Masters’ Skiing 101

Canadian Masters is affiliated and recognized by Cross Country Canada (CCC) and is represented by The Canadian Masters XC Ski Association. A master skier is anyone over the age of 30, who is dedicated to ski training and racing … hmmm, I guess that would be many of us. To compete at a masters level doesn’t mean you have to be an uber skier and rake in the medals, but just to set a training goal, work at it, and participate. The requirement to enter any masters competition (Provincial, National, or World Cup) is to pay a small annual membership fee. That’s it - no qualifications, no lotteries - you just go. A Masters World Cup was hosted in Canada in 2011 at Sovereign Lakes with 1125 participants from countries all over the world and age groups across the spectrum, including the fastest uber younger athletes and ex-olympians to diehards in their 90’s. The event took place over three days with Olympic distances - sprints to 15 km. Canada again hosted a Masters World in Canmore, Alberta in 2022, again with great participation at all levels. Let’s aim to get a good representation of the Nordic Racers to future Masters events.

You can find out more at http://canadian-masters-xc-ski.ca

See also US and North American affiliates https://www.xcskiworld.com/national-masters-home

World Masters http://www.world-masters-xc-skiing.com/en/

Training Tips for Master Skiers https://itsallaboutthevertical.wordpress.com/tag/masters-cross-country-ski-training-plan/

Endurance (but not racing) events: https://skimarathon.ca

Provincial Competition Schedule: http://www.crosscountrybc.ca/competition-schedule

Gallery of Nordic Racers master skiers from Payak 2019. Photos by Official Payak Photographer, Andrea Heal.