The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club has been announced as the recipient of the Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Learn to Play grant for the 2014/2015 season.

The $5,000 grant will be used for funding youth programming currently administered by the local ski club.

The RBC Learn to Play project is a multi-year funding commitment dedicated to teaching kids the basic skills they need to participate in youth sport and recreation programs.

The bank’s goal is to encourage more kids to get out and play. RBC believes that children need to learn the basic skills of being active to develop the confidence and competence to participate in sport and physical activity.

At the centre of the RBC Learn to Play project is a charitable commitment to support organizations that are working to deliver quality sport and recreation programming to children.

RBC provides funding to these organizations to enable them to incorporate basic movement skills training into their programs.

They are focused on ensuring that kids and youth learn the fundamental movement skills they need to have the confidence and competence to be physically active.

The Whitehorse ski club currently offers many programs providing cross-country skiing skills to youth in the Yukon in a recreational, fun-based atmosphere.

This provides exposure to the sport, which many have not had the opportunity to try before.

These programs include the Northwestel Jackrabbits, which is a learn-to-ski program for kids ages four to nine, the Subway Ski S’Cool – a program for schools to bring students in kindergarten to Grade 3, and the Stantech Lynx program – a recreational program for kids ages eight to 12.

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A trail report issued today indicates conditions at the ski club have improved after yesterday’s snow, with most trails rated as fair.

World Cup 10K to Powerline, Powerline, 7.5K, and Monique Waterreus were packed and track set this morning. It is recommended that skiers avoid the Scoop and KK Hill due to marginal conditions.

Marginal snow conditions mean that rock skis are advised. Use caution on all downhills, especially when using a snowplow to slow down. Rocks and gravel may catch a ski edge. When in doubt, walk down the hill.

Raven, Coyote, Logan Burn, Lower Valley to Valley Link and Copper from Best Chance to Gravel Pit were packed and set Wednesday night. Jeff Link and Whiskey Jack were packed as well.

Copper to Best Chance, Dog, Selwyn's Loop, Coyote and Upper Valley were groomed Wednesday morning.

Wax suggestion: Rode super blue.