OUR PROGRAMS
U of A Nordic offers athlete training to cross country skiers and biathletes* across many ages, from youth athletes to university students to alumni and community members. U of A Nordic athletes often attend local loppets, Alberta Cup races, Westerns, NorAms and Canadian Ski Nationals, as well as biathlon races such as the Calforex series. Race support is offered for cross-country ski races, for those that choose to race.
*Biathletes receive ski training only. U of A Nordic does not provide biathlon training or biathlon race support.
- Fun Community
- Strength-Building
- Refine Technique
- Explore Ski Trails
2022-2023
Program Offerings
Varsity
For skiers who are developing their fundamental attributes as an endurance athlete and their sport-specific skills as a Nordic skier.
Junior Bears
For skiers at least 13 years of age who are developing their fundamental attributes as an endurance athlete and their sport specific skills as a Nordic skier.
Alumni
For U of A Alumni who want to ski competitively, but cannot commit to a regular training program.
Associate
For current varsity skiers who want to ski competitively, but cannot commit to a regular training program.
Program Details
- VARSITY
- JUNIOR BEARS
- ALUMNI
- ASSOCIATE
U of A Nordic
Varsity Program
Designed for skiers who are developing their fundamental attributes as an endurance athlete and their sport-specific skills as a Nordic skier, this program offers a full training program and weekly workouts. Skiers in this program are encouraged to attend Alberta Cups, major loppets, Western Championships, and Canadian College and University National Championships.
The program fee includes technical sessions, tactical and intensity sessions, ski specific muscle endurance and strength training. Scheduled workouts are coach-led twice per week and a self-training one day per week. Dryland Training starts in September (Tuesday and Thursday) and runs until we can get on snow. Once on snow, training is Tuesday and Saturday (or Thursday on race weeks).
Tuesday & Thursday training 6:00-7:30pm.
Saturday training is 10:00am-12:00pm.
Race service (logistics) support for Alberta Cups is included in the full program fee, except for waxing. Waxing is $8.00 per pair of skis that race wax is applied to and includes testing prior to athletes choosing a ski. Waxing and all other expenses related to training and travel will be the responsibility of the skier.
Westerns, Nationals and Trial Races will be trip-specific fees including race service calculated prior to the trip based on the number of skiers attending a trip.
The full-time program fee includes race support for the 8 Alberta Cup races and 2 club camps.
The part-time program fee does not include the cost of race support or club camps.
U of A Nordic
Junior Bears
This program is designed for skiers who are developing their fundamental attributes as an endurance athlete and their sport specific skills as a Nordic skier. The program offers training program guidance and weekly recommended workouts that are developmentally appropriate.
Skiers in this program are encourage to attend Alberta Cups, major loppets, Western Championships, and Nationals (based on eligibility and if appropriate for level of development and goals).
Workouts are a combination of fitness focused workouts and technique focused workouts. These include technical sessions, tactical and intensity sessions, ski specific muscle endurance and strength training.
Scheduled workouts are coach-led twice per week, and a self training plan one day per week. Dryland Training starts in September (Tuesday and Thursday) and runs until we can get on snow. Once on snow, training is Tuesday and Saturday (or Thursday on race weeks).
Tuesday & Thursday training 6:00-7:30pm.
Saturday training is 10:00am-12:00pm.
Race service (logistics) support for Alberta Cups is included in the full program fee, except for waxing. Waxing is $8.00 per pair of skis that race wax is applied to and includes testing prior to athletes choosing a ski. Waxing and all other expenses related to training and travel will be the responsibility of the skier.
Race support for races other than Alberta Cups will include trip-specific fees calculated prior to the trip based on the number of skiers attending a trip.
The program fee includes race support for the 8 Alberta Cup races and 2 club camps.
The part-time program fee does not include the cost of race support or club camps.
The minimum age for this program is 14 years of age. 14-year-olds who are uncertain about being ready for the program should contact Head Coach Lowell Niven for a consultation.
U of A Nordic
Alumni Program
This program is for U of A Alumni who want to ski competitively, but cannot commit to a regular training program. This program includes weekly communication and the opportunity to come to peer-scheduled open workouts (distance workouts and intensity workouts).
Eligible skiers may attend and represent at Alberta Cups, regional races, major loppets, Western Championships and Nationals.
Race service is provided as a fee for service, and will be calculated prior to the committed race. All other expenses related to training and travel will be the responsibility of the skier.
U of A Nordic
Associate Program
This program is for current varsity skiers who want to ski competitively, but cannot commit to a regular training program. This program includes weekly communication and the opportunity to come to peer-scheduled open workouts (distance workouts and intensity workouts).
Eligible skiers may attend and represent at Alberta Cups, regional races, major loppets, Western Championships and Nationals.
Race service is provided as a fee for service, and will be calculated prior to the committed race. All other expenses related to training and travel will be the responsibility of the skier.
Full-Time
For those in the Varsity and Junior Bears programs training twice a week.
$ 640
.00
What's Included:
- 8 Weeks Fall Dryland Sessions, twice per week
- On-Snow Sessions twice per week until mid-March
- 4 Race Weekends With Race Service
- Club Camps
- Annual Plan & Training Log
- Coaching & Training
Part-Time
For those in the Varsity and Junior Bears programs who can only train once a week.
$ 320
.00
What's Included:
- 8 Weeks Fall Dryland Sessions, once per week
- On-Snow Sessions once per week until mid-March
- 4 Race Weekends With Race Service
- Club Camps
- Annual Plan & Training Log
- Coaching & Training
Alumni/Associate
For those who want to ski competitively, but cannot commit to a regular training program.
$ 150
.00
What's Included:
- Weekly Communication
- Open Workouts
On Snow Training
One training session per week.
For those in the Varsity and Junior Bears programs joining late in the season.
$ 50
/ Per Month
What's Included
- 1 On-Snow Session Weekly
- Coaching & Training
On Snow Training
Two training sessions per week.
For those in the Varsity and Junior Bears programs joining late in the season.
$ 100
/ Per Month
What's Included
- 2 On-Snow Sessions Weekly
- Coaching & Training
Typical Club Workout Schedule
| Day of Week | Description |
| Tuesday Evenings | Dryland sessions starting September, moving to snow when possible. Snow workout location is generally Gold Bar/Capilano but may change according to conditions. Dryland locations change; many muscular endurance sessions are held at Hawrelak Park, Picnic Site #2. |
| Saturday Mornings | Dryland – endurance sessions, moving to snow when possible. Locations in and out of the Edmonton area as snow conditions dictate. |
YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the waxing fees work?
Each skier is charged $8.00 per pair of skis that race wax is applied to. We standardize all of the race skis prior to the race. Racers then choose the ski for the conditions and race. The skier will only have this one pair of skis waxed for the race. If the racer chooses to have 2 pairs of skis waxed, the racer will be charged $16.00. The wax techs will keep track of whose wax was used for that particular race. The $8 fee includes what will be used for testing prior to athletes choosing a ski. At the end of the season, the totals will be accumulated and a waxing bill will be sent to each of the athletes/parents.
When does registration open for the next season?
Registration usually opens at the end of Summer each year, around the first week of September.
Which program I should register for?
Read through the program details for each program. If you have already done that and are still unsure which program would be the best fit for you, please contact us. We would be happy to help you!
