Divisions Update Archives - Nordiq Canada

Divisions Update Archives - Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-category/divisions-update/ Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:01:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://nordiqcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/cropped-site-icon-2-32x32.png Divisions Update Archives - Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-category/divisions-update/ 32 32 Weekly Division Update March 6 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-march-6/ Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:01:42 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20779

Draft 2025-2026 Race Calendar Update

Thank you for providing feedback on the location of the 2026 World Junior/U23 trials, which was shared as part of a draft race calendar. Nordiq Canada’s draft race calendar was developed earlier in the year, before events south of the border changed our political and economic landscape. At that time, providing our skiers the opportunity to compete on the same trails that would be used for the 2026 World Cup Finals was one of many important considerations. This calendar is conditional on further consultation with key stakeholder groups, including the Athlete Advisory Committee, DTE coaches, the Officials Working Group, and Divisions. We will complete this consultation process after nationals to provide clarity to athletes, coaches and event organizers.

While Nordiq Canada does have a long-term commitment to joint US-Canada competition opportunities, a format that has provided a strong competitive forum for high performance athletes from both Canada and the US, in the short term, economic and social priorities may influence our involvement over the next year. Additionally, we remain committed to our strategic plan priority of supporting domestic development as part of our competition planning.

We appreciate your ongoing feedback and commitment to the development of our sport. Please continue to reach out.

In these stressful times, we will be stronger together when we have difficult conversations respectfully as one team.

Athlete Directors: Notice of Election and Call for Candidates

The Athlete Directors (sometimes referred to as “Athlete Reps”) are full voting members on Nordiq Canada’s Board of Directors and represent the perspectives of Nordiq Canada’s race license holders athletes in decision making at the Board level. They are crucial to ensuring the athlete’s voice is heard, and to Nordiq Canada’s success as an organization. Nordiq Canada has three Athlete Director positions. Two positions are up for election this year:

Male Athlete Director (Can be an Olympic stream or Para athlete); the current male Athlete Director is Julian Smith.
Para Athlete Director (Para athlete of any gender); this is the first year that we will elect a Para Athlete Director.

Natalie Wilkie Claims World Championships Silver, in Trondheim!

It was a bittersweet day for Wilkie, who narrowly missed gold in a sprint finish to Norway’s Vilde Nilsen. Finishing with silver, she experienced a momentous occasion as over 20,000 spectators witnessed the first-ever joint Cross-Country and Para Cross-Country World Championships event—a historic day for Para sport.

Canada Claims 5th in Team Relay at World Championships

For the second consecutive World Championships, Canada’s men’s relay team finished fifth, proving once again that Canada is a cross-country skiing force to be reckoned with. Just 3.5 seconds off the podium, Xavier McKeever, Antoine Cyr, Max Hollmann, and Olivier Léveillé delivered an incredible performance, keeping all of Canada on the edge of their seats right to the finish line.

]]> Weekly Division Update February 27 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-february-27/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:33:56 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20761

Join the Nordiq Canada Para Nordic Working Group!

Nordiq Canada is excited to announce the launch of our revamped Para Nordic Working Group! We’re bringing together passionate individuals to drive the growth and development of Para Nordic skiing across Canada.
This dedicated working group will focus on:

Promoting and expanding Para Nordic skiing in clubs and divisions

Supporting and advising on coaching, athlete development, and program implementation

Providing insight on selection criteria and high-performance pathways

Advocating for increased opportunities and accessibility in the sportWe are looking for enthusiastic and knowledgeable voices—coaches, athletes, administrators, and community members—who want to make a difference in Para Nordic skiing.

See the new Terms of Reference here

Be part of shaping the future of Para Nordic sport in Canada!
Interested individuals are asked to send expressions of interest to Julie Beaulieu at jbeaulieu@nordiqcanada.ca

Liliane Gagnon Wins Canadian Olympic Foundation Murphy Family Award

Liliane Gagnon winning bronze at the 2025 World U23 Ski Championships in snowy conditions!

The Canadian Olympic Foundation has announced the 10 recipients of this year’s Murphy Family Award, including Liliane Gagnon. Established in 2021 by Glenn and Stacey Murphy, the award provides financial support to promising Team Canada athletes, helping them focus on training by easing the burden of equipment, coaching, and living expenses.

DRAFT CANADIAN COC (Continental Cup) Nordiq Cup Schedule

Dec. 6-7 – Sovereign Lake, BC

COC event and possibility of SuperTour

Dec. 11-18 – Prince George, BC

Olympic Trials (Open Category only)

Time frame (4 races – no earlier than the 11th and no later than the 18th)

January. 4-9th Lake Placid, NY

U23/U20 Trials

Read more information here

L2C Dryland 2025 National Coaching Development Workshop

The L2C Dryland workshop will take place in Canmore June 12th through the 15th at the Nordic Centre.

The registration period is open now through May 1st. Workshop details are available on the registration page
In addition to the four day in-person workshop, there are two 90 minute online sessions May 12 & 14 (18:30 to 20:00 mtn time)
Workshop participants will be sent pre-workshop assignments once registered.
The workshop will comprise both English and French delivery with the objective of harmonizing delivery and contributing to the strengthening of the national coaching community.Participants may wish to benefit from a preferred rate for accommodations with Basecamp Lodge, available for Nordiq Canada workshop use:
1. Go to www.basecampresorts.com
2. Click “Book Now” in the top right corner and select dates and location.
3. In the top right corner click the blue “Change” button
4. Under Promo Code enter NordiqVIP and click search for availability.
5. Select the room you would like to book and complete your booking.

Canmore- 25% off rack rate from May 17, 2025 till June 30, 2025; exclusive of long weekends (20%)

Ski Legend Martin Hall Passes Away

Marty Hall was inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame in 2018. Marty coached the US and Canadian national teams for a decade each. He is credited with elevating both programs to world-class levels. Marty and his wife Kathy have continued to support cross-country skiing in both nations and made big impacts in many communities. Please take a moment to remember Marty and the ski legends, past and present, who contributed to the sport we love.

2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Schedule

Racing in front of 25,000 fans—and her mom. Liliane Gagnon reflects on her 27th-place finish in Trondheim today.

Watch Liliane here

Watch All the Races for Free Here

]]> Weekly Division Update February 20 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-february-20/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:58:47 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20737

Host the 2026 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals

Nordiq Canada is interested in receiving Letters of Interest and Bid Packages to Host the 2026 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals. Bids received by March 3, 2025 will be evaluated and the successful applicant will be announced by March 31, 2025.

]]> Weekly Division Update February 13 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-february-13/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:11:40 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20717

Double Gold for Wilkie & Arendz, and a First World Championships Medal for Zaplotinsky!

Team Canada raised their medal count to five after three days of racing at the IBU Para Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka, Slovenia!

Read Full Story here.

Team Canada makes history at World Junior and U23 Ski Championships

Team Canada made history at the 2025 FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships, bringing home four bronze medals. Let’s count them…

1.

It all started with Edmonton’s Alison Mackie, who captured Canada’s first women’s junior worlds medal since 1989 with a stunning third-place finish in the 20km mass start classic. Full story here.

2.

Quebec City’s Liliane Gagnon kept the momentum going, earning bronze in the U23 20km classic. Full story here.

Team photo after Liliane’s bronze! On shoulders (L to R): Xavier McKeever (7th), Liliane Gagnon (3rd), Jasmine Drolet (6th), and Tom Stephen (5th).

3.

Alison Mackie wasn’t done—she won a second bronze medal in the Junior 10km skate race. Full story here.

Alison celebrates with the junior team. Alison Mackie is lifted by teammates Clara Hegan (left) and Minty Bradford (right).

4.

Finally, Liliane Gagnon captured her second bronze of the week in the U23 women’s 10km race—fighting through tough white-out snow conditions to claim a spot on the podium. Watch here.

2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Competition Team

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Ski Championship Team in Trondheim, Norway from February 17 – March 9, 2025

See the Team here

]]> Weekly Division Update February 6 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-february-6/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:30:03 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20676

Back-to-back medal days at Junior and U23 World Championships

Edmonton’s Alison Mackie Makes History with Bronze—Canada’s First Women’s Nordic Junior Worlds Medal Since 1989.

Liliane Gagnon adds another Bronze to the Canadian Medal Count !

Gagnon secured third place in the 20km mass start classic race at the 2025 FIS Nordic U23 World Ski Championships.

Mark Arendz and Natalie Wilkie Are World Champions!

Wilkie delivered a perfect day on the range, taking the world title by 3.4 seconds. Arendz, despite one miss, powered through the final lap to secure victory by just 1.2 seconds.

2026 Track Attack Neck Warmer Contest

We invite all Track Attack skiers to participate in designing the 2026 Track Attack Buff, which will be worn by 3000 Track Attack skiers across Canada! Deadline is February 18, 2025.

2026 Jackrabbit Toque Contest

We invite all Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit skiers to participate in designing the 2026 Jackrabbit Toque, which will be worn by 10,500 Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit skiers across Canada! Deadline is February 18, 2025.

]]> Weekly Division Update January 30 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-january-30/ Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:28:23 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20647

2025 Nordic Sports Coaching Conference

Be sure to save the date for this year’s Nordic Sports Coaching Conference in Ottawa, ON.

Dates: April 24-27th, 2025
Location: Saint Paul University, 223 Main, Ottawa, ON. K1S 1C4
Draft Schedule:

April 22-23, Masters Learning Facilitator and Learning Facilitator update
April 22, 24 NCCP Multi Sport Modules
April 24, Day 1 – 7:00pm Keynote address and social
April 25, Day 2 – 8:00 – 5:00pm
April 26, Day 3 – 8:00 – 5:00pm
April 27, Day 4 – 8:00 – 12:00pm

Masters Learning Facilitator and Learning Facilitator update for the Community Coaching Workshop (Bunny Rabbit/Jack Rabbit SDP coaching stream) will be held April 23-24th in Ottawa.

More information to come!

2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals Live Stream

Nordiq Canada, Salomon, and the Canmore Nordic Ski Club are excited to announce a partnership to bring live stream coverage to the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals this March! Ski enthusiasts from across Canada can tune in to cheer on Canada’s best as they compete for the title of National Champion.

Weekly FIS Race Alert

It’s a HUGE week! If you follow athletes, chances are you’ll be tracking at least one of these races:

Eastern Canadian Championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC
Western Canadian Championships in Kimberley, BC
World Cup in Cogne, ITA
Para Nordic World Cup in Val di Fiemme, ITA (the future 2026 Paralympic venue )

World Junior and U23 Championship Schedule

The FIS Nordic Junior & U23 World Ski Championships kicks off in 3 days! With 2 historic golds last year, Team Canada is hungry for more podiums.

Watch all the races for FREE on the FIS Cross Country Youtube Channel

Sonjaa Schmidt’s Fourth-place Finish in Engadin

Whitehorse, Yukon’s Sonjaa Schmidt narrowly missed the World Cup podium in Engadin’s sprint free technique event. Her eyes were set on the podium as she battled with Sweden’s Maja Dahlqvist into the final 100 metres of the race. In a lunge for the line, she came just 0.79 seconds short, finishing fourth for her best-ever World Cup finish.

Graham Ritchie returns to the World Cup

After a year of hard work rebuilding, Ritchie is back—and this weekend, he’s returning to the World Cup in Cogne, ITA!

Good luck, Ritchie—your ski community is behind you!

]]> Weekly Division Update January 23 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-january-23/ Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:46:39 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20586 Weekly Division Update January 23

2026 Track Attack Neck Warmer Contest

We invite all Track Attack skiers to participate in designing the 2026 Track Attack Buff, which will be worn by 3000 Track Attack skiers across Canada!
Deadline is February 18, 2025.

2024-25 Para Nordic World Cup P2, Biathlon World Championships, and Cross Country World Championships Competition Teams

Check out the athletes who have been selected to the remaining international competitions for Para Nordic and Para Biathlon.

Team Canada is heading to Engadin, SUI, this weekend for World Cup racing!

With multiple Top 20 finishes and PBs last weekend from our incredible women, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next. This time, our team is growing as more athletes join the squad.

Watch Live Racing Here

]]> Weekly Division Update January 16 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-january-16/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:33:05 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20532

Weekly FIS Race Alert

World Cup racing returns this weekend in Les Rousses France!

2025 Nordic Junior and U23 World Championships Team

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the 2025 Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championship Team, competing in Schilpario, Italy.

2026 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals Bid Package Outline

Nordiq Canada is requesting Letters of Interest and Bid Packages to Host the 2026 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals. The applicant must be a Nordiq Canada Club in good standing or an organization with a proven event management track record endorsed by the hosting Division.

Please complete a bid package and return it to Ilona Gyapay by March 3, 2025.

Changes to the Board of Directors

Nordiq Canada warmly thanks Bruno Caron and Madison Koekkoek for their time on the Board. Both have stepped down. Angus Carr, former Chair of XCSO and governance guru, has joined the Board to add support until the Annual General Meeting. Thank you, Bruno, Madison, and Angus!

Happy Trails, Dave Pym

It is with sadness and gratitude that we bid adieu to Dave Pym who passed away last week. As Managing Director of the Canadian Snowsports Association for almost two decades, Dave supported Nordiq Canada, Divisions, clubs, and athletes by managing insurance and Canada’s relationship with FIS. Dave was an incredible resource who was led by his passion to support athletes. Dave will be greatly missed and forever appreciated.

Ski Like a Girl Podcast Online Launch Party
The Ski Like a Girl Podcast hosts invite you to an online launch party from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta.

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 12:00 noon (MST)
Register here for the Webinar Zoom link: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_72E1FGstTN6jh-2VP1LQ-A#/registration

To learn more about the podcast, visit the Ski Like a Girl website and podcast on Aviary, and Spotify.

]]> Weekly Division Update January 9 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-january-9/ Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:15:47 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20446

2026 Jackrabbit Toque Contest

We invite all Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit skiers to participate in designing the 2026 Jackrabbit Toque, which will be worn by 10,500 Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit skiers across Canada!

2024-25 World Cup Period 3 Competition Team

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period 3 Team from January 12 -February 17, 2025 with races in Les Rousses, Engadin, Cogne and Falun.

Seventeen Student-Athletes Set to Represent Canada at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Cross-Country Skiing

Seventeen of Canada’s fastest student-athletes are ready to represent Canada in cross-country skiing at the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games in Turin, Italy.

Katherine Stewart-Jones and Antoine Cyr finish top 20 in the Tour de Ski!

]]> Weekly Division Update December 19 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/weekly-division-update-december-19/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:44:31 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=20376 Dear Divisions,

Please share this information within your offices and with your members as appropriate.

Weekly Division Update December 17

Table of Contents:

2024-25 World Cup Period 2 Competition Team
2025 FISU World University Games Team
Ski to School Scholarship
Nordiq Canada Officials Hub
Happy Holidays and Office Closure
Title: Special Preview of the Ski Like a Girl Podcast

2024-25 World Cup Period 2 Competition Team

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period 2 (Tour de Ski) Team.

2025 FISU World University Games Team

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the 2025 FISU World University Games in Turin, Italy.

Ski to School Scholarship

This scholarship is to be awarded to an individual who combines excellence in both academics and cross-country skiing. The scholarship has been funded by Canadian university alumni cross-country skiers and other interested parties to encourage students to continue to combine excellence in both academics and cross-country skiing as they proceed with their post-secondary, university or college education.

Amount: $1000.00

Application Deadline: Jan 23, 2025

Nordiq Canada Officials Hub

To better serve our officials community, we have moved to a new platform for officials to register, log, track, and learn.

Officials will receive an email with a unique link including instructions to activate your Nordiq Canada Officials Hub Profile!

If you do not receive an email by January 10th, 2024 contact Julie Beaulieu (jbeaulieu@nordiqcanada.ca). 

Happy Holidays and Office Closure

The Nordiq Canada office will be closed Dec 24 – Jan 2. Have a great holiday break!

Title: Special Preview of the Ski Like a Girl Podcast

Researchers at the University of Alberta are excited to share a special preview with you for the new “Ski Like a Girl Podcast” that combines archival exploration with vivid storytelling about the lives and legacy of women in Canadian Nordic skiing history. Highlighting stories of cross country skiers, ski trekkers, ski jumpers, and biathletes, this podcast shares new research about women and girls in a winter world. You can find the Podcast on Aviary, and Spotify. For more information check out the Ski Like a Girl website or Instagram page.

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