with Joy Mekechuk
Back by popular demand! Get a jump on cross-country skiing with Trail Sports’ tried and true outdoor dryland training program. Focus on balance, core work, strength and plyometric training specific to cross-country classic and skate ski movements. Ideal for novice to intermediate/advanced cross-country skiers.
There is a cardiovascular component, but the group will not be continuously running with poles. There will be ski walking, striding, bounding, plyometrics and double-pole strength-specific movements.
In a fun, supportive environment, skiers will prepare for the winter season with ski-specific exercises that allow for an easier transition to snow. The CNC trails will be our playground.
Participants are asked to bring: Classic ski poles, ankle bands of various resistance*, yoga mat and drink belt. Trail Sports will have a few extra bands to use.
Tuesday Mornings, 9am–10:30am
1.5 hours per session (6 hours total)
$165 + GST
Monday Afternoons, 4pm–5:30pm
1.5 hours per session (9 hours total)
$250 + GST
*Resistance bands come in three strengths: light (red, peach), medium (green) or heavy (blue, black). All three levels will be used in resistance training. Bands are $4 to $8 and can be purchased at Canadian Tire, Sports Experts, Fitness Depot, Winners, etc., or online.
PureXC is dedicated to the technical, tactical, physical and mental development of masters cross-country skiers with three days of sport-specific training and expert coaching in classic and skate techniques.
PureXC camps are a unique opportunity to receive individualized ski technique feedback from expert coaches, to increase fitness and mileage at a world-class ski venue, and foster new friendships in a fun, social and supportive environment.
Our Masters camps are intended for intermediate/advanced skiers (age 35+) who want to develop their ski technique, enhance fitness and delve deeper into how to better train for cross-country skiing. Read on for information on the venue, the coaches and a breakdown of all of the camps we offer.
PureXC masters ski camps run in partnership with Trail Sports at the Canmore Nordic Centre, a world-class ski venue five minutes from downtown Canmore, 20 minutes from Banff and one hour from Calgary. Situated at 1300 metres, the CNC (site of the 1988 Calgary Olympics) offers exceptional daily trail grooming and track setting for classic and skate skiing, and touts a trail system of 60-plus kilometres of varied terrain. Trail Sports offers a 10% discount to camp participants who are ski club members (Join a club!).
Industry-leading ski waxing and service is available at Trail Sports: Visit our shop or call (403) 678-6764.
Roddy Ward has coached high-performance, development and masters athletes for 20-plus years. He has more than a decade of experience as a national team coach and as the director of high performance and athlete development with Biathlon Canada. Roddy has a master’s degree in coaching from the University of Victoria and has guided athletes to win medals at the World Cup and World Championships. Roddy’s goal with PureXC is to provide masters athletes an exceptional experience focused on the improvement of all aspects of athletic development in the sport of skiing.
Meet Kelly, Lead Performance Dietitian and an expert in the field of nutrition for high-level athletes. Kelly holds a Masters of Science in exercise physiology and biochemistry. Read Kelly's impressive bio here.
CANSI Level 3 and 4 instructors who are lifelong skiers with years of experience in ski racing and as ski instructors and coaches.
Friday–Sunday, December 12–14, 2025.
Body position and timing for one skate, offset, double pole and diagonal stride. Cornering and agility work. Extensive focus on individualized video feedback.
Hydration for the masters athlete. USG (urine-specific gravity) hydration tests to individualize each person’s hydration strategy to match their training program.
In-season strength routine #1 and ski-specific core strength workout.
Saturday team dinner (Iron Goat) with guest speaker (TBD) | Menu | Directions
2026 date to be announced — Please stay tuned!
Body position and timing for free skate, two-skate, skate turns, one-step double pole and diagonal stride (up hills). Downhill maneuvers. Extensive focus on individualized video feedback.
Fueling as an active masters athlete. Individualized fueling strategies to match each person’s training program.
In-season strength routine #2 and ski-specific stretching session.
Saturday team dinner (Iron Goat) with guest speaker (TBD) | Menu | Directions
$775 CAD + GST.
Price includes three days of ski training and three lunches.
Not included in price: Accommodation, CNC trail passes*, Kananaskis Conservation Pass, travel to and from Canmore, personal car rental or transportation to the Canmore Nordic Centre, breakfasts, dinners and snacks.
*Ski passes are available for purchase at the Day Lodge, 9am-5pm. Suggestion: For non-season pass holders, purchase three day passes on prior to camp or Friday morning to avoid weekend lineups.
For further information, including a detailed breakdown of the camp schedule, pricing, cancellation & weather policy, accommodation etc. please refer to our handbook.
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