Competitive Nordic

Programming

XCBC offers 3 Competitive Nordic Programs. Nordic Ninjas (1&2), Club Racers and Biathlon. Together, these programs provide a progressive pathway from foundational competitive skiing to focused race training and even multi-discipline biathlon experience within the XCBC club.

XCBC’s Biathlon programming is currently on pause.

Nordic Ninjas

The Nordic Ninjas program acts as an introduction to competitive skiing. Here athletes will learn and develop FUNdamental ski skills through the use of games and engaging activities made to challenge each athlete individually.

Nordic Ninjas is broken down into two groups NN1 and NN2, based on age. However individual workouts and how participants are split within their groups will be based on skill and development determined by coach discretion.

Club Racers

The Club Racer program offers training and development for athletes looking to compete and develop their competitive abilities.
Here athletes will develop physically, technically, and mentally to aid them in competition while developing life skills. At this level athletes are encouraged to race often and register for monthly training plans.

Biathlon

XCBC’s Biathlon Programming is currently on pause. Biathlon is now an add-on program under the umbrella of the Competitive program. Athletes must be registered in a competitive program to register in biathlon. The program includes 1 session (Wednesday evenings) of training a week in addition to another competitive ski program. Athletes new to the program should be able to keep moving continuously for 30 minutes on skis. Previous experience in Jackrabbits or the ability to ski all of the West Crystal Trail are benchmarks for entry level athletic requirements.

Program Details

  • Ages

    • 9-12

    Training dates

    • 1x/week | Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

    Equipment

    • Classic Skis

    • Skate Skis

    • Classic boots (or combi boots)**

    • Skate boots (or combi boots)**

    • Classic Poles 

    • Skate Poles

    • Head Lamp

    ** If buying combi boots only buy one pair for the season, as they are designed for both classic and skate skiing.

     

    Program Goals

    The goal of NN1 is to develop fundamental ski skills within each athlete. Fostering a love for skiing and the ability to ski at a technically appropriate level through the use of games.

    Skiers can expect to learn all the basic ski techniques:

    • One/Two Skate

    • Off-set

    • Diagonal Stride

    • Double pole

    • Herringbone

    • Step turns

    Skiers in NN1 are encouraged to attend XCBC’s Alberta Youth Championships, as well as near-by AB Cups.

    Training starts in December and runs until mid March assuming good snow conditions.

    The estimated cost for NN1 is: $300

  • Ages

    • 9-13

    Training dates

    • 2x/week | Tuesday 6:00-7:30 pm | Saturday 9:00-11:00 am

    Equipment

    • Classic Skis, Training skis and rock skis

    • Skate Skis, Training skis and rock skis

    • Classic boots**

    • Skate boots**

    • Classic Poles 

    • Skate Poles

    • Head Lamp

    ** Please avoid the use of combi boots at this level.

    Includes:

    • Coaching and Wax support for up to 2 Alberta Cup Race weekends

    Program Goals

    The goal of NN2 is to further the development of fundamental ski skills within participating athletes. Participants will continue to develop a love for skiing while challenging their own abilities. Games act as a learning cornerstone at this level of development.

    Skiers can expect to develop all the basic ski techniques, while refining previously developed skills:

    • One/Two Skate

    • Free Skate

    • Off-set

    • Diagonal Stride

    • Double pole

    • Herringbone

    • Step turns

    • Goal setting

    Skiers in NN1 are encouraged to attend XCBC’s Alberta Youth Championships, as well as all available AB Cups.

    Training starts in December and runs until mid March, assuming good snow conditions.

    The estimated cost for NN2 is: $600

  • Ages

    • 12+

    Training dates

    • 3x/week | Tuesday / Thursday 6-7:30pm | Saturday 9:00-11:00

    Equipment

    • Classic Skis, Training | Race | Rock**

    • Skate Skis, Training | Race | Rock**

    • Classic boots (combi boots not acceptable)

    • Skate boots (combi boots not acceptable)

    • Classic Poles 

    • Skate Poles

    • Watch with timer feature

    • Head Lamp

    Program Goals

    Athletes in CR work to refine techniques developed within the Nordic Ninjas program. Here athletes work on regular racing and learn how to compete within a myriad of races and race formats, this includes attending local AB cups as well as larger inter-provincial races such as Westerns.

    Athletes can expect to develop:

    • Classic technique (Double Pole | Herringbone | Diagonal Stride | Kick-double Pole)

    • Skate  technique (One Skate | Two Skate | Free Skate | Off-set)

    • Goal setting

    • Positive self talk training

    • Motivation workshops

    • Self-reliance / autonomy

    **Although owning both a set of training skis and separate race skis is highly beneficial at this age, it is not mandatory.

    Training starts in November and runs till the end of March assuming good snow conditions.

    The estimated cost for CR is: $900

Register Here

Nordiq Canada & Nordiq Alberta Fees

NC/NA fees are mandatory fees paid annually and are a regular part of all nordic ski programs. They are required for all participants and volunteers in XCBC Nordic Programs and are automatically added into our fee structure.

Parent Participation

XCBC is always  in need of volunteers for our Nordic Programs. Roles include Hut Parent, Volunteer Coach &  Event Support. All volunteers are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check & Safe Sport. There are additional requirements depending on your role. To learn more visit our Volunteer Page here

XCBC Volunteer