Cross Country Competitive Programs

Several athletes who have progressed through the ENSC racing program have gone on to race internationally with Canada's National Cross Country Ski Team. Such athletes include Olympians Amanda and Jaime Fortier, former National Team members Tara Whitten and Madeleine Williams, and current National Team Member Amanda Ammar. The club runs groups for youths to masters, with four primary groups: Lynx, Youth, Seniors, and Masters.

Program Summary	Training Groups
2009/2010 Race Schedule	Contact Information
Registration Information
ENSC Members Nathaniel Preston & Eli Brownlee at the start of the skate race at Mt. Sharkfest 2007 photo by Les Clegg www.actionephoto.com

Program Summary (back to top)

The XC Training program provides skiers the opportunity to develop their skiing skills to a very high level. Conditioning and proper skiing techniques are stressed for beginning and developmental racers who are seeking an introduction to the excitement and glamour of cross country ski racing.  Skiers with either biathlon or cross country interests train together for most sessions.

Intensive training allows Junior, Senior and Master racers to compete amongst themselves and other racers. Higher level athletes will compete in Alberta Cup races and vie for a spot on the Provincial and National Racing teams.

Ski and conditioning training occurs Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Weekend trips to racing events such as the Alberta Cup racing series, the Western Canadian Championships and local loppets allow athletes a chance to compete. There is usually a club team that travels to Nationals.  Several athletes who progressed through the ENSC racing program have gone on to race internationally with Canada's National Cross Country Ski Team.

Summer and pre-season ski camps are options for serious competitors. There are also 3 to 5 day training camps avalaible throughout the year. Athletes are grouped according to skill level. Qualified coaches challenge the athletes to achieve their personal best.

ENSC Training Group Opportunities 2009/2010 back to top)

The cross country training program is divided into groups based on interest and fitness goals. Athletes can choose to attend training sessions held on Tuesday, & Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Fall dryland session locations vary from week to week, but once the snow arrives most sessions are held at Gold Bar Park where ENSC maintains groomed illuminated trails. For the 2009/2010 training season the following groups have a designated coach or coaching team:

 “Canada” & Alberta Cup Athletes (ages 16-30)
 “Alberta” Cup Athletes (ages 15-18)
 “Junior” Alberta Cup Athletes (ages 12-15)
 “Lynx/Track Attack” & Loppet Athletes (ages 10-14)
 “Varsity-Master Racers” Athletes (ages 17-99)

Note: a Masters Training group is also offered by the Adult Lessons Coordinator

More information on some of the groups are available on their group's website:

The Lynx Program - Lynx Page
Masters Program - Masters Training Page

2009/10 Cross Country Race Schedule (back to top)

Edmonton Nordic athletes will be competing in many events this year, including ENSC's regional races, Alberta Cups, NorAm Continental Cups, and the National Championships in Duntroon, Ontario.

For a full race schedule, visit Cross Country Alberta and check their events page.

Cross Country Race Programs Contact Information (back to top)

Diane Anderson 431-9688  or
Terry Protz 477-8582