Nordic News December 11th, 2020

Nordiq Alberta is excited to announce an upcoming L2T Coaching Course delivered primarily via Zoom with one in person session when safe to do so. If you have completed your L2T Dryland Course and wish to become L2T trained, click here to register!

Nordiq Canada Launches New Incentive Program as Membership and Participation Numbers Soar Amidst Pandemic

As more Canadians than ever before are clicking into cross-country skis, Nordiq Canada is delivering an added incentive for vets and rookies alike to one of the most welcoming winter sports with its newly-launched NordiqPlus+ program.

The NordiqPlus+ cross-country savings program is providing ski enthusiasts an opportunity to join Canada’s Nordic community while gaining access to exclusive perks from a range of partners across the country. This initial season’s program will run from December 2, 2020 to March 31, 2021 and will be delivered on a full year basis onward.

Free to each of Nordiq Canada’s 60,000 members and for a nominal yearly investment of $20 to non-members, the cross-county savings initiative delivers hot deals – from apparel and equipment suppliers to hotel chains and benefits in the automotive industry. Non-members can register to be a part of NordiqPlus+ at www.nordiqplus.ca.

“Cross-country skiing is accessible for all, cost-effective and presents tremendous health and wellness benefits,” said Stéphane Barrette, chief executive officer, Nordiq Canada. “In addition to connecting our entire Nordic community in Canada, NordiqPlus+ provides increased rewards to all cross-country skiers in Canada that extend far beyond our sport, while also supporting the development of our national programs from grassroots to the elite level.”

Featured deals from program partners include: Auclair; Beet It; Buff Canada; Canadian Wintersport (Skiwax.ca); Craft; Days Inn; Enterprise; Exero Tech; Fairmont; High Sierra; Globo Shoes; Kal Tire; Naak; Sandman Hotels; Sutton Place Hotels; Xact Nutrition; and Zizu Optics, will be accessible to NordiqPlus+ members through an exclusive discount portal all season long. Offers are redeemed using discount codes on partners’ e-stores, or in person using downloadable coupons.

“All of us at Auclair are so proud to support this new Nordiq Canada program,” said Ross McCracken, vice-president of marketing, Paris Glove Canada. “Spending time outdoors and maximizing all that winter has to offer is our shared passion, and we look forward to helping Canada’s cross-country ski community grow by offering additional incentives through NordiqPlus+.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep Canadians closer to home, participation in cross-country skiing is soaring early this winter thanks to the sport’s inherent ability to physically distance while embracing winter.

With winter cross-country ski programs just getting started, Nordiq Canada has already experienced a spike in membership of nearly 50 percent, while demand for Nordic equipment has skyrocketed as Canadians look to stay active outside while staying safe this winter during the pandemic.

“If there is a silver lining around the COVID cloud it is that we have definitely been able to welcome more people to our sport who are looking for opportunities to stay mentally and physically fit in an outdoor setting that doesn’t require close proximity to other people,” added Barrette.

“It is our sincere hope that programs like NordiqPlus+ will benefit all Canadian cross-country skiers not only during the pandemic, but well into the future.”

Complete details of the NordiqPlus+ program can be viewed here. Sign up today to gain access to exclusive cross-country savings from valued partners and suppliers, as well as giveaway opportunities valued at more than $4000.

In addition to helping guide newcomers in the sport on how to get started and to local clubs across the country on the national body’s website, Nordiq Canada also has resources to support the entire cross-country skiing community in staying healthy during COVID-19.

Community Coaching Grant
Between November 20, 2020, and January 15, 2021, Nordiq Canada is offering the online Introduction to Community Coaching module for FREE to members.

How it Works:

Participants will still need to complete the multisport Coach Initiation in Sport online module first at the cost of $15.

The cross-country ski specific NCCP Introduction to Community Coaching online workshop fee will be waived in the Locker from November 20 to end-of-day January 15, 2021.

More information can be found here.

3rd Party General Liability Insurance Coverage for Virtual Events
Due to the pandemic, many clubs are replacing in-person competitions with virtual events. When considering hosting virtual events, clubs and organizers must follow these safety considerations:
1. Courses/trails must be recognized and approved trails that are open when used

2. Courses/trails are expected to have the normal safety and monitoring protocols expected in an in-person competition, such as inspection and track setting

3. Organizers should consider a check in and check out system

4. For more remote trail systems, the ‘buddy’ system should be encouraged

Clubs and organizers have duty of care over virtual events, just as they would in an in-person event.
Division can review virtual events proposals and ask the national office and the insurer for help when necessary.

Race License Calculation Periods
A reminder that, due to the pandemic, the FIS point and CPL calculation periods are extended back to May 13, 2019 for active license holders only. To keep your points from last season until the end of the current season, and to be included in points lists, you must have an active race license. Renew your race licenses here: https://nordiqcanada.ca/races/racing-license/.

If you already purchased your FIS race license and don’t need it because all 2020-2021 winter FIS races in Canada were cancelled, you may request a refund by emailing . Refund requests will only be accepted before December 18. Caution: There may be other reasons you need an active FIS license in 2020-2021, such as trip or team selection or summer rollerski competitions. Do not cancel your FIS license unless you are absolutely sure you will not need it. Nordiq Canada race licenses will not be refunded. Instead, race license revenue will be reinvested in programming to replace national racing, and we will continue to generate Canada Points lists given some provinces and territories are still hosting events.

Safety in Sport and Gender Equity Strategy Update
As you know, Nordiq Canada is creating a strategy to improve safety and gender equity. The strategy will be implemented at all levels – clubs, Divisions and National Office.

This fall 30 people representing the Nordiq Canada community met to review information collected through surveys of athletes, coaches, officials and organizations; discuss our vision for the future; identify best practices; and find consensus on reasonable and realistic approaches to SafeSport and Gender Equity.

These are some of the priorities identified at the workshops:

• Policies: Documentation for what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable from coaches and people in power
• Training and Requirements: Athlete-coach training on empowerment, autonomy, healthy relationships
• Engagement and Communication: Normalizing the conversation: creating a shared narrative over time
• Enhanced Resources: Educational toolkits

In January, our working group will finalize the strategy that emerged from the workshops, and plan implementation.

Club Fundraiser Launching This Winter
Nordiq Canada is planning our second annual club fundraiser. Last year the “100 Campaign” raised over $220,000 for club projects like trail lighting, grooming equipment, camps and competitions. Watch for your club’s invitation to participate in the new year.

Nordiq Canada – Events Committee, 2020 TD / OC Web Update 

The annual TD/OC Seminar Update will occur Saturday December 19, 2020. Details for login and agenda are available on the invite document linked here.