Recreational Group Training

A person cross-country skiing on a snowy field with mountains in the background and a cloudy sky overhead.

With the Recreational Program, 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 to enjoy your ski adventures 💙.

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 on Saturday 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

💵 Membership cost:

  • $450 for September-November (3 months)

  • $650 for December-March (4 months)

✅ Included in the cost (incl. >$250 value of additional perks)

  • In person, small-group coaching, up to 2x per week

  • Nordiq Canada Member Fee ($12)

  • Nordiq Alberta Member Fee ($10)

  • Alberta Masters Association Member Fee ($30)

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

  • 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.). We are also happy to teach you how to wax your own skis!

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

📆 Weekly training schedule:

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

Thursday 10:30am-12:00pm skiing in Canmore (as available)

Saturday 10am-12:00pm or longer - 2+ hours of group skiing in the mountains (locations grooming-dependent), with frequent sessions at Canmore Nordic Centre in the early and late 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).

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

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

  • 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 ski at Confederation Golf Course on weeknights and 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.

  • Besides regular training, team members are welcome to attend optional ski trips in Lake Louise - a 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.

    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.

A person cross-country skiing on a snow-covered lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine trees with clouds and blue sky overhead.
Snow-covered cross-country ski trail with mountains in the background, a building on the left side, and flags along the path, during sunny weather.

Meet the Rec Coaches

  • A woman is skiing on snowy terrain, smiling, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

    Dasha Atkins

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

  • A woman smiling outdoors, wearing a turquoise headband, a red jacket with 'Nordic Ski Ll' and 'Craft' logos, and a blue neck gaiter, with a background of blurred trees.

    Kim McKenney

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

  • A man taking a selfie in a snowy forest, wearing sunglasses, a white hat with Norwegian flags and text, a blue and green jacket, and a logo with a dog silhouette on his chest.

    Misha Kudienko

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

  • A young woman in a blue and black athletic jacket with sponsor logos, smiling with arms crossed, outdoors with snow and a mountain in the background.

    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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