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.

• 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/ 

Nordiq Canada is the national governing body for cross-country and Para nordic skiing in Canada. As a non-profit organization, Nordiq Canada works in partnership with divisions, clubs, and other stakeholders to provide the leadership, support, and resources needed for all Canadians to find their own greatness in the sport—whether they aim to compete for their country or simply ski for fun and fitness.

Position Title

Para Nordic Wax Technician

Job Type

Contract

Summary

Reporting to the High-Performance Director, and the Para nordic wax team lead, the Para Nordic (PN) Wax Technician is a travel-intensive position supporting athletes competing on the Para nordic World Cup circuit and at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Applicants must be available for the following competitions and dates:

• Canmore PN Continental Cup: November 25–27
• Canmore PN World Cup: December 1–14
• World Cup Period 2: January 1–25
• 2026 Paralympic Winter Games: March 1–16

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct ski and wax testing and provide support
• Work closely with athletes to select, manage, test, prepare, and maintain both individual and team ski fleets
• Assist with glide wax and kick wax selection and application
• Transport equipment, athletes, and staff as required
• Participate in both long-term and short-term planning with the service team
• Assist in other areas as needed

Requirements

• Experience waxing and testing skis at a national/international level
• Ability to quickly learn new protocols
• Physically fit and capable of testing skis for extended periods; able to join athletes on easy training sessions for testing observations
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment
• Ability to work within a team
• Knowledge of ski construction, bases and grinds is an asset
• Ability to operate ski grinding equipment is an asset
• Previous experience working with Para athletes is an asset
• Familiarity with FIS/IBU fluor wax testing protocols and procedures is an asset
• Proficiency in both official languages is an asset

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, both individually and in group settings
• Detail- and task-oriented, goal-driven, strategic and tactical thinker and planner
• Positive and professional demeanor
• Strong database management skills
• Confident winter driver with the ability to operate a manual transmission

Working Conditions

• Required to work evenings and weekends while traveling with the team
• Required to work long days while traveling with the team
• Required to plan, and prepare outside of the trip dates provided
• Required to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Open to Canadian and international applicants

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to info@nordiqcanada.ca, with “Para Nordic Wax Technician – [Your Name]” in the subject line. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Application deadline: August 25th, 2025 or until the position is filled.

Nordiq Canada is an equal opportunity organization that welcomes all contractors regardless of gender, race, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, or marital status. We are a family-friendly organization that supports flexible work arrangements to promote diversity and a healthy work-life balance. As an athlete-centered organization, our recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of the athletes in our programs.

Listen to the entire interview here: Who I Race For series: Catching up with Alison Mackie

At just 19 years old, Alison Mackie is emerging as one of Canada’s most exciting cross-country skiing talents. Her recent season was a record breaking one, including 2 history making bronze medals at the 2025 FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Schilpario, Italy. 

But her journey to the podium started in the snowy trails of Gold Bar Park in Edmonton, where skiing was a family affair.  

“My parents had me on skis as soon as I could walk,” Alison recalled. “They both grew up skiing, but not really racing, and they wanted it to be part of my childhood.” 

Alison (right) skiing with her little brother (left).

From hot chocolate and Jackrabbits to international podiums, Alison’s trajectory has been steep and fast. Her breakout moment came in 2022 at the Olympic trials in Canmore when she was 16. “I had originally gone just to qualify for a Team Alberta trip, and then realized that I had skied really well,” she said. “That was the moment where I set my goal for the next season to qualify for the 2023 World Junior Ski Championships.” 

Alison doesn’t just dream, she makes a plan.  

“I think just setting process goals and knowing and being aware of what I need to improve as an individual is really, really important,” she said. “At the end of the day, I can’t control exactly what happens in a race… but I can control how I prepare.” 

And that preparation paid off. 

Alison burst onto the international scene with an impressive debut at the 2023 FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Whistler, finishing as the top Canadian woman. She seemed poised for a big follow-up season. 

From left to right: Sonjaa Schmidt, Liliane Gagnon, and Alison Mackie after qualifying for the 2024 World Juniors.

But one year later, at the 2024 World Juniors in Planica, Slovenia, Alison became ill and missed all but one race.  While her teammates made history, with Sonjaa Schmidt winning Canada’s first-ever U23 women’s sprint gold and the mixed relay team, including Liliane Gagnon, capturing another gold, Alison was confined to her hotel room.  

“In that moment, it was hard seeing all my teammates doing so well and not even being able to celebrate with them,” she said.  

 “My inability to race that year really lit my fire,” she said. “I left the past in the past and focused on what I can control, which is myself and how I prepare.”  

So Alison did just that.  

In May 2024, she sat down with her coach and set a clear goal: finish top five at one race at the 2025 World Juniors. “But in my mind,” she added, “I really wanted a medal.” 

Alison delivered. 

Alison after crossing the finish and winning Canada’s first women’s World Junior medal since 1989.

In the 20km classic, she battled the leaders through a grueling final lap. “I hung on for dear life,” she said. “On the day I was third and I was still thrilled. Being the first Canadian woman since 1989 to win a medal at World Juniors… it was really, really cool to be part of that.” 

Then she did it again. 

She followed up with a second Bronze in the 10 km Interval Start, freestyle race. “I had wanted one top five, and I ended up getting three top fours, including two bronze medals,” she said. 

A revealing part of Alison’s mindset, came after the races. “I remember feeling really proud and also not that surprised,” she said, “because I had so much belief in myself the months leading up to it.” 

Her performances earned her a place on Canada’s team for the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, a massive leap forward for any athlete, let alone one still in their teens. 

“Definitely the most spectators that have ever been on a race I’ve raced at,” she said. “Again, crowds were amazing. Really motivating, to hear everyone cheering as you’re suffering uphill.” 

Alison racing in Trondheim at World Championships. ©Modica/NordicFocus.

Despite being a rookie, Alison held her own. In the team sprint, she and teammate Liliane Gagnon finished 10th. “It was one of my first experiences racing in a relay format internationally,” she said. “I felt strong all three legs and was really happy to race well.” 

But perhaps the most telling part of Alison’s season came after the championships, when many athletes begin to fade. Instead, she surged, heading out onto the World Cup. 

“Once I’ve achieved my goals, I tend to feel a little bit lost… so I set the next goal for the rest of the season to get top 30,” she said. 

She did just that—twice. First in Oslo, where she placed 28th in the 20km individual start, and again in Lahti, where she finished 26th in her first-ever 50km race.  

Alison after completing her first-ever 50km race, finishing an impressive 26th.

“It was quite daunting because I’d actually never done a race longer than 20K before,” she said. “Even though Therese Johaug was out front going so fast from the start, I was able to hold. It was the race I was most proud of.” 

Alison’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about belief. “I’m a pretty stubborn person,” she admitted. “If I have my mind set on a goal or an achievement, I will do everything in my power to try and make that come true.” 

Now, Alison is setting her sights on the biggest stage of all: the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. 

he’s realistic about the challenge, but undeterred. “It definitely makes me nervous and excited,” she said. “But I have confidence in myself and believe in myself and know that all these months of hard training will pay off.” 

If she qualifies, she will become the youngest cross-country skier named to an Olympic team since Amanda Ammar (now Butler) in 2006.  

“It’ll be a dream come true,” she said. “But it’s more about showing myself that I can do anything I set my mind to… and that all my determination and hard work has paid off.” 

And for Alison, representing Canada is about much more than personal victories. “I’m proud to represent everyone who has helped me get to where I am today,” she said. “Whether it be my family or my community back in Edmonton, my coaches… I’m racing, representing all of that.” 

Application process 

Interested applicants are asked to complete the following application form. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2025. 

Application Form 

Coaching Opportunities   

Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships (Trondheim, Norway) 

The Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships is a multi-sport event with the best U20 and U23 athletes in the world.  

Dates: September 8-11 /  February 21 – March 9, 2026 

Positions: Up to 4 Coaches 

Recommended Requirements: L2C Trained or Certified 

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Team Lead by co-leading a competition group; daily training support, athlete debriefs/goal setting, video analysis 
• Attend TCMs and help lead team meetings 
• Support local logistics 
• Transportation of athletes 
• Race service; on-course and wax room support 
• Assist in all other areas as required 

**successful Coaching applicants will be required to attend a High-Performance Coaching Seminar and Workshop in Canmore, September 8-11, 2025. Travel days are 8th and 11. Expenses will be covered following the Nordiq Canada Travel and Expenses Policy.  

Wax Technician and Race Service Opportunities 

Dates: February 26 – March 9, 2026

Positions: 6 Wax Technicians 

Responsibilities:

• Implement wax protocols and procedures  

• Ski and wax testing  

• Glide wax support 

• Kick wax support 

• General ski maintenance 

• Athlete ski testing support  

• Assist in other areas as required 

SafeSport 

Nordiq Canada’s SafeSport policies require everyone taking part in a Nordiq Canada trip to complete the following SafeSport requirements before departure.  

• E-PIC 

• 1 reference letter 

• SafeSport Application Form 

• Screening Disclosure Form 

• NCCP Making Ethical Decisions (coaches only) 

• CAC (Coaching Association of Canada) SafeSport Training 

• Rule of Two online learning – (CAC) 

• Driver’s Abstract – required to drive athletes 

Requirements do not have be to be completed to apply. Successful application will be emailed instruction on how to complete them. 

Expenses  

Expenses related to travel, accommodation, food, SafeSport certifications, and approved miscellaneous costs will be covered by Nordiq Canada.  

Expense claims must be made using the Nordiq Canada Expense Claim Form which will be provided to successful applicants.