Recreational Group Training

Discover (or rediscover) the joy of skiing

Welcome to our Rec Ski Program, designed for those looking to improve their skiing skills or return to the sport after a long break.

Our program caters to skiers of all abilities, from those dusting off their skis after years away to those seeking to refine their performance. Led by expert coaches, each session is filled with personalized instruction, tips, and support to ensure you experience the thrill of skiing with ease. You’ll build a solid foundation while having fun in a supportive and encouraging environment. No matter your goals, we’re here to help you fall in love with skiing.

You are a good fit for the Rec program if you:

  • Own your own Classic skis (or plan to this winter)

  • Can Classic Ski, diagonal stride & double pole 

  • Can ski 7km+ on intermediate-level trails (Kananaskis, West Bragg, Banff National Park)

  • Are available to ski with a group on Wednesday nights and / or on Saturdays (or occasional Sunday) mornings

  • Want to build your skiing consistency, and ski with the group on a regular basis.

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

Ski Season: November 15 - End of March

Join our comprehensive ski program designed to enhance your technique and overall performance throughout the season. With every session, you’ll focus on refining your skiing skills, supported by regular technique video analysis and personalized feedback.

What You Get:

  • Technique Mastery: Each session includes dedicated time to work on your ski technique, ensuring continuous improvement.

  • On-Snow Lactate Testing: Optional training zones lactate testing is available directly on snow, providing practical insights without the need for a lab.

  • Group Workouts:

    • Wednesdays: 6:30-8:00 pm at Confederation Golf Course.

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

  • Expert Coaching: Benefit from access to multiple highly-accomplished coaches, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your learning style.

  • Weekly Updates: Receive detailed weekly group training summary emails to keep you on track.

  • Consistent Feedback: Get regular feedback on your training and progress to ensure you're always improving.

  • Ski-Specific Strength Training: When skiing isn’t possible, our outdoor “gym” facility offers tailored strength training to keep you in peak condition.

  • Community and Support: Ski, improve, and socialize with a vibrant team of skiers and coaches. Enjoy group discussions and peer-to-peer support via our team Discord channel.

  • Waxing Clinics: Attend ski waxing clinics and gain access to our club waxroom at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

  • Fall Cross-Training: Prepare for the season with activities like ski-specific strength, ski walking, occasional running, and skiing on Frozen Thunder from late October. Other options include Oval speed skating and waxing clinics.

  • Winter Training Locations: We train at the Confederation Golf Course on weeknights, and on Saturdays, we ski at Canmore Nordic Centre, PLPP, Kananaskis, Banff area trails, West Bragg, and Lake Louise. We also offer alternative indoor workout options when temperatures drop below -20°C or in case of insufficient snow.

  • Lake Louise Ski Camp: Join our optional ski camp weekend at Lake Louise 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 Rec Coaches

  • Dasha Atkins

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

  • Karen Messenger

    Karen, a passionate skier since age 3, is a CANSI Level 4 instructor who’s raced Nordic and Biathlon internationally.

  • Kim McKenney

    Kim is a neuroscience graduate, ski coach of 16 years, and founder of Nordic Ski Lab, helping skiers worldwide improve.

  • Misha Kudienko

    Misha, a Masters level racer and CANSI Level 1 coach, helps beginners and intermediates improve technique and love skiing.

  • Natalie Thain

    Natalie, a former ski racer with Alberta World Cup Academy, represented Canada at 2023 FISU Games and coaches young skiers.

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