Nordiq Canada Appoints Tormod Vatten as Assistant Coach of the Senior National Ski Team

Nordiq Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Tormod Vatten as Assistant Coach of the Senior National Ski Team.

Vatten joins the National Team staff following five seasons as High Performance Coach with the Alberta World Cup Academy (AWCA), where he has been responsible for the Canmore Daily Training Environment, team yearly training plans, and supporting athlete development through to the World Cup and Olympic level. During his time with AWCA, athletes under his guidance have recorded several top-10 finishes at the Olympics and World Cup, a U23 Overall World Cup title, and five individual medals at World Junior/U23 Championships. He has also contributed directly to Nordiq Canada as a trip lead and coach during World Cup periods, World Junior/U23 events and NST training camps.

Prior to relocating to Canada, Vatten held coaching positions in Norway and Iceland, including Head Coach of the junior and senior programs at Kjelsås IL, one of Norway’s top-performing clubs, and Head Coach at Skidafélag Ísfirðinga in Iceland, where he supported the national federation at World Cup, EYOF and FIS camps. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports Pedagogy from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Nord-Trøndelag University College, and is a Level 3 certified coach with the Norwegian Ski Federation.

Vatten has resided in Canada since 2021 and is currently in the process of obtaining Permanent Resident status, expected by spring 2027.

“It is a privilege to extend Pembroke’s support for Nordiq Canada for the next four years,” said Ian Aitken, Vice Chair, Pembroke. “At Pembroke, we believe that excellence is built over time through talent, hard work, discipline, and alignment. We see those same qualities in Canada’s cross-country ski athletes, coaches, and support teams. We are proud to continue backing Nordiq Canada as its athletes pursue their goals and compete at the highest level.”

“Tormod has been a trusted and valued member of our extended coaching community for several years, and we’re thrilled to welcome him into this role on a full-time basis,” said Beckie Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Nordiq Canada. “His experience at the World Cup and Olympic level, combined with his education, expertise and strong relationship skills, make him an excellent fit as we build toward the next quad.”

Vatten will work alongside newly appointed Head Coach Stefan Thomson to support training camps and competition periods for the Senior National Ski team athletes, and contribute to the National High-Performance Program.

Photo credit: Graeme Williams