The Training-to-Train (T2T) XC program is for athletes in aged 13 to 16 who want to grow their skiing skills and begin competing in the U14 / U16 categories at regional and provincial levels. Athletes take part in structured team practices through fall and winter, along with independent training that helps them progress at their own pace. An additional supportive summer program builds strength, rollerski skills, and aerobic fitness to set athletes up for success when they are back on the snow.
The T2T program provides a clear pathway for young skiers to build confidence, develop strong technical skills, and enjoy the rewards of year‑round athletic development.
Program Details
SPRING / SUMMER
Strength: A strength plan is provided along with 1 supervised session when the program renews. This equates to athletes being prescribed strength 1x or 2x per week, depending on their age and maturity, and approximately 1 supervised session per month.
Rollerskiing: Cross training (ie. other sports) takes the front seat in the summer, but that doesn’t mean no rollerski sessions! Rollerski sessions are offered on an advanced-notice basis in order to prepare for events such as: talent squad camp.
Club Hikes / Adventure days: Club hikes and adventure days will occur on specified Sundays from June through to the end of August. While this is a session which is included in the T2T planning, these club hikes are family friendly, and welcome to all!
Cost: $160 as an add on to Fall / Winter by registering in the Year-Round Program
FALL / Winter: September 8, 2026 – April 1, 2027 (No formal programming over winter break)
Athletes are on a rigorous training plan and are provided with 3 Physical Sessions weekly.
Tuesday 6:00- 7:30pm
Thursday 6:00-730pm
Saturday 9:00-11:30am
Athletes may also be expected to train on their own 1 to 2 times per week (easy volume).
NOTE: The cold weather cut-off for T2T is -20 Celsius
Competitions:
This program has a strong training and skill-development focus, with competition encouraged as an important part of athlete growth. Athletes will be well supported as they prepare for the ski season and, where appropriate, compete in local, Provincial, and National-level events that may include:
- OK Cups / Club Championships
- BC Cups, BC Championships
- Western Canadian Championships
- + other local events and loppets
Training camps:
- BC Talent Squad, BC Development Squad, BC Ski Team Camps available to respective athletes
Expectations of Athletes:
This is a committed training program for athletes who want to work hard, improve technically, and develop their fitness over time. Some athletes in the program will be highly competition-focused, while others may be less race-driven but still bring a strong desire to learn, train consistently, and challenge themselves.
Athletes should have a desire to stay active year-round, including through multi-sport participation, and to take part in competitions that are appropriate to their goals and development. A commitment to scheduled team training sessions and to completing independent training is expected.
Athletes are expected to be proactive in informing coaches of upcoming events and activities that may conflict with scheduled training. We expect and are aware that athletes at the T2T level are often involved in other organized sports in the summer, fall, and occasionally winter. We encourage multi-sport involvement for enjoyment and to develop a full range of athletic abilities.
Cost $955 * An SLNC 26/27 season pass is required for participants in this program.
The Learn-to-Compete (L2C) program is designed for athletes ages 15-20 years who will be competing in the U18 / U20 categories who want to advance their full range of skiing skills, train year‑round, and compete at provincial and national levels. Athletes are expected to participate in scheduled team sessions throughout the year and complete additional independent training at home and on snow.
Each athlete receives a year‑round training plan tailored to their goals. Coaches consider an athlete’s involvement in other sports, available training time, and individual needs to determine the most suitable program options and training load.
The L2C program includes athletes from XC & Biathlon into the same training group.
L2C XC athletes may choose to remain in this blend of weekend and evening training throughout their Junior years or join the L2C Academy Program which trains primarily during the day. Check out the SD22 High School Academy program here: SD22 Nordic Skiing Academy Program.
Program Details
* An SLNC 26/27 season pass is required for participants in this program.
L2C Summer Training (June – August)
June schedule: Tuesday & Thursday 6:00-7:30pm and Saturday 9:00-11:30am
July and August schedule: 8:30–11:00am, but may fluctuate due to heat precautions.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Cost: $482 add on to FALL / WINTER by registering in the Year-Round Program
L2C Fall / Winter (September 8, 2026 – April 1, 2027)
Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday 6:00-7:30pm and Saturday 9:00-11:30am
No formal programming: Christmas Break and April and May.
The cold weather cut-off for L2C is -20 Celcius
Competitions: This program has a training and racing focus. Athletes will be well supported as they prepare for the ski season and compete in local, Provincial, and National level competitions that may include:
- OK Cups / Club Championships
- BC Cups, BC Championships
- Western Canadian Championships
- Canadian National Championships
- + other local events and loppets
Training camps:
BC Talent Squad, BC Development Squad, BC Ski Team Camps, as well as regional camps.
Expectations of Athletes: This is a training and racing program. Athletes should have a desire to train year-round and compete at provincial levels. A commitment to scheduled team training sessions in the summer and fall and to completing independent training is expected. Daily training logs (including resting heart rates, sleep hours, energy levels, etc) are introduced and used to monitor training response and give appropriate training advice. Athletes are expected to be proactive in informing coaches of upcoming events & activities that may conflict with scheduled training.
Cost: $1030
The SD22 Snow Sports Nordic Academy, delivered in collaboration with Okanagan School District #22, offers Western Canada’s first high-performance integrated training program for XC and Biathlon athletes in grades 8 through 12. It is integrated within the SD22 timetable and caters to SD22 student-athletes with a commitment to athletic and academic excellence.
Consultation and approval to participate in this program must be given by SLNC Coaching Staff and the SD22 Snowsports Nordic Academy liaison Glen Stiven before registering. This is to ensure that the Academy is a good “fit” for student-athletes and that they are aware of – and appropriately prepared for the demands of Academy training and academic study.
The SD22 Snow Sports Academy: XC & Biathlon uses the first semester to give year‑round athletes dedicated training time within their A/B school schedule, offering a glimpse into the life of a full‑time athlete. For the rest of the year, athletes train with their teammates in the L2C program, following its schedule and structure.
Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled in a SD22 High School (or online program) in Grades 8 through 12.
If you need help finding a school, or VLearn representative, then contact us! - Must have a valid Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Season Pass
- Acceptance to the SD22 Snow Sports Academy is at the discretion of the coaches in order to ensure that athletes who apply are ready developmentally (both physically & academically).
- Registration Deadline: An expression of interest form must be filed with the SD22 by (INSERT DATE)
Why Join the High School XC / Biathlon Academy?
- Integration with Okanagan School District #22 provides students with daytime training in Block A/B of the common timetable permitting the entire ski team the chance to train together, regardless of school or grade.
- An opportunity for athletes from smaller clubs to come together with like-minded high school students to train as a larger team.
- Increase scholastic resources and individual training support.
- Grade 11-12 students will complete NCCP Introduction to Community Coaching and Community Coaching courses as part of their curriculum and will assist with coaching select, scheduled Bunnies and Jack Rabbits Programs sessions. Giving back to the ski community is an important part of being an athlete.
- Early and Late Season On Snow Training with almost 6 months on snow.
- Year-Round Training Program.
- Athletes receive a Physical Education credit.
Program Details
NOT RUNNING 26/27
Cost: XC Program $ 3,170. / Biathlon $ 3,595
*A SLNC 27/28 season pass is required for all programs – but is not included in Program pricing.
SD22 Snowsports Academy Semester #1 runs September 8, 2026 – January 30, 2027
SLNC Learning to Compete (L2C) Program is provided February and March
XC Program (School Schedule 1st Semester / Sep-Jan)
Tuesday – Friday:
SD22 Wk #1 8:30–11:00am
SD22 Wk #2 12:30–3:00pm
(Alternates weekly, as above, following SD22 ‘A block’ rotation)
Tuesday & Thurdays 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday *Biathlon* 500–6:30pm
Saturday: XC 9:00-11:30am, Biathlon 1:00–2:30pm
XC Program (School Schedule 2nd Semester / Feb-Apr)
Tuesday & Thurdays 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday *Biathlon* 500–6:30pm
Saturday: XC 9:00-11:30am, Biathlon 1:00–2:30pm
Our coaching approach follows Sport Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development model and Cross Country Canada guidelines, ensuring training is age‑appropriate, balanced, and focused on long‑term growth. Each athlete receives individualized guidance based on their goals and other sport commitments, with seasonal goal‑setting meetings to track progress and adjust training plans. The Train to Train, Learn to Compete and High School Academy programs provides a clear pathway for young skiers to build confidence, develop strong technical skills, and enjoy the rewards of year‑round athletic development.
