Performance Team

Training group for skiers who are serious about taking their skiing to the next level. ⛷️💨

You are a good fit for the Performance program if:

  • You thrive on friendly competition and are driven to improve.

  • A 15km+ ski sounds like an ideal Saturday morning.

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

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

  • You have the time and dedication to train 3+ times per week and are committed to following a 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!

✅ Besides regular training, team members are welcome to attend optional ski trips in Silver Star on Dec 5-9, Lake Louise 3-day weekend camp in mid-Jan 2026 (dates TBD), Gatineau Loppet on Feb 13-15, and 🇳🇴 Birkie on Mar 11-15, 2026. All optional trips cost extra, and are on cost-shared basis

💵 Membership cost:

  • $600 for September-November (3 months)

  • $850 for December-March (4 months)

✅ Included in the registration cost (incl. >$300 value of additional perks)

  • In person, small-group coaching, up to 3x per week

  • Nordiq Canada Member Fee ($12)

  • Nordiq Alberta Member Fee ($10)

  • Alberta Masters Association Member Fee ($30)

  • Physiologist-written, customizable training plan on TrainingPeaks (value $50 / month)

  • Strength training in non-skiing months in our private outdoor-based gym

  • Lactates and threshold heart rates testing, as needed ($30 value per session)

  • Individual technique video analysis & technique recommendations (priceless)

  • 24/7 access to our private wax room at the Canmore Nordic Centre during winter, including full set-up and complimentary supplies for waxing your skis (table forms, digital irons, brushes, scrapers, wax removers, hard wax, klister, etc.)

  • Skis race prep for Loppets and AB Cup races (value $80 / pair)

📆 Weekly training schedule:

Monday 6:30pm-8:00pm skiing at Confederation Golf Course or strength training

Thursday 10:30am-12:00pm skiing in Canmore OR 6:30-8:00pm skiing at Confederation / ski walking at Nose Hill park

Saturday 10am-12:00pm or longer - skiing in the mountains, locations grooming-dependent.

Unlock your full nordic skiing potential!

  • Expert Coaches: ✅ The Performance Team coaches are extremely experienced, have raced at the international level (Olympics, World Championships, World Cups, World Loppets, etc.) and have extensive master skier coaching backgrounds. There are multiple coaches working with the Performance Team, so that you can find the one that suits best your learning style.

  • 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.

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

Meet the Performance Team 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.

REGISTER HERE