The trials were originally scheduled to be held in Prince George, British Columbia, at the Caledonia Nordic Centre. However, a lack of snow forced the difficult decision to relocate the event to Sovereign Lake. Nordiq Canada is thankful to the Caledonia Nordic Centre organizing committee for its hard work and commitment in preparing for the event, and grateful to the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre organizing committee for stepping in on short notice to host.  

Canada has four quota spots for men and six for women. Katherine Stewart-Jones of Chelsea, Quebec, is the only athlete who has met the nomination criteria so far and is currently racing on the Period 1 World Cup circuit.  

The nomination process and selection criteria is outlined in Nordiq Canada’s Internal Nomination Procedure. The Trials races will be used to select the athletes to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Team.  

Event schedule  
Dec. 14 – 10 kilometre individual start classic  
Dec. 15 – 10 kilometre individual start free  
Dec. 16 – Sprint free  

“The trials are a key step on the road to Milano Cortina 2026 and a reflection of the depth and strength of cross-country skiing in Canada,” said Eric de Nys, Nordiq Canada’s acting high-performance director. “We are hoping for fair, high-quality racing that helps us select the best athletes to compete at the Olympics and make our country proud.”  Media are encouraged to attend the Trials event in person.   

 Canada’s cross-country team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will be announced on Dec. 19 in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee.  

Results: https://zone4.ca/event/2025/eEv2nY/  

More Information: https://www.sovereignlake.com/olympic-trials/  

Media Contact Nordiq Canada   

Nathaniel Mah   

Marketing and Engagement    

E: nmah@nordiqcanada.ca   

Dec 6, 10 km Individual Start Classic 

The first day of competition was filled with nerves as athletes got their first chance to see where they stacked up against the best in the world after a summer of training. In men’s sitting, Collin Cameron returned to World Cup racing after a shoulder injury and powered his way to silver. He shared the podium with Derek Zaplotinsky, who finished bronze behind Italy’s Giuseppe Romele. 

“There were times I felt like I wouldn’t make a start line again,” Cameron said while holding back tears. “To be here in Canmore, to hear the crowd, to feel the push of the course, it was joy, pure and simple. Sharing the podium with Derek makes it even better.” 

Canada’s standing squad matched the energy. Natalie Wilkie skied to silver in women’s standing, just behind Norway’s Vilde Nilsen, while Mark Arendz delivered bronze in men’s standing. The breakthrough of the day belonged to Maddie Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey, who celebrated their first World Cup podium with silver in women’s vision impaired. 

Coach Brian McKeever summed it up: “Collin back from injury, Derek on the podium, Natalie second, Maddie and Brooke’s first podium, and a lot of people returning or debuting. That’s what strong programs look like.” 

10 km Individual Start Classic Results 

Men’s Sitting  

Men’s Standing  

Women’s Standing  

Women’s Vision Impaired 

Dec 6, Sprint Free 

The second day of racing saw athletes go head-to-head on a technical and demanding sprint course. Natalie Wilkie did her best to challenge Norway’s Nilsen, though settled for another silver in the final heat. Maddie Mullin and Brooke Ailey turned their debut podium into a streak. “Teamwork is our foundation,” Ailey said. “At this level, it is communication, trust, and respect, and when we carry that onto the course and keep it fun, we ski better.” Mullin nodded. “Podiums are just the outcome of a lot of hard work together. When it matters, we know we can trust each other.”  

In men’s sitting, Collin Cameron raced his first World Cup sprint in more than two years and came within a whisker of gold. “I always want to win whatever race I get into and just cracked at the top of the final hill coming into the finish line,” he said after securing silver in the final. “It’s December, so it’s nice to know that I have some speed now and I can just build on that looking forward to March.” Mark Arendz and Derek Zaplotinsky finished fourth in their finals, narrowly missing the podium.  

Sprint Free Results

Women’s Standing  

Women’s Vision Impaired  

Men’s Sitting  

Dec 7, 10 km Mass Start Classic 

The mass start classic brought both fitness and tactics into the competition, which paid off for Canada in all three classes. Natalie Wilkie and Vilde Nilsen renewed their friendly rivalry. “Having her just in front is motivating,” Wilkie said. “I have gotten closer and it makes me want to be faster. I can almost taste it.” Wilkie claimed her third silver of the weekend in women’s standing, showing the race shape is there with time to improve as the season progresses. 

Mark Arendz fought to catch the race leaders but ultimately settled for bronze in the men’s standing, a reminder of his ability to manage packs and pace. The men’s sitting race featured a solo effort out front by Derek Zaplotinsky, who started with a lead and hung onto the race leaders, landing him another bronze behind Giuseppe Romele and Aaron Pike of the United States. “I am a slow starter most seasons,” he said. “To have two podiums right away gives me confidence for the year. Sharing the podium with Collin on the first day meant a lot. It has been a long road for both of us.” Collin Cameron finished close behind in fourth, adding another top result to a comeback weekend. In women’s vision impaired, Maddie Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey kept the streak alive with a third consecutive silver, and in men’s vision impaired, Jesse Bachinsky and guide Levi Nadlersmith skied to a best-ever fifth, a great result that energizes a team in the final moments of a race weekend. 

10 km Mass Start Classic Results 

Women’s Standing  

Men’s Standing  

Men’s Sitting  

Women’s Vision Impaired  

The team now shifts focus to the Para biathlon events, aiming for the top step of the podium. Mark Arendz will begin his campaign to capture his fifth overall Biathlon World Cup title, while Natalie Wilkie, Collin Cameron and Brittany Hudak will look for their first World Cup win of the season. Para high performance manager Marshall Starkman praised the collective effort of the staff and the energy around the athletes. 

“Kicking off the season on home snow with 12 medals is a testament to the athletes and staff,” he said. “We learned quickly, we supported each other and the pace never let up from the first start to the last awards. Now we turn that momentum into biathlon.” 

The IBU Para Biathlon World Cup in Canmore runs Dec. 11 to 14. 

Full Results: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=PCC&eventid=57983&seasoncode=2026

The competitions, formats, and Olympic Team onboarding session will proceed as planned from December 13-17, 2025. An event schedule will be published in the race notice.   

Current snow conditions at Caledonia Nordic Ski Centre have made it impossible to guarantee the quality of courses required for an Olympic qualification event, despite the best efforts of volunteers, snowmaking crews, and organizing committee members who have worked tirelessly to prepare the venue. With no flexibility in the competition timeline, and with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre having sufficient natural snow accumulation, the difficult decision was made to move the Trials to Sovereign Lake. 

“This decision was extremely difficult, and we are deeply grateful to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and the Prince George community for everything they put into preparing for this event,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “Their commitment, professionalism, and passion reflect why Prince George is recognized as a world-class Nordic venue. Unfortunately, weather is the one factor none of us can control.” 

Nordiq Canada also extended its appreciation to Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre for stepping in on short notice. “Sovereign Lake has a strong history of hosting high-quality competitions, and we are confident it will provide the conditions our athletes need as they compete for spots on the 2026 Olympic Team,” added Scott. 

A Sincere Thank You to Prince George  

Nordiq Canada extends its sincere appreciation to the volunteers, sponsors, funding partners, and community members in Prince George who committed their time, energy, and resources to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials. The support demonstrated by the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, the Government of British Columbia, the City of Prince George, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, Tourism Prince George, Northern Development Initiative Trust, presenting sponsor Canadian Tire Prince George, and the wider community highlights the strength and passion for Nordic sport in Northern BC. Although the event will not take place in Prince George this year, the community’s dedication continues to position the region as a premier destination for future national and international competitions. 

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the Para Nordic World Cup Period One (1) Team with Para Cross Country and Para Biathlon races in Canmore AB from December 4th-14th, 2025. Athlete selections were based on the 2025-26 Para Nordic Competition Trip Selection Criteria.

P1 Cross-Country Team

Mark Arendz – PEI

Collin Cameron – ON

Brittany Hudak – SK

Natalie Wilkie – BC

Derek Zaplotisnky – AB

Emma Archibald – NS

Christina Picton – ON

Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – QC

Logan Lariviere – ON

Yves Bourque – QC

Jesse Bachinsky – ON

Charles Lecours – QC

Madison Mullin – ON

Leo Sammarelli – BC

Ethan Hess – BC

Angela Oakley – AB

Kara Douville – AB

P1 Biathlon Team

Mark Arendz – PEI

Collin Cameron – ON

Brittany Hudak – SK

Natalie Wilkie – BC

Derek Zaplotisnky – AB

Christina Picton – ON

Madison Mullin – ON

Angela Oakley – AB

Athlete nominations were made by the High-Performance Manager and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Pauline Nadlersmith (MB)
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)

Final athlete selections were approved by Marshall Starkman, Para High-Performance Manager: Mstarkman@nordiqcanada.ca

Selection decisions may be appealed under the Nordiq Canada Dispute Resolution and Appeals Policy. Any dispute must be brought directly to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to be heard pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code. An athlete who wishes to appeal shall file an appeal with the SDRCC within three (3) days of the nomination Synopsis and Rationale being posted to the Nordiq Canada website.

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period One (1) Team with races in Ruka, Trondheim, and Davos from November 25-December 16^th, 2025. Athlete selections were based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria.

Summary of Nominations 

Katherine Stewart-Jones – Nakkertok Nordic, AWCA

Athlete nominations were made by the Acting High-Performance Director (HPD) and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Pauline Nadlersmith (MB)
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)

Final athlete selections were approved by Eric de Nys, Acting High-Performance Director: Edenys@nordiqcanada.ca

Selection decisions may be appealed under the Nordiq Canada Dispute Resolution and Appeals Policy. Any dispute must be brought directly to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to be heard pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code. An athlete who

Growing up in Parry Sound, Ontario, Graham spent countless hours at the rink. He loved the energy, the camaraderie, and the shared highs and lows. “If the game gets chippy, you want to be there to back your teammates up,” he says. “If you win, you’re all happy together. And if you lose, you’re all sad together. I think that was just a really cool part of playing hockey.” 

While most cross-country skiers who represent Canada at an Olympic Games started skiing almost as early as they started walking, Graham didn’t start cross-country skiing until he was 18 years old.  

“I think I learned pretty valuable lessons growing up playing team sports instead of individual sports,” Graham says. “There are only two goalies on a hockey team, so only one can start. If you’re not the starting goalie, you’re sitting on the bench opening the door. You’re still on the team, you still play an important role, and how you act in those moments can help motivate and push your teammates who are on the ice.” 

That lesson translates perfectly to skiing. “There’s only two people in a team sprint, four people on a relay. If you’re in that team, it’s great, but if you’re not you still have a role and responsibility to play in how your teammates perform that day.” 

Graham Ritchie celebrates Pierre Grall-Johnson’s qualification for the heats at the Canmore WC.

This was exemplified at the 2025 World Championships. Graham was named as an alternate for Canada’s men’s relay team. Antoine Cyr, Xavier McKeever, Max Hollmann, and Olivier Léveillé were selected to start in the relay, and while Graham had played a pivotal role in the last two World Championships teams, he would have a different role during the team relay. He warmed up like usual, then found ways to help, holding spare poles, water belts and clothes, and cheering from the sidelines. “You’re still right in there feeling all the same emotions,” he says. “You’re just as connected with the team as if you’re racing.” 

When the Canadian men crossed the finish line in fifth place, Graham was one of the first to congratulate them. “I just remember seeing they would be fighting for a top-five finish, and rushing to the finish line to make sure I was there to congratulate the boys.” His smile was as wide as theirs. “You want to support everyone and be a positive influence on the team. You never want to bring any of them down.” 

The Men’s Relay team celebrates a 5th place finish at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships

As Graham looks toward the 2026 Olympics, his motivation is clear. “I’ve never really thought about consciously always doing things to be a good teammate,” he says. “I think it’s just kind of a natural thing, almost, where you just want to support everyone and be positive.” That natural instinct is what makes Graham a cornerstone of Team Canada’s culture. He races for his teammates; he races for those whose work behind the scenes makes every stride possible. He races for his family and friends back home, and for the community that raised him. 

Hockey and skiing have taught him the same lesson: being part of a team isn’t about ice time or start lists. It’s about commitment, connection, and showing up for the people you care about. 

The Champions Circle is a new program at Nordiq Canada, designed to connect passionate supporters to the journey of Canada’s National Ski Team. Giving at this level means stepping into a deeper connection with the team and helping create real opportunities for athletes chasing their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.

All fundraising support generated from the Champion’s Circle goes directly toward supporting athletes through the following pillars:

1. National Ski Team Training Camps: Delivering critical training and preparation opportunities for current and future national team athletes
2. High-Performance Service and Coaching Excellence: Ensuring Canada’s athletes have expert coaches, service staff and world-class support for international competitions
3. Future Development: Providing camps, competition trips, resources and development opportunities for the next generation of up-and-coming Canadian athletes.

All Champions Circle contributions are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

Your level of support determines the experiences you unlock, offering a rare chance to connect with Team Canada in a meaningful and personal way.

All Champions Circle donors receive a standard Welcome Kit including:

• Signed World Cup bib and handwritten card from a 2026 Olympian or Paralympian
• VIP status at domestic World Cup events
• National team-issue branded Swix toque
• Olympic/Paralympic team issue 2026 Milano-Cortina pin
• Monthly Donor Newsletter
• Annual Impact Report
• A charitable tax receipt.

We want to ensure our athletes don’t have to pay to compete for their country. 

Join the Champions Circle, and help us inspire a nation! 

“Finding a nutrition solution that works for our team throughout the winter season is always a priority,” said Julia Mehre Ystgaard, Nordiq Canada’s World Cup Lead. “We need a brand that can provide scientifically backed products for everything from a sprint race to a 50k, and Amacx Sport Nutrition delivers exactly that.”

Amacx Sport Nutrition provides the right balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and recovery support, helping athletes maintain energy and recover effectively during one of the most demanding competitive schedules in sport. Their proven track record with elite endurance teams such as EF Pro Cycling and Visma | Lease a Bike gives Nordiq Canada confidence that our athletes will benefit from the same world-class fueling solutions trusted at the highest level of competition.

“Nutrition is a cornerstone of performance, and having Amacx on board gives our athletes access to top-tier products that align with our evidence-based approach,” said Kelly Drager, Lead Performance Dietitian for the National Ski Team. “This partnership allows us to fine-tune fueling strategies so athletes can train harder, recover faster, and compete with confidence.”

The partnership also simplifies logistics for World Cup athletes, ensuring consistent access to the right products no matter where the season takes them.

“Last year, we spent valuable time and money trying to source products that met our standards. This year, Amacx has solved that problem, giving us peace of mind and allowing athletes to focus on performance,” said Julia Mehre Ystgaard.

For athletes, the difference is tangible.

“When it comes to racing for gold, every detail matters,” said Mark Arendz, National Ski Team athlete and Paralympic gold medalist. “Having reliable, high-quality nutrition products makes a huge difference in how we prepare and perform. I’m excited to see the impact this partnership will have on our team.”

For more information about Amacx Sport Nutrition, visit https://amacx.ca.

Schedule of Events  

Nov 13 – Sprint C OR 10km IND C 

• 8:00 am – Bib Pick Up 
• 9:00 am – Qualification OR Men’s Start  
• 10:30 am – Quarter Finals OR Women’s Start  
• 11:15 am – Semi Finals  
• 12:00 am – Finals  

Nov 14 – 10km IND F 

• 8:00 am – Bib Pick up   
• 9:00 am – Men’s Start  
• 10:30 am – Women’s Start  

Formats  

Nov 13:  

The November 13th race will be a Classic sprint or classic Individual distance depending on weather and track conditions. Final race format, and course will be finalized Nov 11th.  

Nov 13 – Classic Sprint King’s Court Format 

• Qualifiers and heats will be mixed gender based on performance, but results will be separated by race category. 
• Start order for qualification: Start list based on FIS distance points, then CPL points, then random placement. 
• Interval start: every 15 seconds. 
• Course: 1 lap (1.1 km). 
• Each skier completes 1 qualifier + 3 heats (4 racers per heat) using a 1-up, 1-down format. 
• 4 minutes between heats. 
• Heats of 4 or 6 TBD.  
• Late starters will be ranked last in their heat and moved to the next bracket (forfeit missed heat). 
• DNS/DNF: notify the timing tent at the finish line immediately. 

OR 

Nov 13 – 10km Individual Classic  

• Start list based on FIS distance points, then CPL points, then random placement
• 15 sec interval start
• 5 laps (9.8 km) 
• DNS/DNF: notify the timing tent at the finish line immediately. 

Nov 14 – 10km Individual Free   

• Start list based on FIS distance points, then CPL points, then random placement 
• 15 sec interval start 
• 5 laps (9.8 km) 
• DNS/DNF: notify the timing tent at the finish line immediately. 

No other training will be allowed on Frozen Thunder during this time.  

Registration 

Registration is done through Zone4 

Register Here: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=40003 

• All athletes doing the time trial must have a Frozen Thunder season pass or day ticket. Day tickets can be purchased at bib sign up ($15/Adult, $11.25/17 under). 
• Deadline for Registration is: 
• Sprint C OR IND C – November 12 @ 12:00 PM MST. 
• IND F – November 13@ 12:00 PM MST. 
• Registration questions can be directed to Nicky Williams at nwilliams@nordiqcanada.ca 

Warm Up and Cool Down Course  

The Racecourse is open for warm up between 8:15 – 8:45 AM. During the races, the recreational loop will remain open for warm-up and cool down. A race bib or Frozen Thunder training bib must be worn.  

Wax Protocol  

No fluoro.  

Time Trial Bibs 

• Race bibs will be used for the Time Trial NOT Frozen Thunder bibs.  
• Bibs can be picked up at the Nordic Canada office located beside the Bill Warren Training Centre building race morning starting at 8:00 AM.  
• Please return the bib by dropping it in the bib bin at the finished line.  
• IMPORTANT  – If you do not return your bib, you will be charged a $100 replacement fee  

Communication 

All communications will be done through the Frozen Thunder TT WhatsApp group.  

Join the group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EmGbtzd1dWPEjvtnj7yBVu?mode=wwt 

Results 

Results will be to the WhatsApp group  

Courses 

IND C or SP C TBD 

IND F:  

To ensure a fair and transparent competition, Nordiq Canada will implement fluorocarbon wax testing during the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials, hosted by the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. This decision was made in consultation with the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS), Caledonia Nordic, and a working group of Canada’s top wax technicians and coaches.  

Official Training Fluor Pretesting 

Athletes and teams may test their skis for fluor wax during official training sessions. This testing period is intended to confirm that skis are free from fluor contamination. Any positive (Red) result during pre-testing will not be recorded and will not lead to sanctions or penalties. 

Dates & Times: 

• Dec 12:  
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Open Testing),  
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Training Centre Athletes) 
• Dec 15:  
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Fluor Testing Identification Stickers  

• Each athlete will receive 2 stickers for race skis (provided at package pickup). 
• Extra stickers will not be provided to teams to ensure only race skis have identification stickers.  
• Teams must fill in the following information on the sticker:  
  • Bib number 
  • Club 
  • Ski # (last three digits of ski serial number)  
• Stickers should be placed behind the binding, one per ski. 
• Athletes must arrive to the start line with stickers filled out correctly. 
• Volunteers will verify stickers before athletes enter the start area. 
• If missing or incorrect, the sticker will need to be replaced or corrected. This remains the athlete/club’s responsibility. 

Sticker Application Tips 

• Apply stickers in a warm, clean environment. 
• Make sure the ski is warm, and dry.  
• Use a permanent marker. 
• If reusing skis, clean old sticker info with wax remover and rewrite clearly. 

Identification Sticker Placement Example  

Race Testing Procedures 

Interval Starts & Sprint Qualification: 

1. After an athlete crosses the finish line they will enter a secure corral. Only finishing athletes, Jury, Nordiq Canada staff and identified individuals can enter the finish area. 
2. Volunteers will collect skis, bibs, and transponders. Volunteers will confirm that the athlete’s skis match their bib number.  
3. Skis are moved to a secure testing tent.  
4. Athlete’s skis will be tested by the FIS Equipment Controller.  
5. After an athlete’s skis are tested, they will be placed in the ski pickup area to collect.  

Sprint Heats: 

1. After an athlete crosses the finish line they will enter a secure corral. Only finishing athletes, Jury, Nordiq Canada staff and identified individuals can enter the finish area. 
2. The top 2 finishers of the heat’s skis will be taken to a secure rack in the start area. Only starting athletes, Jury, Nordiq Canada staff and identified individuals can enter the start area. Ski racks will be monitored to with limited access to ensure security of the skis.  
3. 3rd, and 4th place finishers of the heat’s skis will be taken to a secure lucky loser rack in the start area. If an athlete does not qualify to the next heat as a lucky loser, their skis will be moved from the start area to the testing tent.  
4. 5th and 6th place finishers of the heat’s skis will be taken to the testing tent.  
5. This process will repeat until the final heat.  
6. After the final heat all 6 athletes skis will be taken to the testing tent. 
7. After an athlete’s skis are tested, they will be placed in the ski pickup area to collect.  

Positive (Red) Ski Tests 

If an athlete’s skis test positive (Red) for fluorocarbon, additional tests will be conducted. If the ski is still testing positive (Red), the athlete will be disqualified without the option to appeal.