Recreational Fast

Group Training

Elevate Your Skiing Skills and Enjoyment

Join a dynamic masters nordic skiing group for technique improvement and fitness growth.

Our RecFAST program offers two weekly group skiing workouts, with strength training and ski walking sessions in late fall as we eagerly await the snow. From mid-November to late March, this group skis together, focusing on improving both Skate and Classic ski techniques while building endurance. As the season progresses, expect to tackle longer distances and more challenging terrain

You are a good fit for the RecFAST program if:

  • A 10km-15km morning ski at West Bragg is your ideal Saturday plan.

  • You have the time and dedication to ski 2+ times per week (weekday evenings & weekends) and can also ski or work out on your own during the week.

  • You want to confidently pass most people on the ski trails.

  • You can Classic Ski, using diagonal stride and double pole techniques.

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

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

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 a vibrant community while elevating your skiing skills this season.

What You Get:

  • Technique Focus: Every session includes ski technique work, supported by regular technique video analysis.

  • Optional Lactate Testing: On-snow training zones lactate testing, available directly on snow (no lab needed).

  • Group Workouts:

    • Mondays & Wednesdays: 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, with frequent sessions at Canmore Nordic Centre early and late in the season.

  • Expert Coaching: Access to multiple highly-accomplished coaches, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your learning style.

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

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

  • Community and Camaraderie: Ski, improve, and socialize with a supportive team of skiers and coaches.

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

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

  • Group Discussions: Engage in discussions and peer support on our team Discord channel.

  • Fall Cross-Training: Prepare with ski-specific strength training, ski walking, occasional running, Saturday skiing on Frozen Thunder starting in late October, Oval speed skating, and waxing clinics.

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

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

  1. Limited Availability:
    Due to high demand, we require participants to commit to the full winter season. Our waitlist to join the club is long, so secure your spot now!

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 RecFast Coaches

  • Chris Chesham

    Growing up in Canmore, Chris transitioned from Junior Racing to competing nationally in biathlon and now coaches with CANSI level 2.

  • Dasha Atkins

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

  • Eric Boiral

    Eric has coached for over 30 years, holds top certifications in France and Canada, and has coached national ski racers.

  • Karen Messenger

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

  • Rory Wilson

    Rory, 17, has raced biathlon for 11 years, competed at Youth World Championships, and coaches cross-country skiing and biathlon.

  • Thomas Manktelow

    Thomas Manktelow, a former Alberta World Cup Academy racer, is now a CSEP-CPT personal trainer with expertise in Nordic skiing.

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