Events Committee

Lead: Jeff Ellis, Director of Events and Partnerships
Members:

• Pierre Millette (QC)
• Gabe Andrews (SK)
• Ivan Babikov (AB)
• Nancy Beaumont (BC)
• Katja Matys (ON)
• Graham Nishikawa (YK)
• Manon Losier (NB)
• Karin McSherry (MB)
• Erik Charron (NL)
• Daniel Murry (NS)
• Sarah Pruys (NT)

High-Performance Committee

Lead: Eric de Nys, High-Performance Director

Members:

• John Lofranco
• Maria Lundgren
• Pauline Nadlersmith
• Fergus Foster
• Devon Kershaw

Coaching Technical Committee

Lead: Stephen Novosad, Coach Development Manager

Members:

• Chris Manhard (BC)
• François Pépin (QC)
• Ivan Babikov (AB)
• Diane Poncelet (QC)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Jen Mackeigan (YT)
• Geoff Tomlinson (ON)
• Katja Mathys (ON)
• Georgia Manhard (BC)
• Jen Nieson (ON), Para

Awards Committee

Chair: Ted Kalil (QC)

Members:

• Patricia MacDonell (ON)
• Toni Scheier (ON), Board representative
• Jim Burbee (BC)
• Pat Petelle (QC)
• Sheila Lenes (AB)
• Marc Leclair (NB)

• Open to Para Nordic athletes and coaches
• No camp registration fee (registration required)
• National classification opportunities available November 23-24 (athletes selected for FIS classification have already been contacted)
• Optional Para Nordic race opportunities November 25-26

Athletes should have some racing experience, their own equipment, and be members of a Nordiq Canada-affiliated club. Athletes with a visual impairment must attend with a guide or coach.

Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, meals, trail passes, and any applicable Canmore Nordic Centre access fees. The camp will provide a complimentary camp welcome lunch.

Funding: Athletes and coaches are encouraged to contact their Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization (PTSO) to inquire about potential funding support for travel, accommodation, and participation expenses.

Race Opportunities: See here for more information on the Para Nordic COC races.

For more information, please contact Diane Poncelet at dponcelet@nordiqcanada.ca.

Register now: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=42993

Registration

Registration closes November 23rd at 12:00 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 23 – Classification Day

Unofficial Training until 15:00
12:00 – Zone 4 registration closes

November 24 – Classification Day and Official Training

Unofficial Training until 15:00
10:00 – Official Training from 10:00 to 12:00
19:00 – Competition seeding list available on Zone4

November 25 – FIS Cup Race Day

8:00 – Race Office opens
8:30 – Bib pick up
9:45 – Sit Ski (LW10-12) men/women
10:45 – Standing (LW2-9 + NS1-3) men/women

November 26 – FIS Continental Cup Race Day

8:00 – Race Office opens
8:30 – 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 are available to PN athletes who are not yet internationally classified. These starts provide race experience only; Tier 2 athletes are not eligible for FIS PSS points or awards.

Developed following consultation with parents, coaches, officials, volunteers and divisional representatives, the guidelines aim to support age-appropriate competition experiences, long-term athlete development, equitable participation and a consistent national approach to youth racing.

Read the document to learn more about key updates related to CPL rankings, National Ski Championships eligibility, racing up, common wax planning and collegiate competition.

Read the document

The agreement provides Canada’s national cross-country ski program with apparel support from a brand deeply rooted in Nordic sport, helping equip athletes and staff for training, competition and international representation.

Founded by Olympic legend Bjørn Dæhlie, the Norwegian brand is one of the most recognized names in Nordic ski apparel. Through the partnership, Canadian athletes pursuing success on the world stage will have access to performance-focused apparel designed for the demands of elite training and competition.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be embarking on this partnership, knowing the quality and detail that Dæhlie brings to their apparel,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “Dæhlie has a long and respected history in cross-country skiing and a reputation for creating apparel that performs in the most demanding conditions. Our athletes and staff work exceptionally hard toward excellence every day – and they deserve to have clothing and gear that can do the same. No pun intended but I think this is a great fit!”

Athletes across Nordiq Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic programs have welcomed the news, recognizing the importance of reliable, high-performance apparel throughout a demanding training and competition season.

“It is a privilege to welcome Dæhlie as Nordiq Canada’s newest partner. With their long-proven record of World Cup, World Championship and Olympic success, I dream that together we can add even more Paralympic success while exploring the opportunities this partnership may create,” said Mark Arendz, Paralympic medallist and member of Canada’s National Para Nordic Team.

“It means so much to train in a brand that sees the strength, resilience and potential of Para Nordic athletes in Canada,” said Emma Archibald, a member of Canada’s National Para Nordic Team. “I’m so excited for this partnership and for the recognition and support behind our sport and its athletes.”

With Canadian athletes continuing to push for success on the world stage, the National Ski Team and National Para Nordic Team are building momentum toward future international achievements.

Together, Nordiq Canada and Dæhlie will help Canadian athletes perform at their best while inspiring more Canadians to get outside, get active and discover the lifelong benefits of cross-country skiing.

For more information about Dæhlie, visit www.daehlie.com.

“We are delighted to welcome Diane to the Nordiq Canada team as our new Para Nordic Development Lead,” said Beckie Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Nordiq Canada. “The Para Nordic program is one of Nordiq Canada’s crown jewels, and this is a critical role in strengthening our Para Nordic development pathway. We are very excited about the expertise, energy and leadership Diane brings, and how this role will contribute to creating opportunities for building a strong future for Para Nordic skiing in Canada.”

With more than 25 years of experience in coaching, education, and sport development, including as a Master Coach Developer within the NCCP system, Diane brings extensive expertise in athlete, coach, and organizational development. Diane is committed to strengthening an inclusive and sustainable Para Nordic pathway across Canada.

Town Hall Recording: Watch the recording
Presentation Slides: Download the slide deck

We appreciate your ongoing engagement and feedback as we work together to support the Canadian nordic skiing community.

Access to Frozen Thunder will be coordinated by the new CNC Volunteer Society this year. Full details, including information on purchasing a Frozen Thunder bib, are available here: Full details & bib purchase

What’s staying the same?

• A Frozen Thunder bib is still required for access between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and skiing during this period remains primarily intended for high-performance users.
• Skiers must also hold either a Canmore Nordic Centre Early Season Pass or purchase a Canmore Nordic Centre Day Pass, available at the Day Lodge.
• Events taking place before January 31 are required to pay a Snow Enhancement Fee to help offset rollout and maintenance costs.
• Skiers with a morning bib may continue skiing in the afternoon. However, morning access is restricted to those holding a morning bib.

What’s different this year?

• Anyone accessing Frozen Thunder after 12:00 p.m., including users after 5:00 p.m., must purchase either an Afternoon Event Bib or Day Bib.
• Ski clubs using Frozen Thunder for programming are asked to contribute toward funding the facility. Please contact your club administrator for more information.
• Bib purchase and administration are no longer coordinated by Nordiq Canada and are now managed by the new CNC Volunteer Society.

If you are a coach, volunteer, parent, athlete or participant, join Nordiq Canada’s leadership for this interactive session to learn, share and help shape the future of cross-country skiing and Para nordic skiing in Canada.

We look forward to connecting with you!

DETAILS

When: Wednesday, October 7th 2026
5 pm PT/ 6 pm MT/ 8 pm ET

Teams meeting link: UPDATED LINK HERE * UPDATED 6th OCTOBER*

During the Town Hall, please submit any questions through the Q&A panel. We’ll answer as many as we can during the Q&A session at the end of the event.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

• Welcome and community update
• High-performance program updates, coaching staff, selection criteria, and U18 opportunities
• Events and youth development initiatives, including racing pathways and competition policies
• Coach development opportunities and program enhancements
• Para Nordic program updates and future priorities
• Live Q&A with Nordiq Canada leadership
• Closing remarks and next steps

At the heart of this role is storytelling. The Manager will find, develop and share the stories of Nordiq Canada’s athletes, coaches, clubs, programs and activities – creating compelling content that connects our community, strengthens our brand, informs our supporters and demonstrates the impact of our work.

Click here to learn more and apply