Ski and train with us!

Join our premier masters cross-country ski program.

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Bow Valley Nordic masters delivers programming for adults to build fitness and finesse on cross-country skis in a social group training format. It is oriented towards intermediate to advanced cross-country skiers who – much like fine wine and cheese – are only getting better with age!

Rev up your winter!

You’ll improve your fitness and ski technique in a fun group atmosphere. Group training and varied sessions build motivation. Evening sessions target strength and high intensity. Weekends are focused on long distance to build aerobic capacity and technical development while experiencing the beautiful ski trails around the Bow Valley. The program also includes travel destinations for loppets and long weekend technical development camps. 

We understand that not all masters skiers have a competitive background. Our coaches have learned to ski efficiently as adults and deliver the program based on the needs and interests of the master skier. For example, we plan for longer recovery times, injury prevention, social aspects, and the need to fit skiing in alongside other life commitments and busy schedules.

The weekly program schedule is Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings.

Note: This is not a learn to ski program. Participants should be comfortable with classic and skate skiing on intermediate to advanced trails, regularly skiing distances of 20-30 km. We’ll keep developing your technique throughout the winter, with instruction tailored to where you’re at.

Bow Valley Nordic XC skier Robin Riddell crosses the finish line at the Canadian Birkebeiner loppet.

  • “This club is amazing!”

    The coaches are great teachers who foster the love of beautiful skiing in a positive environment. The group of athletes in the club have become real friends. I already can't wait till next winter! —Denise H.

  • “BVN is a wonderful community.”

    The club is a community of kind and passionate skiers and I've learned how to push myself to become a stronger skier. —Allison A.

  • “Head coach Colin is an outstanding instructor.”

    He has perfect technique and his waxing and general skiing knowledge is exceptional. I really enjoyed him and how he made learning fun. —Marc M.

Program highlights

  • Dryland and on-snow fitness

    Build fitness through a training plan that peaks for the January to March loppet /race season. Follow 4-5 week meso-cycles alternately focusing on endurance, threshold, and peak speed to prepare you to ski further, more efficiently. Do dryland training from September until the snow flies.

    In general, the program assumes that you are active through the summer months and are prepared for up to 3-hour workouts ski striding, running, biking and roller skiing starting in September.

    Schedule: Training sessions are Thursday evenings (Calgary and Canmore options) and Saturday mornings (in the mountains)

  • Technique improvement

    CANSI and NCCP certified coaches provide technique assessment, instruction and feedback in both classic and skate skiing techniques.

    Expect technique feedback at every practice, with frequent video analysis.

  • NEW: Online video analysis

    New for 2026/27, your Masters membership includes one individual video analysis session, in addition to group feedback sessions, as part of our regular programming. Watching your form frame-by-frame helps uncover small adjustments that can make a big difference – from improving balance and coordination, to generating more powerful propulsion down the trail.

    How it works: Ask a friend to shoot a video of you skiing, then submit your video to our coaching team. Meet one-on-one with a coach in a virtual session to review your footage. You’ll get personalized feedback, expert insights, and targeted drills to fine-tune your technique.

  • Strength training

    Follow a professionally developed program using top quality weight-lifting equipment. Focus on ski-specific strength and endurance and injury-prevention. Train with a group to encourage weekly participation.

    Schedule: Tuesday evenings in Calgary (Winsport) and Canmore (Bill Warren Training Centre)

  • Camps

    Three camps planned this season to develop both fitness and technique. This year, camps will run

    Early Snow Camp, Lake Louise: Nov 20-22

    Silver Star bulk training camp: Dec 6-13

    Early Winter Camp: Early January (dates TBD)

  • Participation in loppets and races

    Racing is a fun way to set challenge goals for yourself and celebrate your success! We encourage all masters to try at least one event a year. We offer waxing and coaching support at local loppets and Alberta Cup races. One group destination adventure to a major loppet each season.

  • Coaching team

    The Masters XC program is coached by CANSI, NCCP and Safe Sport certified coaches. We aim for small group sizes of similar abilities so you can ski and workout with friends at a compatible pace.

So, how much does all this great stuff cost?

We offer competitive pricing that gives you access to a premier six-month cross-country ski and group training program. Fees include all dryland, strength training, and on-snow sessions described above.

Club membership: $50

Masters Program fee: $675

Spouse add-on: $275 (gives full access to the program)

Confederation Park trail pass (required to participate in Calgary workouts): $60 Individual / $90 Couple

You must pay separately for a Canmore Nordic Centre trail pass, and Banff and Kananaskis parks passes. Overnight camps, loppets and events may incur additional costs for entry fees, accommodations, travel, etc.

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