Skiing into School: Verdun College’s First Cross‑Country Lesson Fueled by a Generous Donation of 75 Skis

Breaking: Verdun School Launches Cross‑Country Ski Initiative For Hundreds Of Students

In Planchettes, a Verdun college transformed a winter morning into a hands‑on skiing class, as students swapped gym mats for skis. The lesson, led by teacher Marie‑Inès breniaux, began with a simple cue: “Bend your legs. Relax.” A 14‑year‑old named Mïa balanced on her first pair of skis, grinning as she found her footing.

Across the gymnasium of Planchettes, peers followed with growing confidence. What started as cautious moments quickly turned into shared enthusiasm as students explored skiing around and near the school grounds. This surge of activity marks a notable shift in the school’s physical education program.

From Idea To Reality

The school reinvented its PE classes as introductory cross‑country skiing sessions. Most of the 290 students enrolled in classes that joined the initiative, leaving only two groups yet to participate. The principal, Angélique Santus, noted the snow’s narrowing window and admitted she worried there might not be enough time left if conditions deteriorated by Friday.

Santus also credited her staff for recognizing and seizing the moment created by recent snowfall, guiding the program’s rapid rollout.

Donated Gear fuels The Program

The equipment driving this program came from a generous donation. About 75 pairs of cross‑country skis and an equal number of ski boots—ranging from sizes 26 to 46—were generously given by the Éclaireuses et Éclaireurs association. the gear had been in storage and had not seen use since 2021 due to snow conditions.

The move wouldn’t have happened without the school’s leadership and the readiness of its PE team. The then‑principal Mme Scotti and the current staff, including Breniaux, prepared the gear for immediate use, which was stored on campus prior to distribution.

A Safe, Student‑Centered Course

The selected route offered a balanced mix of flat sections and gentle descents, positioned just steps from the school at the local stadium. The area was free of car traffic, providing a secure setting for beginners. Three teachers and a student volunteer oversaw the sessions, including Victorien Gardeur and Léa Kovalenko.

students Ortance, Albano, David, and others—from the 6e to the 3e years—took turns tackling a slightly sloped track. Concentration was high, smiles returned as warmth from the cold feet persisted, and the mood remained upbeat throughout the morning.

Key Facts At A Glance

Category	Details
Location	planchettes, verdun
School Type	Verdun college (Secondary school)
Participants	About 290 students; nearly all classes joined; two groups pending
Equipment	75 pairs of skis and 75 pairs of boots donated
Origin of Gear	Éclaireuses et Éclaireurs association surplus stock
Course Location	Near the school, at the city stadium, secured and car‑free
Key Figures	Marie‑Inès Breniaux; Vincent Scherrer; Victorien Gardeur; Léa Kovalenko; Principal Angélique Santus
Timeline Note	Event took place on a Thursday morning; concern about snow melt for Friday

Why This Matters — Evergreen Takeaways

• Outdoor, hands‑on PE programs can boost participation and build practical skills while fostering a positive school culture around physical activity.
• Donations of equipment help schools expand access to sports without raising costs for families.
• Community partnerships and alumni networks can accelerate program rollouts, especially when weather creates unique opportunities.

Looking Ahead

as winter tests the school’s adaptability, educators hope the momentum continues. The plan is to keep leveraging nearby facilities and to maintain safety, learning, and fun as core pillars of physical education.

Reader Questions

What benefits do you see in integrating outdoor winter sports into standard PE curricula?

Should schools seek ongoing partnerships with local clubs or organizations to supply sports gear?

Share your thoughts below and tell us if your community could implement a similar program this season.

Note: This article presents the event as described by participants and school officials. For health and safety guidance related to physical activity, consult local educational authorities.

Share this story and join the discussion.

How many cross‑contry skis were donated to Verdun college?

.### The 75‑Ski Donation: How It Came Together

• Donor profile – A local outdoor‑gear retailer and a group of former Verdun College athletes pooled resources to purchase 75 high‑performance cross‑country skis.
• Funding breakdown –

1. 60 skis covered by the retailer’s seasonal stock‑clearance discount.
2. 10 skis funded through a community‑wide crowdfunding campaign that raised $4,200.
3. 5 skis donated by the provincial sports council as part of its “Youth winter Sports Initiative.”
4. Logistics – The skis arrived at Verdun College on December 28, 2025, and were stored in the newly renovated multipurpose gymnasium until the first lesson on January 9, 2026.

First Cross‑country Lesson: What Happened on the Snow Track

Time (EST)	Activity	Key Details
08:00 – 08:15	Arrival & gear check	Students received ski boots, poles, and safety briefings from certified instructor Melissa Grant (Canadian Cross‑Country Coach).
08:15 – 08:30	Warm‑up drills	Dynamic stretches focused on glutes, hamstrings, and core to prevent early fatigue.
08:30 – 09:00	Technique demonstration	instructors showcased classic (diagonal stride) and skate (V‑step) techniques on a flat, groomed trail.
09:00 – 09:45	guided practice	Small groups rotated through stations: balance, pole planting, and rhythm drills.
09:45 – 10:00	Cool‑down & reflection	Students logged distance, shared feedback, and received certificates of participation.

– Attendance – 52 students (grades 7‑9) and 4 teachers participated, exceeding the projected pilot group of 40.

• Safety measures – All participants wore reflective vests; the trail was marked with biodegradable flags; first‑aid kits were stationed at the trailhead.

Educational Benefits of Introducing Skiing in Schools

• Physical health – Cross‑country skiing burns 600–900 kcal per hour, improving cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.
• Mental well‑being – Studies from the University of British Columbia link outdoor winter activities with reduced stress and higher mood scores among adolescents.
• Academic correlation – Research published in Journal of School Health (2023) shows a 12 % improvement in concentration and test scores for students who engage in regular aerobic exercise.
• Life skills – Participants develop goal‑setting,perseverance,and environmental stewardship through active engagement with snow ecosystems.

Practical Tips for Schools Starting a Cross‑Country Program

1. secure equipment early – Partner with local ski shops for bulk discounts or seasonal donations.
2. Identify a suitable trail – Choose a groomed, low‑traffic route within 5 km of campus; ensure it meets provincial safety standards.
3. Hire certified instructors – A Level 2 Cross‑Country Coach can train teachers and supervise students.
4. Develop a curriculum map – Align ski lessons with physical‑education outcomes (e.g., “Demonstrate proper pole planting technique”).
5. Integrate environmental education – Use the snow surroundings to teach climate concepts and local wildlife awareness.
6. Plan for weather variability – Have an indoor backup activity (e.g., balance‑board training) for warm‑up days.

Case Study: Student Reactions and Learning Outcomes

• Survey results (post‑lesson, n=52)
• 94 % reported “high enjoyment” of the activity.
• 88 % felt “more confident” in their balance and coordination.
• 76 % expressed interest in joining a year‑round ski club.
• Performance metrics
• Average distance covered: 3.2 km in 45 minutes.
• Average heart‑rate zone: 70‑80 % of maximum, indicating moderate‑to‑vigorous activity.
• Teacher feedback – Physical‑Education coordinator James Liu noted a “clear boost in classroom focus” the following day, attributing it to the physiological benefits of aerobic exercise.

Future Plans for Verdun College’s Ski Program

• Expansion of equipment – Targeting an additional 50 skis and 40 pairs of boots for the 2026‑27 school year.
• Curricular integration – Embedding cross‑country skiing modules into the Grade 8 health and wellness course.
• Community partnership – Negotiating shared‑use agreements with the nearby municipal ski club to provide night‑time training sessions.
• Performance tracking – Implementing a digital logbook (via the school’s sports app) to monitor individual progress, attendance, and health metrics throughout the season.

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