By Kevin Shields, Head of Sports Participation at Canadian Wintersports/Skiwax.ca
As winter sets in, ski clubs across the country start buzzing with activities, but for many, the cost of acquiring ski equipment can be a significant barrier to entry. Skiwax.ca recognizes this challenge and is on a mission to enhance sports participation through innovative initiatives. In this article, I will talk about how club ski equipment rentals can help boost participation in winter sports.
Our Ski Giveaways have been a huge success over the past two seasons. Winter:Peg received children's skis for their program in January 2022 and December 2023, and the Hudson Bay Ski Club received children's skis for their program in November 2023. Through connecting with passionate people at ski clubs who embrace winter sports, we have come to understand that providing ski equipment is essential to increasing participation.
Season ski rental programs have also proven to have a tremendous impact on participation. As a Jackrabbit Program Coordinator in Waterloo, Ontario, I helped initiate a club ski rental program, and we were amazed by the results. We were able to provide highly affordable ski equipment for young skiers, and over two seasons, we doubled our Jackrabbit membership. The rental fees collected provided money to fund additional and ongoing equipment purchases. What was truly amazing was the community that this program developed. It drew in new volunteers to our club and created opportunities for education on equipment and the sport of cross-country skiing. It became a leadership development opportunity for our youth members as they maintained the equipment and fit young skiers for skis and poles. Finally, the program became a strong point of engagement in the club. New members, drawn to our club through the rental ski program, took on leadership positions—social event convenors, board members, and even coaches.
Coaches play an indispensable role in community sports clubs, and many other ski club volunteers foster a sense of community and shared passion for winter sports. As our Waterloo Club grew due to our ski rental program, it was natural to develop a Coach and Volunteer Appreciation Program. In this program, we helped coaches upgrade their ski equipment, allowing for coach retention and recruitment.
See below this post for further ideas on club support programs through Skiwax.ca
In conclusion, ski equipment rental and Coach and Volunteer Appreciation Programs make significant 'strides' toward a more inclusive and vibrant winter sports community. By addressing the financial hurdles that often accompany participation, these programs improve access, invite new members, and foster a culture of lifelong engagement in winter sports. If you would like to learn more about how we can support your club, please get in touch with me to discuss partnership opportunities. See my contact info below for further details on our Coach and Club Support Program. Let it Snow!
Current Deals on Equipment:
Want assistance with establishing or expanding a club seasonal equipment rental program?
Contact me to learn about some clearance equipment that could fit your rental program, coach appreciation program, or you can share it with members.
kevin@canadianwintersports.com
A couple of links: Ski Giveaway Fall 2022 Skiwax.ca Instagram Page
Coach and Club Support Programs:
Through our Coach and Club Support Programs at Skiwax.ca, we aim to support passionate local club organizers in increasing their club’s capacity to bring new members and keep them active and engaged. Many ski clubs have already enrolled in our club discount programs for their wax and equipment purchases. We are launching a new program this winter: a cash-back program through Skiwax.ca. Clubs are given a unique discount code that they share with their members and widely through other networks. People using the code receive a 15% discount on their purchase, and the club gets 10% cash back as a store credit.
Want assistance with establishing or expanding a club seasonal equipment rental program?
Current Deals on Equipment:
Contact me to learn about some clearance equipment that could fit your rental program, coach appreciation program, or you can share it with members.