Cross Country (XC) Skiing Programs

At Foothills Nordic, we’re passionate about cross-country skiing. We thrive on being active outdoors in winter, we enjoy the challenge of improving our technique and we love the warm friendships we form in the Nordic community. Foothills Nordic offers instruction in classic and skate techniques for all ages. Programs are offered in a variety of locations in Calgary and the surrounding region.

Program Framework ‘Sport for Life’

Foothills Nordic Ski Club programs are aligned with Sport Canada’s Sport for Life model and are designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional and cognitive developmental needs of participants. Sport for Life emphasizes the importance of sport in children’s development, as well as for the health and well being of all Canadians.

The key feature of Sport for Life is the Long Term Athlete Development model. The LTAD is an 8 stage-model based on the physical, mental, emotional and cognitive development of children and adolescents. Each stage reflects a different point in athlete development.

All Foothills programming as well as competitive events are aligned with the LTAD model. This means you can be assured that Foothills programs are carefully matched to the participants’ physical, mental and emotional stage of development.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Our children’s programs focus on the FUNdamentals of cross-country skiing. Through the delivery of Cross Country Canada’s Bunny and Jackrabbit programs Foothills Nordic offers children a fun way to learn cross-country skiing from great youth and adult coaches! Our goal is to instill in children a love of cross-country skiing and winter outdoor activity.

Ages 4-5

  • Bunnies

    Bunny sessions are focused on “ski-play” as children learn movement on cross country skis and develop basic motor skills through participation in games and activities and having FUN.

Ages 6-10

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Our youth programs train in Calgary during the week and often venture into the mountains on weekends. Youth Group (T1, T2, and LC) continues to develop overall fitness and ski skills by providing a mix of both recreational and competitive experiences. It’s a transitional program for 12-19 year olds where athletes develop a strong background in ski technique from which they can continue to develop their ski skill/recreational interests and/or more competitive goals. We use the Cross Country Canada (CCC) long term athlete development model (LTAD) as a guide in implementing our training sessions. Teen Ski is a recreational program that builds on the fitness and technique base acquired in T1 and T2 in a fun, easy going environment. LC (Learn to Compete) is a comprehensive, year round training program that allows athletes to meet their competitive or non-competitive sport and fitness goals. Team ULLR supports athletes who want to continue their athletic development beyond high school, while maintaining post-secondary education and/or work commitments.

 Ages 10-13

  • Track Attack

    As a progression from the Jackrabbit program, Track Attack is a skill development program aimed at improving skate and classic techniques in a fun and social environment. Track Attack will promote teamwork and personal interaction skills.

  • Youth/Jackrabbits Learn to Ski

    JRL2Ski and YouthL2Ski program is targeted at kids ages 6-11 who are NEW to skiing (or have done limited nordic skiing).  The program will mainly work at Jackrabbit Level 2 skills (classic), with the goal to have kids ready for JR level 2 or 3 in the next season.  The group will be divided into sub-groups as needed for age and ability.

  • Train to Train 1 (T1)

    As a progression from the Track Attack program, Train to Train 1 is the next stage in Cross Country Canada’s Long Term Development Framework. It is aimed at improving skate and classic techniques in a fun and social environment. Skiers are encouraged to participate in competition and will be able to race many times during the season.

  • Introduction To Train To Train (T1)

    Introduction to Train to Train 1 (T1-XC) is a new program aimed at 12-15 year olds who like to be active outdoors and are interested in the sport of cross country skiing, but have less than two years of experience with classic and skate ski technique.  The T1 program normally runs 11 months but this program is split into 3 separate sessions to allow participants the opportunity to try the sport. Spring/Fall is dryland training. Winter Athletes will focus on skate and classic techniques in a fun and social environment. Fitness, teamwork and personal interaction skills will be emphasized.

  • Marmots

    The Marmots program is intended for youth who are interested in skiing for fun, fitness and friendship. Includes group ski sessions to develop and improve on skills attained in the Jackrabbit program.

Ages 14-19

  • Learn to Compete

    Learn to Compete (LC) is for athletes seeking improvement and refinement in XC skiing. Training sessions and workout modes are specifically catered to meet different athlete needs depending on their development.

  • Introduction To Train To Train (T1)

    Introduction to Train to Train 1 (T1-XC) is a new program aimed at 12-15 year olds who like to be active outdoors and are interested in the sport of cross country skiing, but have less than two years of experience with classic and skate ski technique.  The T1 program normally runs 11 months but this program is split into 3 separate sessions to allow participants the opportunity to try the sport. Spring/Fall is dryland training. Winter Athletes will focus on skate and classic techniques in a fun and social environment. Fitness, teamwork and personal interaction skills will be emphasized.

  • Teen Ski

    Teen Ski is intended for skiers aged 14+ with prior nordic experience who are interested in skiing for fun, fitness and friendship. *NEW* Participants can register for the Fall Teen Dryland program independent of the On-Snow program.

New Youth Learn to Ski Ages 12-15

ADULT PROGRAMS

LIMITATIONS

Foothills Nordic reserves the right to reconfigure programs based on the numbers and skill levels of the subscribers.  Programs may be limited to a specific number of participants. There may be multiple groups within each level depending on how many athletes sign up for each level.  Within a level, groups will be structured based on ability and skier chemistry.

Sessions missed due to inclement weather will be made up at the coaches’ discretion.

There is no guarantee to the number of nights that the programs will run.  Typically we are able to get 10-12 weeks in during the December-March period.  Sessions may be be cancelled due to lack of snow, temperatures below -20c, and conflicts with racing schedules.

NOTES

  • Program costs do not include Club membership fees or the Canmore Nordic Centre.
  • Foothills Nordic is volunteer-powered; members are regularly asked to contribute in various ways. Volunteering with Foothills is a great way to connect with the Nordic community. Get involved!

If you are unsure which program is best suited to you or if you have questions, please email [email protected].