OUR PROGRAMS
Big Thunder Nordic offers recreational and competitive (racing) ski programs for children, youth, and adults. Participation in club programs requires a club membership, affiliation fees and a ski centre trail pass. Our programs follow Nordiq Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model that encourages everyone to be active for life.
Bridging
- Open to Kamview Jackrabbit skiers concurrently registered in Level 4 or Track Attack.
- One session per week on Tuesday evenings training with the Junior Ski Team (in addition to other Jackrabbit sessions on Thursday and Saturday), running October to March.
- Participants can expect to train at both Kamview Nordic Centre and Lappe Nordic Centre for on-snow sessions.
NOTE: All participants must first register for a Kamview Jackrabbit program (Level 4 or Track Attack). Program fees do not include trail pass fees.
For more information on the Kamview Jackrabbit program visit Kamview Nordic Centre or contact kamviewjackrabbitsskiing@gmail.com.
Junior Ski Team
- Designed for U12 and U14 athletes (ages 11-14) who are keen to make the jump to a more focused program.
- Skill development, technique, and training initiatives expose young, enthusiastic skiers to high performance skiing in a fun and motivating atmosphere using Learning to Train (L2T) and Training to Train (T2T-1) initiatives
- 3 Sessions per week, September to March (Tu/Th/Sat)
- Practices will consist of running, pole running/striding, agility, strength, roller skiing and games. It is important to note that we will often be on roller skis for x 2 practices each week. Equipment needed for dryland training: skate roller skis, boots and poles, helmet, high visibility clothing, ski striding poles, running shoes.
- Optional summer dryland training available (additional fee)
- Racing opportunities focus on local race series with some opportunity for travel to out of town events (Ontario Youth Championships, Ontario Cup race series).
- Participants can expect to train at both Kamview Nordic Centre and Lappe Nordic Centre for on-snow sessions. Dryland sessions may be held at several locations throughout the city and participants will receive a weekly training plan that will indicate the location of training.
NOTE: Program fees do not include trail pass fees.
Development Team
- Intended for U16 athletes and older (ages 14+ as of December 31/22) who are using the program for cross-training, who are beginning to explore competitive skiing, or who are primarily focused on skill and technique development.
- Fall/Winter program runs September to March, 3 sessions per week (Tu/Th/Sat)
- Fall/Winter + Summer Dryland Training program runs May to March, 3 sessions per week (Tu/Th/Sat)
- Access to team training camps
- Racing opportunities focus on the local race series. While program participants are welcome to travel with the team, members of the Development Team typically do not attend all of the races on the schedule. Development athletes who anticipate travelling to out-of-town races are encouraged to register for the Race Team where there are more opportunities available for travel reimbursement.
- Participants can expect to train at both Kamview Nordic Centre and Lappe Nordic Centre for on-snow sessions. Dryland sessions may be held at several locations throughout the city and participants will receive a weekly training plan that will indicate the location of training.
NOTE: Program fees do not include trail pass fees.
Racing Team
- Intended for athletes U16 and older (ages 14+ as of December 31/22) whose primary athletic focus is Nordic ski racing (U16, U18, U20 and open categories).
- Year-round training program, 3 team sessions per week (Tu/Th/Sat) plus additional independent training days
- Includes additional training, meetings, consultations, and planning opportunities with the head coach.
- Access to team training camps
- Intended for athletes planning to race the competitive circuit, including Ontario Cup series and National Championships.
- Participants can expect to train at both Kamview Nordic Centre and Lappe Nordic Centre for on-snow sessions. Dryland sessions may be held at several locations throughout the city and participants will receive a weekly training plan that will indicate the location of training.
NOTE: Program fees do not include trail pass fees.
LU Varsity
Be part of the Lakehead Thunderwolves Varsity Nordic Ski team and train with Big Thunder Nordic! For Lakehead University student athletes whose athletic focus is Nordic ski racing, including U20, U23 and 23+.
- Year-round training program, 3 team sessions per week (Tu/Th/Sat) plus additional independent training days
- Includes additional training, meetings, consultations, and planning opportunities with the head coach.
- Access to team training camps
- Intended for student athletes planning to race the competitive circuit, including Ontario Cup series and National Championships. Access to travel support for races related to varsity competition.
- Training and program opportunities also available for newer racers who do not plan to compete on a full race circuit.
- Student athletes have access to Lakehead Athletics Academic Liaison and academic support personnel, as well as access to Lakehead University athletics facilities including fitness areas, sports medicine, and athletic therapy.
- Athletes can expect to train at both Kamview Nordic Centre and Lappe Nordic Centre for on-snow sessions. Dryland sessions may be held at several locations throughout the city and participants will receive a weekly training plan that will indicate the location of training.
- Varsity member fees include a BTNSC membership so athletes are covered by BT insurance at specified club and varsity training locations. Varsity athletes can choose to retain their membership and CCC race license to their home club if preferred.
Visit Lakehead Thunderwolves Varsity Nordic Ski Team and contact Head Coach Adam Kates for more information.
Masters
- This program is geared towards skiers who are looking to become faster, stronger and more efficient in both classic and skate techniques.
- Option of one or two sessions per week at Kamview Nordic Centre. Sunday afternoons from 1-3 pm and/or Thursday evenings 6-8 pm.
- Participation in the local race circuit and Sleeping Giant Loppet are encouraged, but race participation is optional.
- For more information contact the Masters Coordinator at btnordicmasters@gmail.com
Steps and Strides
Steps and Strides to the Sleeping Giant Loppet is an 8-week clinic designed specifically for less experienced or beginner adult skiers who want to improve their fitness and technique, with the goal of skiing one of the Loppet events. Sessions are held at Kamview Nordic Centre on Sunday afternoons from 1-3 pm, starting in January. A crew of enthusiastic coaches offer instruction in both skate and classic techniques. A Big Thunder Nordic membership is not required for this clinic. Please note that trail fees are not included in the program cost. For more information contact btnordicstepsandstrides@gmail.com.
REGISTRATION for this program opens on December 1/23 at 9 am.