PRINCE GEORGE, BC – October 27, 2025: The Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials have secured a major boost with Canadian Tire Prince George coming on board as presenting sponsor for the pivotal December competition that will determine which cross-country skiers represent Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The trials, taking place December 13-16, 2025 at the world-class Otway Nordic Centre, represent a critical milestone for Canada’s top cross-country skiers as they compete for the honour of wearing the maple leaf on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The Road to 2026 Begins in Prince George

“Supporting this event is about much more than sponsorship. It’s about investing in the dreams of Canadian athletes and the future of the sport,” said Selen Alpay, Associate Dealer at Canadian Tire Prince George. “Our store has always been committed to building a stronger community through sport, and these Olympic Trials represent everything we believe in: dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. We’re honoured to play a role in these athletes’ journeys to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.”

Alpay, a tireless community supporter known for championing local sports initiatives, sees the Olympic Trials as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes while supporting those currently striving for their Olympic dreams. 

A Legacy of Olympic Excellence

Prince George’s Olympic Nordic skiing legacy extends back more than five decades. Rolf B. Pettersen became the first Olympic competitor from the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club at the Grenoble 1968 Olympic Winter Games, followed by Ed Day at Innsbruck 1976. Day later served as an executive, race organizer, and coach helping build the foundation that supports today’s athletes.

Tony Fiala, who represented Canada in biathlon at the Albertville 1992 Olympic Winter Games and continues to give back to the sport as a wax technician for the Canadian national team and guest coach for regional biathlon camps, emphasizes the crucial role sponsors play in an athlete’s journey. “The financial support from businesses like Canadian Tire makes a tangible difference,” said Fiala. “This sponsorship sends a powerful message that our community believes in these athletes.”

Tuppy Hoehn (née Collard), who competed in biathlon at Nagano 1998, now serves as cross-country ski coach with the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. “We can look back at events that we’ve hosted and see the impact they had on young athletes,” said Hoehn, who runs a sports equipment store in Prince George with her husband. “The little kids who cheered at the 2015 Canada Winter Games are now the senior athletes in our race programs at Caledonia Nordic.”

Sarah Beaudry, who competed in biathlon at both the PyeongChang 2018 and the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, as well as the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games, (Innsbruck 2012) represents the current generation of Prince George athletes continuing this legacy. Beaudry was coached by Shayne Hoehn during her development years and now coaches his and Tuppy’s daughters, exemplifying how the sport’s mentorship continues through generations.

“Watching the 2005 Ski Nationals at Otway was one of my first exposures to high-level racing,” said Beaudry. “It gave me a spark of inspiration and a glimpse of what it would take to pursue an Olympic dream. The 2026 Olympic Trials will not only be a major event for the country’s top skiers as they chase their Olympic aspirations, but also a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of Prince George athletes to dream big, just as the 2005 Nationals did for me.”

Prince George’s Olympic tradition also includes Megan Tandy, a three-time Olympian who competed in Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, and PyeongChang 2018, and Emily Dickson of Burns Lake, who represented Canada at Beijing 2022. Both athletes developed their skills through the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, further demonstrating the club’s remarkable track record of producing world-class competitors.
 

Prince George: A Premier Nordic Competition Destination

Prince George’s selection as host for the 2026 Olympic Trials reflects the city’s proven track record of hosting major Nordic competitions.  

“Prince George has repeatedly proven itself as an Organizing Committee and community that rises to the occasion when hosting Canada’s premier Nordic skiing events,” said Beckie Scott, Nordiq Canada’s CEO. “Their dedication, passion for sport, and commitment to excellence make them the perfect host for the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials. We’re looking forward to the event and are confident it will be a great success.

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and Otway Nordic Centre have established an impressive history of staging national and international events, including:  

• 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and Para Nordic World Cup Finals 
• 2023 Nordiq Canada Selection Trials and Nordiq Cup 
• 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships 
• 2015 Canada Winter Games 
• Multiple Canadian National Championships dating back to 1966
   

The facility’s world-class infrastructure including a 30-target biathlon range, snowmaking capabilities covering seven kilometres, more than 60 kilometres of trails, newly completed 3 kilometre roller ski/roller biathlon paved competition trails, and proximity to Prince George Airport has positioned the city as a premier destination for Nordic skiing competitions.

The December 13-16 Olympic Trials will bring Canada’s top cross-country skiers to Prince George as they vie for spots on the national team representing Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

For more information, contact:  
Kevin Pettersen Event Chair, Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials  
250-640-6234 kevin.m.pettersen@gmail.com 

Growing up in Nova Scotia, Emma and her two younger sisters tried just about every sport available. “Between the three of us, I feel like we ticked off all the different types of sports growing up… Soccer, basketball, hockey, volleyball, track and field, cross-country running.” Her family was always active, and her parents encouraged Emma to try every sport and find adaptations that allowed her to participate. “My mom was from a small town in Ontario and basically tried all the different sports and excelled at a lot of them. My dad was a hockey goalie growing up. They loved physical activity and still do.” 

That encouragement to try everything and chase her goals shaped Emma’s mindset early on. “I was always just trying to make it not as obvious,” she says, referring to adapting to her physical differences. “Whether it was fitting in or just trying to adapt, I was always determined. I’d see something I wanted to do and just try to figure out a way to do it.” 

Emma Archibald and Her Sisters Ice Skating in Fall River N.S.

That determination eventually led her to Para sport. In 2019, Emma attended a Paralympic search event in Halifax. “My mom saw it on Facebook,” she recalls. After a series of fitness tests, cross-country skiing was one of the sports she was identified for. “I was doing cross-country running at the time, and I figured it’s kind of the same thing on snow. Don’t really know what it is yet, but yeah, let’s figure it out.” Among the camp facilitators was Mark Arendz, who at the time had already become an icon of Para sport in Canada. “I remember meeting him the first time and thinking about how cool it was at the time to meet a Paralympic medalist. It was part of the reason I wanted to try Para cross-country in the first place.” 

“I automatically fell in love with it, with the people and the challenge of it,” she says. “It was a challenge getting started… but it was just a different type of challenge.” What made Para nordic skiing different was the way it embraced her. “I think what Para sport brought to me was the ability to not try to force something,” she says. “You don’t have to fit into something. It’s already a system that works. You just do your thing.”  

Rather than finding an adaptation that allows Emma to ski with poles, the sport has a category that allows Emma to compete without poles. 

Emma Archiblad Races at the 2023 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Thunder Bay ON.

That mindset of striving to find a solution to a challenge and not letting it deter you from trying helped shape her trademark optimism. “I’ve had tough seasons,” she says. “There were times I didn’t know what was next, or if I was doing the right thing. But I’ve learned that optimism is something you build. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine, it’s about believing that things can get better.” 

Emma’s journey from Nova Scotia to the World Cup circuit has been fast-paced and full of milestones. After joining the University of Ottawa’s Nordic team, she was soon invited to a Nordiq Canada development camp in Canmore. From there, her career took off. In her debut season, she earned bronze in the overall World Cup standings, securing a spot on the National Ski Team. Last season, she competed in her first Para Cross-Country World Ski Championships and continues to chase her first individual World Cup podium. 

Emma Archibald Celebrates her Bronze in the 2023-24 Overall World Cup Standings

As she looks ahead to a Paralympic year, Emma is focused on continuing to grow. “Every year, I just want to get better and better,” she says. “Now, having two World Cup seasons under my belt, I understand what it takes to get up there.” 

But beyond the excitement to chase podiums, or continuously improve, is the excitement to represent those who have helped and encouraged Emma to get to where she is now.  

 “I think it’s going to be very emotional,” she says about the possibility of racing at the Paralympics. “Just thinking about all the people that helped get me to this point. Even just getting to find a sport that I love I think it’s all going to come together in a really cool way.” 

She races for her family, who encouraged her to try everything and never let her feel limited. She races for her friends, who trained alongside her, pushed her, and celebrated her wins. She races for her sister, who she watched compete for Canada in soccer, and who now watches her do the same. “I feel like the people motivate me,” Emma says. “They really have pushed me and continue to support me.” 

Stories like Emma’s remind us of the power of community. Behind every athlete wearing the maple leaf are teammates, coaches, families, and supporters who lift them to the start line and carry them forward. As we head into this Paralympic year, we’re on a mission to make sure no athlete has to pay to compete for Canada. Please consider joining our community in supporting athletes like Emma by donating to the Podium Pathway Fund. Your gift helps them train, compete, and chase Paralympic dreams without financial barriers. 

Donate Here 

Behind every champion is a community that believed in them first. 

Nordiq Canada is inviting coaches working with developing athletes in the competitive stream (L2T and on) to join a forum hosted by Nordiq Canada’s World Cup lead Julia Mehre Ystgaard.

The session will encourage reflection on your coaching strengths, your “superpowers” and help identify areas for growth. We will also explore strategies and processes for continued personal development.

Participation:

• Attendees are expected to actively contribute to the group discussion.
• The session counts for 1 Professional Development point toward NCCP certification maintenance.
• Capacity: Minimum 8, maximum 16 participants.

Registration:
Please register via The Locker: https://nordiqcanada.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6ea40a7c3bce6b50f50166d72&id=8d7577c8cd&e=effdbd4484

Recording:
The session will be recorded. Coaches unable to attend live may request access to the recording by contacting Stephen Novosad at snovosad@nordiqcanada.ca. To receive PD credit, coaches viewing the recording will be asked to complete a short assignment.
Please note: the recording will not be made publicly available to maintain confidentiality.

For questions, please contact: snovosad@nordiqcanada.ca

Registration 

Registration closes November 24th, in Zone4: All registration fees must be paid online on Zone4. 

Race Registration 

Race Fees 

Cross-Country Race fees are CDN $50 per race plus applicable taxes and fees.  

Trail fees are in effect for all official training and race days. Passes can be purchased at the Canmore Nordic Centre.   

Schedule of Events 

November 24 – Classification Day 

• Unofficial Training all day until 15:00
• Trails fees and Kananaskis Conversation Pass in effect.
• 12:00 – Zone 4 Registrations closes
• 19:00 – Distance seeding list available on Zone4

November 25 – Classification Day and Official Training  

• 09:00 – Race Office opens  
• 11:00 – Official Training opens until 15:00 for 5km C 
• 12:00 – Draft start list posted for 5 km Interval Start C 
• 14:00 – Corrections to 5 km C start list due 
• 15:00 – Final start list posted for 5 km C 
• 17:00 – Team Captains Meeting – Virtual  

November 26 – Race Day 1 (5 km Interval Start Classic)  

• 08:00 – Race Office opens  
• 08:30 – Bib pick up  
• 10:00 – Sit Ski (LW10-12) men/women  
• 11:00 – Standing (LW2-9) + NS1-3) men/women 
• 12:00 – Draft 10 km Interval Start F start list posted  
• 12:30 – Official Training opens until 14:30 for 10 km F 
• 15:00 – Corrections to 10 km F list due 
• 16:00 – Final start list posted for 10 km F 
• 18:00 – Team Captains Meeting – Virtual  

November 27 – Race Day 2 (10 km Interval Start Free Technique) 

• 08:00 – Race Office opens  
• 08:30 – Bib pick up  
• 10:00 – Sit Ski (LW10-12) men/women  
• 11:30 – Standing (LW2-9 +NS1-3) men/women 

*Nordiq Canada Tier 2 race starts will be available to PN athletes who are not yet internationally classified, for race experience only.  No FIS PSS points or awards will be available to Tier 2 athletes. 

Operating Dates  

October 18 – November 14, 2025

During this period, Frozen Thunder operates with reserved track times for high-performance training and open access hours for the public. 

Reserved Track Times for High-Performance Training 

Daily: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Frozen Thunder is reserved daily for high-performance athletes. To access the track during this time, skiers must: 

• Wear a Frozen Thunder bib 
• Hold a valid Frozen Thunder Season Trail Pass or Day Pass from the Canmore Nordic Centre 

Access Rules 

• Skiers without a bib or trail pass during reserved hours will be asked to leave the track. 
• Slower skiers must yield to faster athletes to avoid disrupting training sessions. 
• Pulks, child carriers, or any towed devices are not permitted on frozen thunder. 

Frozen Thunder Bib Registration 

Bibs must be purchased online via Zone4.   

Bib Registration (click to register)

• All Access (4+ days): $115 
• Single Day Access: $35 
• Bib Deposit: $20 (refundable upon return by December 20, 2025)

Bib Pickup & Return 

• Pick up and return bibs outside the Nordiq Canada office at the Canmore Nordic Centre: 100, 1995 Olympic Way 
• Bibs must be ordered by noon the day before your pickup date. 
• For weekend pickups (Sat–Mon), order by noon Friday. 
• Bibs must be purchased before booking the Biathlon Range. 

Public Access Hours 

Daily: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM 

• No bib is required during these hours. 
• A Canmore Nordic Centre trail pass is required to ski on Frozen Thunder. Trail passes can be purchased at the Canmore Nordic centre Day Lodge  
• Pulks, child ski carriers or any other skier towed devise are NOT allowed on Frozen Thunder 

Events  

Frozen Thunder will be closed Nov 5, Nov 7, and Nov 8 for Biathlon Canada Trials. Only athletes competing in the trials events will have access to the track during competition.  

For more information or assistance, contact Nicky Williams: nwilliams@nordiqcanada.ca 

Eric’s extensive coaching experience, technical expertise, and proven track record working with the nation’s best cross-country skiers at all levels in Canada speaks for itself. From coaching and athlete development to creating a positive team environment at major international competitions, Eric has been a mainstay of the Canadian High-Performance program. Nordiq Canada is thrilled that he has stepped up and accepted the opportunity to be the Acting High-Performance Director in an environment he is very familiar with through Milano Cortina 2026.

In this new position, Eric will be responsible for all aspects of program delivery including: goal setting; monitoring daily training; developing long-term performance planning; budgeting; managing the Integrated support teams; relationship building and team leadership.

As originally planned, Nordiq Canada will complete a fulsome recruitment process in the spring for a permanent High-Performance Director.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Eric into this important leadership position.

It’s the kind of grind few people would willingly sign up for. But for Max, a 23-year-old rising star in Canadian cross-country skiing, it’s all part of the path toward the Olympic Games. 

Thunderbay Roots 

Raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Max’s story with skiing started long before he was chasing World Championship podiums. “I’ve been skiing ever since I could walk,” he says. Growing up he was surrounded by trails, friends, and a community that lived and breathed skiing. The trails of Kamview and Lappe nordic centres became a playground for him. 

Training with the Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club, Max shared the trails with athletes at the National Development Training Centre in Thunder Bay. Seeing the older athletes train, push themselves, and quickly beginning to understand what it takes to be a high-performance athlete. “It wasn’t always about loving every workout,” he admits. “But I like to work hard. I like the process of being tired and knowing I gave everything.” 

Max Hollmann Sking at the Kamview Nordic Centre

 First Taste of the World Stage
That work ethic first paid off at the selection trials for World Juniors, where Max earned a coveted spot to represent Canada in Lygna, Norway in 2023. It was his first time wearing the maple leaf overseas, lining up against the world’s best juniors. He finished 17th in his debut race; a result that signaled he belonged, even if he didn’t fully grasp it at the time. 

 “I didn’t really understand at the time what 17th meant, in the moment I was more inspired by my teammates like Xav, Tom, Sasha, and Derek”  

That inspiration carried him west to Canmore, where he joined the Alberta World Cup Academy and reunited with his teammates. Training daily at altitude, Max locked in with a team who pushed one another to new levels. Together, they set their sights on the U23 World Championships in Planica, Slovenia. 

Gold in Planica 

By the time the team arrived in Planica for the 2024 U23 World Championships, Max and his teammates were eager to measure themselves against the world’s best. The mixed relay was a big target, but no one was really thinking about making history. A strong performance would have been a success on its own. 

When Jasmine Drolet tagged Max in, Canada was sitting in sixth place and 15 seconds back from the lead pack. Witnesses say he took off “like a bat out of hell,” sprinting away from the exchange zone and clawing Canada back into contention. Max remembers the moment clearly. “I knew Liliane had some strong results this year and I just needed to get her back into the pack so she could do what she does best.” 

By the time he handed off to Liliane Gagnon for the last leg, a podium suddenly felt within reach. Liliane surged to the front in the final meters and crossed the line first, sealing an unforgettable gold medal for Canada. You can watch the race here: U23 World Championship Relay Gold. 

“We couldn’t believe it,” Max says. “It took a couple of days to set in. It was the peak of my athletic career so far, but I’m treating it like a stepping stone.” 

Derek Zaplotinsky, Liliane Gagnon, Jasmine Drolet, Max Hollmann (L-R) celebrate Gold

Breaking Through 

The momentum from Planica carried into Max’s first season on the World Cup this year, where he found himself lining up against the very best in the world. At the senior World Championships in Norway, he helped Canada’s men’s relay team to a fifth-place finish; a breakthrough that signaled Canada is on the edge of history heading into the Olympics this year.  

The Men’s Relay Team celebrate fifth place in Trondheim Norway.

For Max, moments like that don’t come from raw talent alone. He points instead to the work. His philosophy is straightforward: show up, do the hard sessions, trust the process. 

“I don’t know if anyone loves the grind,” he says. “But some people respond to it better than others. For me, I like the challenge. It all adds up.” 

That relentless approach has already taken him from Thunder Bay trails to fighting for top spots on the world stage. The biggest test is still to come with Olympic trials in Prince George this December. 

“I want to qualify for the Olympics, but my real goal is to have my best race at the Olympics, not at trials. Trials are just a step — I need to be fast enough to make the team, but it’s not the whole picture,” Max explains. 

 “Qualifying will feel like a huge relief because there’s so much pressure around it…I still need to train hard, stay healthy, and be ready for the big stage.” 

$20, a Nissan, and Thunder Bay Spirit 

When the pressure is on, Max knows he’s not racing alone. The support of his family, teammates, and community back in Thunder Bay gives him strength and focus.  

At the start line, “I think about every single person from there who’s supported me. It’s like a bunch of hands holding me up so I can get on the start line.”  

That support shows up in powerful ways. Last year, Max returned home to meet young athletes. “I try to keep them updated when I’m back in town, come out to practices, and give back to the community with the knowledge I’ve picked up over the years.”  

Soon after returning to Canmore, he received a simple envelope in the mail: 20 dollars and a note from a young skier wishing him luck. “It blew my mind. Like wow, this kid believes in me enough to send me this. It was so nice.” Max sent back a signed World Cup bib, a gesture that meant the world to the young fan.  

Months later, that same family won a one-year car lease in a raffle from the Thunder Bay Nissan dealer. Max, who had car that’s on its last legs, needed reliable transportation. In a huge act of generosity, the family gifted him their car lease.  

 Today, he drives a Nissan Kicks, a reminder of the kindness that flows both ways between athletes and their community. “Every time I get in that car, I think of them. Like, okay, I better make today count. Because there are people back home who believe in me that much.”   

 “It’s moments like that that remind you this journey is bigger than yourself,” Max says. “That family didn’t have to do that, but they did. That’s what makes Thunder Bay so special.”  

At the end of the day, Max knows every hard session, every race, and every start line is about more than just him. “It’s not just me out there,” he says. “It’s all the people behind me. That’s who I’m racing for.  

Stories like Max’s remind us of the power of community.

Behind every athlete wearing the maple leaf are teammates, coaches, families, and supporters who lift them to the start line and carry them forward. As we head into this Olympic year, we’re on a mission to make sure no athlete has to pay to compete for Canada.

Please consider joining our community in supporting athletes like Max by donating to the Podium Pathway Fund.  Your gift helps them train, compete, and chase Olympic dreams without financial barriers.

Donate Here

Behind every champion is a community that believed in them first.

• 2026 Olympic Winter Games Selection Criteria (INP) Amendments  
• 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials Schedule  

2026 Olympic Winter Games Selection Criteria (INP) Amendments  

To ensure clarity and consistency, and to align with the objectives of Nordiq Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), and Own the Podium (OTP), the following amendments have been made to the INP. 

These amendments have been made after consultation with Nordiq Canada’s high-performance key stakeholders. 

2026 Olympic Winter Games Selection Criteria (Internal Nomination Procedure) – Amended Aug 28 

2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials Schedule  

To align with the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Selection Criteria, the following schedule will be used for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials: 

• Dec 13 – 10km Interval Start Classic 
• Dec 14 – 10km Interval Strat Free 
• Dec 16 – Sprint Free 
• Dec 17 – 2026 OWG Nominated Athletes Outfitting and Onboarding session  

Athletes who meet the criteria to be nominated to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Team are encouraged to attend a team outfitting and onboarding session on the morning of December 17. Athletes who anticipate qualifying should book departing flights from Prince George for the evening of December 17. 

Following FIS ICR rule 222.8, athletes’ skis will be tested using the FIS-approved Bruker Fluor testing device. This ensures that every athlete competing at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials is using fluor-free wax, maintaining compliance with international standards and promoting fairness. 

Teams will be free to use any fluor-free wax and will have access to the Bruker device ahead of the competition to test their skis and wax. This eliminates the need for a standardized waxing protocol, reducing logistical demands and costs for the organizing committee, teams, and Nordiq Canada. 

More details about the Fluor Testing Protocol will be shared on the Nordiq Canada website and event registration page.  

For more information on fluor-free wax and cleaning, visit: https://nordiqcanada.ca/coaches-and-wax-techs/wax-techs/wax-tech-resources/