Learn To Loppet Session

8pm: join fellow skiers in the Hollyburn Lodge for a free hot chocolate or other hot drink.

Save the date - in conjunction with the Skiing Is Believing Day on Jan 10th at Whistler Olympic Park, the Flex Room is rented all for use by our club. 
What: Meet up with fellow club members  for a social ski and potluck lunch
When: All day, Jan 10th, 2026. Lunch 12-1pm.
Where: Flex Room, Whistler Olympic Park (opposite end of upper car park to Day Lodge).
Details: Bring your skis and a dish to share! Meet up in the Flex Room, leave your gear and food there while you go for a ski. Come back at noon for a shared potluck lunch.

Our first Skiing Is Believing (SIB) event is Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Whistler Olympic Park. We’re looking for volunteers to help us make this a great day for everyone. If you're keen to join us, please fill out this form.

Every winter, Nordic Racers hosts SIB events for people with physical disabilities to try cross-country skiing, whether for the first time or to improve their skills. This season, we're hoping to add fun learn-to-race and biathlon activities. And as an added bonus: Phil M will be holding a mini-workshop on sit-ski fitting and equipment adjustments.

If you're new to volunteering for our SIB events, that's OK, we'll pair you with another volunteer for on-the-job training to get you start

Learn to Loppet Sessions run every Wed eve through Jan and Feb.

See December Newsletter for more details.

Learn To Loppet Session

8pm: join fellow skiers in the Hollyburn Lodge for a free hot chocolate or other hot drink.

Especially for those who were not able to make it to Silverstar and for those who are fairly new to cross country skiing, we are offering an early season technique refresher for both skating and classic techniques. Sign up if you are anywhere from a novice to an advanced skier and you will be assigned to the appropriate class..
When: 9:30am - 2:30pm Saturday Dec 20th (lunch break 11:30-12:30)
Where: Whistler Olympic Park (WOP). Meet in Flex Room..
What: Technique refresher for both skating and classic techniques, all levels welcome
Details:  See December newsletter for details and to sign up.
As mentioned, priority will be given to those who were not able to go to Silverstar this year. 

Biathlon Workshop at Whistler Olympic Park

Details to follow….

Meet Location: west side of Cleveland Dam Lot Parking (Prospect Ave / Nancy Greene Way)

Details: see here for more info

(Dryland Training alternates between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam, Saturdays 9:30am - 11:30am)

Biathlon Workshop at Whistler Olympic Park

What: prepare for the upcoming ski season with ski-specific dryland exercises
When: 9:30am every Saturday from the end of Sept until the snow falls!
Where: Meet Location: West Parking Lot B, NW Marine Drive (this is the west-most parking lot before the hill, just west of Parking Lot A)
Details: See here for more info.

Note: The first Dryland Training for Fall 2025 will be at Spanish Banks, 9:30am Saturday Oct 4.  It will then alternate between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam. 

1-hour online session for Biathlon Workshop in the evening

Meet Location: west side of Cleveland Dam Lot Parking (Prospect Ave / Nancy Greene Way)

Details: see here for more info

(Dryland Training alternates between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam, Saturdays 9:30am - 11:30am)

What: prepare for the upcoming ski season with ski-specific dryland exercises
When: 9:30am every Saturday from the end of Sept until the snow falls!
Where: Meet Location: West Parking Lot B, NW Marine Drive (this is the west-most parking lot before the hill, just west of Parking Lot A)
Details: See here for more info.

Note: The first Dryland Training for Fall 2025 will be at Spanish Banks, 9:30am Saturday Oct 4.  It will then alternate between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam. 

Meet Location: west side of Cleveland Dam Lot Parking (Prospect Ave / Nancy Greene Way)

Details: see here for more info

(Dryland Training alternates between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam, Saturdays 9:30am - 11:30am)

What: prepare for the upcoming ski season with ski-specific dryland exercises
When: 9:30am every Saturday from the end of Sept until the snow falls!
Where: Meet Location: West Parking Lot B, NW Marine Drive (this is the west-most parking lot before the hill, just west of Parking Lot A)
Details: See here for more info.

Note: The first Dryland Training for Fall 2025 will be at Spanish Banks, 9:30am Saturday Oct 4.  It will then alternate between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam. 

Join us for a fun Season Kick-Off at Coast Outdoors, Oct 15

Location: 352 Lynn Avenue, North Vancouver, V7J 2C5

Sign up at: Season Kick-Off

Come celebrate the start of the season with us at Coast Outdoors! Happening Wednesday, October 23rd, 6-8 PM for BBQ brats, veggie sausages, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, store discounts, and plenty of Nordic Racer cheer. Please bring your own plates & mugs.

This is also a great opportunity to take advantage of our 10% club discount and get some new gear!

Meet Location: west side of Cleveland Dam Lot Parking (Prospect Ave / Nancy Greene Way)

Details: see here for more info

(Dryland Training alternates between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam, Saturdays 9:30am - 11:30am)

From Georgia Heraty

It is with deep sadness, I share the passing of Paul Austin James Heraty who left us peacefully on June 26th, 2025, at the age of 72.

Paul was a man of remarkable strength, humour, and heart. He faced a long journey with Parkinson’s Disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with courage and grace.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring brother, a true friend, a gifted writer, and an explorer of both the natural world and the creative spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 4th 2025 at 3:00pm at The Jericho Sailing Centre. Located at 1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver, BC.

What to Wear
 In true Paul style, if he wasn't in a crisp, well-fitted suit, he was in athletic gear: a cherished Nordic tuque, a well-worn paddling wetsuit, a sun-bleached silk shirt, or vintage ’90s sport shades. 

We ask that you honor his adventurous spirit by wearing your running, paddling, or ski attire - ready to channel your inner Paul.

What to Expect

3:30 pm - Words of Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
4:00 pm - Life Tributes & Memories
4:30 pm - Thank Yous & Heraty Foundation Announcement

Obituary
Paul’s obituary can be viewed online and will be published in print in The Vancouver Sun and The Province newspapers this Saturday, September 20th 2025.
Click here to view Paul Austin James Heraty’s Obituary

The Heraty Foundation
The Heraty Foundation was created to carry Paul’s adventurous and generous spirit forward by supporting two causes close to his heart:

• North Shore Rescue - Reflecting his lifelong love of wilderness, adventure, and service.

• The Parkinson’s Society of BC - Supporting individuals and families navigating Parkinson’s with courage, hope, and community.

Click here to support The Heraty Foundation.

If you have any photos, memories, or stories of Paul that you’d like to share with Georgia..

We look forward to coming together to honor his life, celebrate his legacy, and remember a man whose spirit inspired everyone around him.

What: prepare for the upcoming ski season with ski-specific dryland exercises
When: 9:30am every Saturday from the end of Sept until the snow falls!
Where: Meet Location: West Parking Lot B, NW Marine Drive (this is the west-most parking lot before the hill, just west of Parking Lot A)
Details: See here for more info.

Note: The first Dryland Training for Fall 2025 will be at Spanish Banks, 9:30am Saturday Oct 4.  It will then alternate between Spanish Banks and Cleveland Dam. 

CANCELED DUE TO RAIN

Summer Hike - Saturday September 27

What: Help get yourself in shape for the upcoming Dryland Training with a fun hike up St Mark's Summit

Sign-up link.

When: 9am, Saturday September 27, 2025
Where: Meet outside the new (upper) lodge at Cypress Ski Hill base 
Details: Bring a backpack with necessary hiking supplies (food, water, sunscreen, hat, emergency clothing, flashlight, first aid, etc), wear comfortable hiking footwear, and enjoy a fun day on our North Shore mountains with fellow Nordic Skiers.

Important: Make sure you join the Nordic Racers WhatsApp group for up to the minute updates on this event - see end of newsletter for info on how to join this group.

Join us at Locarno Beach for a festive evening sharing stories on your summer activities! A great time to get together, keep the club vibe going, and plan ahead for next season.
Where: Locarno Beach Picnic Site - 4445 NW Marine Drive, Locarno Beach Park
When: Thursday August 7, 6-9pm
What: The club will provide BBQs to cook on, burgers (a limited number with first come first served so come early), condiments and soft drinks.
Please bring: some salads or desserts to share.  Also please bring your own plates, cups, and utensils. 
Games (bocci ball?) and musical instruments welcome - if you have a talent we'd love to have you share it with us!
Sign-up Link: Nordic Racers Summer Beach BBQ

When: Thursday May 29, 6-8pm
Where: Donna and John have graciously offered to host at their home. Sign up at this link. The location address is on the signup form.
What: Review of the past season's activities, club finances and election of 2025/25 Executive, together with socializing and food. There will also be a presentation on the very successful 2025 Invictus Games. 
NB: the club will provide the main course, please bring a dessert potluck item. 

Bowling is back! Join us for another fun-filled evening to wrap up the season. Whether you're a pro or there for the pizza and team camaraderie, we’ve got you covered.
When: Friday, April 11th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Commodore Lanes, 838 Granville St, Vancouver
Cost: $30
Pizza fuel (veg options too!) and shoes included. Cash bar only for beverages, no outside drinks permitted. 
Come get your bowl on and let’s celebrate a great season together!
RSVP by April 8th on Zone 4 to reserve your spot: https://zone4.ca/register/VozDOR/
See you there!

The Vancouver Island Loppet is held every year at Mount Washington Cross Country Ski Area, BC.

See Competition Schedule | Cross Country BC for a link to the event and to sign up.

The Nickel Plate Loppet is held every year at Nickel Plate Cross Country Ski Area, Penticton, BC.

See Competition Schedule | Cross Country BC for a link to the event and to sign up.

The Apple Loppet is held every year at Telemark Cross Country Ski Area, Kelowna BC.

See Competition Schedule | Cross Country BC for a link to the event and to sign up.

In conjunction with Skiing Is Believing (SIB), Nordic Racers will have access to the Flex Room at WOP all day on March 1st. Come and join fellow club members for some fun events. Bring a potluck lunch item to share!