Junior Development: U14, U16, and U18* (Ages 12-18)

 

About: The Junior Development Program is designed for youth athletes in the U14 to U18 age categories who are eager to build their skills, confidence, and enjoyment of cross country skiing. This program supports both recreational and competitive pathways, helping athletes thrive in sport and life.

Skiers will develop strong technique, agility, power, and confidence on skis. In addition to on-snow training, athletes will be introduced to key elements of athletic development including strength training, mental strategies, nutrition concepts, and goal setting.

 

This program aligns with the Training to Train, Learning to Compete, and Active for Life stages of the LTAD model.

 

For athletes interested in racing, there will be opportunities to travel to local, regional, and provincial competitions (U14), and even national-level events (U16 and U18), depending on interest and readiness.

 

From May to October, dryland training options may include roller skiing, trail running, field games, strength sessions, and more. Participants can also choose to follow a Yearly Training Plan (YTP) for individualized, structured training throughout the year.

 

*Age categories are determined by the age you will be at the END of the year of the current season. If the current season is 2025/26 and your child is born in 2012, they will be 14 by the end of 2026 and therefore U14

 

U14 skiers participate mostly from September-March, but are encouraged to join in team activities during the summer. Participating in other sports throughout the spring/summer, either with the team or otherwise, is highly encouraged.  

 

U16 & U18 skiers generally participate from May-March. During this period, athletes participate year-round in a variety of activities. They can have individualized yearly training plans (YTPs) developed to help guide them through the year and week to week. Because many nordic skiers play other sports (and are encouraged to do so!) during the dryland season, their YTP takes this into account, substitutes training sessions, and maintains balance.

 

Dryland: The first half of the program is dryland training. There will be two to three team training sessions each week skiers can attend. Dryland training will include:

• Roller skiing (both technical aspects as well as fun agility sessions)

• Running

• Running with poles (ski striding)

• Strength training

• Road biking

• Adventure hiking

• Team-bonding activities

 

During the dryland season we will have multiple training camps. These include:

• A summer training camp

• A fall training camp

• Potential other local training camps

 

On-snow: The second half of the program, on-snow training, will begin as soon as the snow flies here in Kimberley. There will be three to four team training sessions each week skiers can attend.

 

During the winter months, focus will be on the technical aspects of skiing as well as building aerobic capacity. Workouts will continue with a mix of long slow distance, intensity interval  training, and strength training. 

 

During the winter months athletes have the option to attend races such as:  

• Local Kootenay cups (Kootenay Region)

• Loppets (Fun races with neat courses and lots of draw prizes. All over, though Nipika near Radium, Golden, and Fernie are the closest)

• BC Cups (Provincial races held throughout the province)

• Westerns Canadian Championships

• Canadian National Championships

 

Mini Camps:

Every month or two will be a mini camp. These consist of longer days with a larger variety of activities that are harder to cover in an average session such as: increased team building activities, ski related learning sessions, guest speakers, cooking and baking and more. Dates for these are shared at the beginning of the training season

 

When we meet: Team training sessions are typically 1.5 hours on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends. Hikes or adventure days may be longer and will be advertised well in advance. Dates and times vary based on coach and participant availability. For specific dates and times, please email coach@kimberleynordic.org

 

Cost:

• Program cost: 

  • U14: $700 (no yearly training plan)

  • U16/U18: $950 (yearly training plan)

  • Equipment Rentals: $200 (classic and skate ski equipment) - sizes available for U14 only
    *Note: KNC membership not included with program registration

• Optional strength and conditioning sessions: Done in partnership with Shenoa Runge at Ascend Movement. Additional costs apply.

• Waxing fees at races

• First year participants will have the option to partake in the top end size of the Track attack rental program to aid in the transition for owning all equipment 

• The link to the equipment list can be found at the bottom of this page. 

• Need help paying? Apply for a grant through KidSport Canada

 

What’s included: 

• NCCP Qualified Coaching

• Spring and fall baseline fitness testing 

• Strength Test, Functional Movement Screen

• Registration for Kootenay Regional Fall Camp (September 26-28, 2025)

 

Registration: Closes October 1st, 2025 at 10:00pm

 

Parent and Skier Expectations: 

• All Junior Development participants and parents must sign the Code of Conduct before the start of the program. 

• Team Communication on the Slack app and email

 

Additional Information:

• Fees need to be paid before your child starts any team session 

• Junior Development participants must be members of the Kimberley Nordic Club

• Required equipment list

 

Want to know more? Contact our Program Administrator, Anna Malvin, at programs@kimberleynordic.org or 250-427-5268.