hills using herringbone & side step
No skating taught at this level
|
Viking JR2 |
Novice skiers
One to 2 years of ski experience
Usually 7-8 years old |
All Level 1 skills plus:
Beginning of diagonal stride ("gliding")
Straight running and turning on downhill
Stopping and turning, using the “Snowplow”
Can get up from a fall on a hill
Double poling
Introduce skating techniques
|
Viking JR3 |
Experienced skiers
Two to 3 years ski experience
Level 2 completed
Usually 8-9 years old |
All Level 2 skills plus:
Developing skating techniques
Marathon Skate
Free Skate and Skate Turn
Diagonal Skate
One-step Double Poling
Intermediate diagonal stride
Endurance requirement=10/5 min classic/skate
|
Viking JR4 |
Experienced Viking JRs
Three to 4 years ski experience
Level 3 completed
Usually 9-10 years old |
All Level 3 skills plus:
Step Turns
Parallel Side Slipping
Two Skate
Endurance requirement=15/10 min
classic/skate
|
Viking Bows |
Experienced Viking JRs
Four or more years ski experience
Level 4 completed
Usually 10-12 years old |
All Level 4 skills plus:
Refining techniques
Improving endurance and speed Endurance requirement=30/20 min
classic/skate
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* Parents and kids please note: It is quite common for kids to repeat the top levels – there is a lot to learn, and the season is short! |
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