In the fall of 1991, James White of the Bow Waters Canoe Club spoke to then-President, Armand Magotiaux about organizing a winter skiing activity for the canoe club. While Armand went to a meeting of Cross Country Alberta in Edmonton to find out about x-c programs, James contacted Werner Maitlant who had his family on a long waiting list to join the Rocky Mountain Jackrabbits. James and Werner attended meetings of the Rocky Mountain club executive to learn about establishing a Jackrabbit program with an emphasis on the outdoor experience and family touring.
When Armand returned from the CCA, Jackrabbit program information in hand, he passed the program over to James and Werner who found a few other families to kick things off with the first lesson in January of 1992, in Bragg Creek. The Whites and Maitlandts, along with families Roycroft, Jack, Rose and Heintzman began an outdoor adventure with great pioneer spirit, for which all members can be thankful as we enter our 13th season.
The club officially adopted the Jackrabbit program in its second season, in 1992/1993. Quickly growing to 60 Jackrabbit skiers, the club has continued to have between 50-70 Jackrabbits since. The club has always reflected the interest of its membership, whatever that may be in a given season, adding activities and programs into the club schedule as required by the members. We have added a Challenge Program for older children, adult ski lessons, biathlon lessons, and a schedule accommodating loppets (fun races) when members showed an interest. Each season has been a bit different as we explore all that cross-country skiing has to offer with a Rocky Mountain backdrop.
The key to the success of our club has been the work of our energetic volunteers. Along with the work of our above-mentioned founders, Past Presidents Peter Carey, Dieter Kromm, Ed Wiercinski, Jill Kirker, JA Owen, Jack Hoogstraten, Susan Sayers, Elizabeth Oberhofer, Gord Miller and Peter LaBastide have each put an important stamp on the club, while finding the time to improve their own technique, and to discover new trails.