Competitive Group Training

Year-round training for masters skiers driven to excel

Designed for those who are serious about taking their skiing to the next level.

With weekly roller skis, strength workouts in an outdoor backyard gym, and long-distance endurance sessions, our program combines hard work with Type 2 fun to help you achieve your racing goals. The team trains multiple times a week throughout the year, and each member receives a personalized training plan through TrainingPeaks, tailored to their fitness level and race ambitions. All of the competitive coaches have raced at the international level (World Championships, World Cups, World Loppets, Olympics etc.) and have extensive master skier coaching backgrounds.

You are a good fit for the Competitive program if:

  • You thrive on competition and are driven to improve.

  • A 15km+ ski in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park sounds like an ideal Saturday morning.

  • You can already Skate Ski (1-Skate, 2-Skate, offset) or are eager to learn.

  • You can run, hike, or bike for extended periods (2+ hours).

  • You have the time and dedication to train 3 or more times per week (weekday evenings & weekends) and are committed to following your personalized training plan.

  • You want to become faster, stronger, and fitter—and are willing to put in the work to get there.

Throughout the season, you can move up and down between the groups based on your fitness level and overall group fit. Our goal is for you to have fun!

The Details

Year Round Training for Dedicated Skiers

Unlock your full nordic skiing potential.

What You Get:

  • Year-Round Training: Access to ongoing training opportunities throughout the year.

  • Custom Training Plan: Receive a personalized training plan on TrainingPeaks that integrates your skiing with other sports and personal goals.

  • Technique Focus: Work on your ski technique in every session, with regular technique video analysis.

  • Optional Lactate Testing: On-snow lactate testing is available to help fine-tune your training zones (no lab required).

  • Group Workouts:

    • Mondays & Thursdays: 6:30-8:00 pm at Confederation Golf Course.

    • Saturdays: 9:00 am or 10:00 am for 2+ hours of group skiing in the mountains, including frequent sessions at Canmore Nordic Centre early and late in the season.

  • Personalized Coaching: Benefit from the best skier-to-coach ratio among adult ski programs in Calgary, offering a highly individualized approach.

  • Expert Coaches: Access to multiple highly-accomplished coaches to suit your learning style.

  • Training Support: Receive weekly group training summary emails and regular feedback on your progress.

  • Strength Training: Participate in ski-specific strength sessions at our outdoor “gym” facility when skiing isn’t possible.

  • Community Engagement: Ski, improve, and socialize with a dedicated team of skiers and coaches.

  • Ski Waxing Clinics: Learn ski waxing techniques and access our club waxroom at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

  • Professional Waxing Support: Get professional ski waxing support at key race events and ski loppets in Alberta and BC.

  • Peer Support: Engage in group discussions and peer-to-peer support on our team Discord channel.

  • Race Preparation: Receive individual race planning and race preparation support (if desired).

  • Comprehensive Technique Analysis: Expect to refine your technique at every workout session, both on skis and rollerskis.

  • Outdoor Strength Training: Participate in weekly strength training at our private outdoor “gym” facility.

  • Fall Cross-Training: Prepare for the season with roller skiing (club roller skis available to borrow), ski-specific strength, ski walking, occasional running, and Saturday skiing on Frozen Thunder starting in late October. Additional activities include Oval speed skating and waxing clinics.

  • Winter Training Locations: Train at Confederation Golf Course on weeknights, and ski at Canmore Nordic Centre, PLPP, Kananaskis, Banff area trails, West Bragg, and Lake Louise on Saturdays. We also offer ski-specific strength and indoor workout options when temperatures drop below -20°C or if snow conditions are insufficient.

  • Ski Camps:

    • Silver Star Early Snow Volume Ski Camp: Optional camp from December 6-10, 2024 (additional cost).

    • Lake Louise Ski Camp Weekend: Optional camp from January 24-26, 2025 (additional cost).

    Commitment Required:
    Due to limited availability, we require participants to commit to the entire winter season. Please note, our club has a long waitlist, so don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot!

Meet the Competitive Coaches

  • Andy Pohl

    Andy, a 9-year NZ National Ski Team racer and 2024 Coach of the Year, now leads Space Dogs' competitive program.

  • Dasha Atkins

    Founder of Space Dogs, Dasha is a former National Ski Team athlete and Olympic competitor who now teaches skiing and finance.

  • Drea Dupont

    Drea is a top Canadian xc skier, World Championships racer, and CANSI Level 1 instructor, who teaches with fun and adventure at the heart of her sessions.

  • Lenny Valjas

    Lenny has won 5 World Cup medals, represented Canada in 2 Winter Olympics, and excels at coaching skiers quickly.

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