Nordic Ninjas

The Nordic Ninjas program acts as an introduction to competitive skiing. Here athletes will learn and develop FUNdamental ski skills through the use of games and engaging activities made to challenge each athlete individually.

Nordic Ninjas is broken down into two groups NN1 and NN2, based on age. However individual workouts and how participants are split within their groups will be based on skill and development determined by coach discretion.

Registration can be found HERE

Ages

  • U12 (9-11)

Training dates

  • 1x/week | Saturday 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Equipment

  • Classic Skis
  • Skate Skis
  • Classic boots (or combi boots)**
  • Skate boots (or combi boots)**
  • Classic Poles 
  • Skate Poles
  • Head Lamp

** If buying combi boots only buy one pair for the season, as they are designed for both classic and skate skiing.

Events

  • Participation at AYC
  • Attended Alberta Cup Race Weekends
    • AB Cup 1+2 | Canmore
    • AB Cup 3+4 | Calgary
    • AB Cup 7+8 | Red Deer

Program Goals

The goal of NN1 is to develop fundamental ski skills within each athlete. Fostering a love for skiing and the ability to ski at a technically appropriate level through the use of games.

Skiers can expect to learn all the basic ski techniques:

  • One/Two Skate
  • Off-set
  • Diagonal Stride
  • Double pole
  • Herringbone
  • Step turns

Skiers in NN1 are encouraged to attend XCBC’s Alberta Youth Championships, as well as near-by AB Cups.

Training starts in November and runs till the end of March assuming good snow conditions.

The estimated cost for NN1 is: $300

Ages

  • U14 (12-13)

Training dates

  • 2x/week | Wednesday 6:30-8 pm | Saturday 10:00-12:30

Equipment

  • Classic Skis, Training skis and rock skis
  • Skate Skis, Training skis and rock skis
  • Classic boots**
  • Skate boots**
  • Classic Poles 
  • Skate Poles
  • Head Lamp

** Please avoid the use of combi boots at this level.

Events

  • Participation at AYC
  • Attending all / most Alberta Cup Race Weekends
  • Westerns (optional)

Program Goals

The goal of NN2 is to further the development of fundamental ski skills within participating athletes. Participants will continue to develop a love for skiing while challenging their own abilities. Games act as a learning cornerstone at this level of development.

Skiers can expect to develop all the basic ski techniques, while refining previously developed skills:

  • One/Two Skate
  • Free Skate
  • Off-set
  • Diagonal Stride
  • Double pole
  • Herringbone
  • Step turns
  • Goal setting

Skiers in NN1 are encouraged to attend XCBC’s Alberta Youth Championships, as well as all available AB Cups.

Training starts in November and runs till the end of March, assuming good snow conditions.

The estimated cost for NN2 is: $600

Head Nordic Coach

Josh began his coaching career during his time racing with the Foothills Nordic Ski Club. Having fallen in love with skiing and all the opportunities it brought over years of racing, Josh would start coaching JackRabbits and soon youth and masters athletes.
Developed both from his time racing and coaching, Josh’s coaching philosophy is simple, “Athletes are people first”, meaning that each athlete’s individual needs and goals always comes first before medals and performances. 

“Whether an athlete is looking to podium at nationals or simply challenge themselves each day they get out on skis, they have a place within XCBC.”

Coaching Experience:

  • Head Nordic Coach XCBC (current)
  • Head Coach Zone 3, Alberta Winter Games 2024
  • Youth Coach with Foothills Nordic Ski Club 2021-2024
  • Masters Coach with Foothills Nordic Ski Club 2021-2024

Certifications:

  • T2T Trained
  • CANSI LV 1
  • CCMHS Mental Health Literacy Training
  • First Aid Certified
  • Safe Sport Training