Winter Classes and Clinics

For 2023/24, we will once again have a full line-up of classes during the winter season. All classes organized through the club are for members only, and for those with some skiing experience. If you are a total beginner, we recommend that you start through Cypress Ski School, where you can start out from scratch. As beginner skiers, if you choose to join the club, you still benefit from membership privileges, which can be found here. Most of our classes are at Cypress Mountain Nordic Area (aka Hollyburn) unless specified otherwise, and prices do not include trail passes or equipment rentals. Please read the following Covid19 precautions, or you can see the full Covid19 Plan here.

Program notes:

  • 2023/24 classes will be opened for sign-up in December, 2023.

  • All programs at Cypress (a.k.a. Hollyburn), Wednesday at 6:30pm, unless otherwise noted.

  • Prices do not include trail tickets or equipment rentals.

  • No refunds once classes have begun.

  • Classes will be cancelled if there are insufficient registrations.  Nordic Racers is a non-profit.

  • If your desired class is full email the Club President to be put on the wait list.  If there is sufficient interest more classes will be added.

If you have any questions, contact the Club President

2023-2024 Master Programs

These classes were announced via newsletter and are now in full swing, to avoid risk of injury the programs are no longer accepting new members. For reference the programs are described below.

This program is designed to support those who want to get faster through improved on- and off-snow ski-specific training. Increasing fitness for races starts months before the snow falls, and thus the group training program begins the first week of October. It is more motivating to train with others so there is an expectation that those signed up will commit to all the group training sessions.

Level 1: Masters (October 2023 to February 2024).

Program cost: $120 plus $200 training plan ($320 total - purchase of training plan instruction are in the email receipt). Max 14 participants.

  1. A weekly Saturday morning two-hour dryland session starting in October as part of the club’s standard dryland sessions. Sessions run until the end of November.      

  2. Tuesday evening 1.5 h group session: running/bounding/strength workout. Starting in October at Empire Stadium. Sessions run until the end of November.

  3. Early and Mid season video sessions (2 sessions).

  4. Weekly on-snow coached sessions every Wednesday night beginning January 3rd for 8 sessions (gearing to race in Payak).

Who should participate?  

  •  If you want to improve your high-end (intensity) fitness level in preparation for the ski season

  •  You’ll need to be able to run (on the rubber track)

  •  Can sustain two-hour mixed training sessions that include intensity work

Prerequisites

  • Is able to demonstrate Off-set, one-skate, and two-skate techniques.

Level 2: Masters (October 2023 to February 2024).

Program cost: $50 plus $200 training plan ($250 total - purchase of training plan instruction are in the email receipt). Max 6 participants.

  1. A weekly Saturday morning two-hour dryland session starting in October as part of the club’s standard dryland sessions. Sessions run until the end of November.

  2. Tuesday evening 1.5 h group session: running/bounding/strength workout. Starting in October at Empire Stadium. Sessions run until the end of November.

  3. Winter weekend two hour group training session at Cypress. Sessions run until the end of February.

  4. Winter Tuesday evening 1.5 hour group training session at Cypress. Sessions run until the end of February.

  5. Early and Mid season video sessions (2 sessions).

Who should participate?  

  • As the full season program is focused on fitness, it is expected that skiers will already have good techniques for their style of choice (classic or skate).     

  •  If you want to improve your high-end (intensity) fitness level in preparation for the ski season

  •  You’ll need to be able to run (on the rubber track)

  •  Can sustain two-hour mixed training sessions that include intensity work

  •  Are planning on doing two or more races (BC Cup and/or loppets)

  •  Will commit to a 6 to 10 hour per week training plan that includes group training (mostly intensity work) and individual endurance and strength work. 

Prerequisites

  • Is able to demonstrate Off-set, one-skate, and two-skate techniques, and

  • Have completed at least 2 races last year (loppet/BC cup/world masters), and

  • Have completed at least one 50km race in the last 5 years (or completed more than 2 races last year)

Note

On snow coaching sessions will be made available to level 2 for an additional fee if level 3 individuals are not able to attend those sessions.

Level 3: Masters (October 2023 to February 2024).

Program cost: $115 plus $200 training plan ($315 total - purchase of training plan instruction are in the email receipt). Max 14 participants.

  1. A two-hour weekend dryland session starting in October as part of the club’s standard dryland sessions. Sessions run until the end of November.

  2. Tuesday evening 1.5 h group session: running/bounding/strength workout. Starting in October at Empire Stadium. Sessions run until the end of November.

  3. Winter weekend two hour group training session at Cypress. Sessions run until the end of February.

  4. Winter Tuesday evening 1.5 hour group training session at Cypress. Sessions run until the end of February.

  5. Early and Mid season video sessions (2 sessions).

  6. 3 Technique coaching sessions

  • 1 session at Silver Star (during Silver Star Club Camp, Dec 2nd)

  • 1 session in January (date TBD)

  • 1 session in February (Feb 18th)

Who should participate?  

  • As the full season program is focused on fitness, it is expected that skiers will already have good techniques for their style of choice (classic or skate).     

  •  If you want to improve your high-end (intensity) fitness level in preparation for the ski season

  •  You’ll need to be able to run (on the rubber track)

  •  Can sustain two-hour mixed training sessions that include intensity work

  •  Are planning on doing two or more races (BC Cup and/or loppets)

  •  Will commit to a 6 to 10 hour per week training plan that includes group training (mostly intensity work) and individual endurance and strength work. 

Prerequisites

  • Is able to demonstrate Off-set, one-skate, and two-skate techniques, and

  • Have completed at least 2 races last year (loppet/BC cup/world masters), and

  • Have completed at least one 50km race in the last 5 years (or completed more than 2 races last year)

Note

As there are only a limited number of spots available, we have to ensure that spots are occupies by individuals that have truly met the prerequisites. You will register with an initial payment of $20, and be contacted to ensure that you do meet prerequisites. If prerequisites are not met, the spot will be re-opened and there is no refund. Feel free to contact president@nordicracers.ca or vicepresident@nordicracers.ca by email in advance if unsure.

Covid-19 Precautions

To ensure a safe experience for everyone we are observing the following protocols for this season:

  • Everyone must register for the program.  No drop-ins or substitutions allowed as we will only use registration information for contact tracing.

  • We strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask, buff or other face covering.  

  • We discourage carpooling unless you are in the same bubble.

Photo Credits: Evgeniy Panzhinskiy, Bob Putman