We are excited to announce the hiring of four cross-country ski ambassadors, who will promote our sport through targeted partnerships and events, under the guidance of the Cross Country Nova Scotia board of directors; contributing our strategic plan objectives. Funding is provided by the Government of Nova Scotia. This season marks the second year, for our award winning program.
Join us in welcoming your 2025 ski ambassadors: Lynden Doyon, John Graham, Claire Miner, and Michelle Richards. Doyon and Miner will coordinate projects on mainland Nova Scotia. Graham and Richards will focus on Cape Breton initiatives. Our ambassadors are lifelong skiers and are keen to share their love for the sport.
Melanie MacDermid, acting president of CCNS board of directors, and president of SCOTIA XC Ski Club, is overseeing the strategic aspects of the ski ambassador project.
“Through a generous increase in our funding from the Government of Nova Scotia we have been able to bring on board four engaging cross-country skiers to fulfill the roles of ski ambassadors for the upcoming season,” said MacDermid.
“Our ski ambassadors are taking on the challenge of bringing together existing cross-country skiers across the province by hosting group skis and instructional programs, and also by engaging those new to the activity with “try-it” events that will hopefully spark that love of winter that we all share.”
“Our ski ambassadors will cover Cape Breton, HRM, Western Nova Scotia and are investigating other areas as well. Ski ambassadors will also be trying to engage with some groups that may have barriers in accessing cross-country skiing, such as para-athletes or new Canadians.”
“I feel really good that these programs will help to connect more Nova Scotians to this wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors durning the winter months.”
Learn more about the ski ambassador role, by viewing the employment posting.
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Click on links below to view ski ambassador events, along with a compilation of events across the province.
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Ski Ambassador Profiles
Lynden Doyon
Lynden Doyon is an athlete on the Nova Scotia ski team and member of Scotia XC Ski Club. Doyon has a strong depth of knowledge of technical cross-country skiing skills and has been skiing for his entire lifetime. Doyon has competed in ski races at the national, provincial, and community levels. Doyon is a third generation cross-country ski competitor, with roots in northern Cape Breton, where he has spent significant time on snow, at North Highlands Nordic and surrounding areas. Doyon is keen to share his technical skiing expertise with event participants.
Photos
Doyon racing at the 2024 Nova Scotia Ski Championships, held at Oakfield Golf and Country Club, which is one of Scotia XC Ski Club’s trail systems.
John Graham
John Graham is a lifelong winter sports enthusiast, John Graham recently relocated to Cape Breton from Goose Bay, Labrador, where he spent 36 years. His home club was Birch Brook Nordic. His passion for skiing led him to become a Community Coach for the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club’s Jackrabbit program in 2010. In 2019, he stepped into the role of head coach, actively recruiting new coaches, organizing training camps, and leading professional development workshops.
In 2021, John furthered his coaching expertise by training as a Community Coaching Learning Facilitator. This qualification enabled him to train Jackrabbit coaches in Labrador, sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of skiers.
Since moving to Cape Breton in 2024, John has joined the Cape Breton Nordic, where he volunteers as a groomer, instructor, and board member. His dedication to the sport and his community continues to make a positive impact on the local skiing scene.
Photos
John as photographed skiing at North Highlands Nordic this year, sporting a green bow tie for St. Patrick’s Day, while skiing at Birch Brook Nordic, and included in the 2024 North Highlands Nordic loppet group photo.
Claire Miner
Miner has been cross-country skiing for more than 20 years. She grew up on a small farm with extensive woods, and was exposed to the sport as a recreational family activity. “We would often bring a lunch and classic ski on logging roads (with permission) or go directly through the woods to favourite places”, miner said.
“Experiencing how the landscape changed from season to season and making the best out of each – whether on foot, skis, bike or horseback, was a highlight of my childhood.”
In addition to her strong connection to our sport and nature, Claire brings a strong teaching skill-set, through her experience as a volunteer track attack instructor for Scotia XC Ski Club.
A dedicated athlete, Miner was also named to the Nova Scotia Biathlon Team, from 2017 – 2019.
“I am looking forward to introducing the sport to folks as a fun way to get outside and make the best of the winter season!”
CLAIRE MINER
Photos
Miner as photographed cross-country skiing, riding her horse, and competing on the provincial biathlon team.
Michelle Richards
Michelle Richards has been cross-country skiing for a lifetime. She grew up in the snow belt of Ontario and received her first skis at the age of four. Cross-country skiing was a key activitiy for Richards, both at home and in school. Her family encouraged her to ski in the backyard and on wooded trails. Additionally, she participated in a ski program held during physical education class at her elementary school.
Richards transitioned to skate skiing, as a teenager; building on her foundational classic skiing skills. In the early 1990s, skate skiing was still very new but had already made a huge impact. Michelle joined the secondary school nordic team to train and compete. Richards also worked at Hardwood Ski and Bike, a world class venue. She instructed the jack rabbit program, assisted in the ski shop, and performed administrative duties.
In the early 2000s, Michelle made a splash into the world of surfing. People might recognize her from the Summer Surf Program at Point Michaud Beach. Richards has taught many generations, and thousands of people to surf, for over 20 years. She is also an active board member on both the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia and Hike Nova Scotia.
Richards has honed her teaching skills as an experienced surf instructor and is keen to share her technical knowledge of cross-country skiing. Michelle is excited to get back to her roots of cross-country skiing and fulfill her role as the Cape Breton ski ambassador. Richards is employed by Recreation Nova Scotia as a regional physical activity consultant for Cape Breton.
Diversifying her coaching skills, Richards attended the 2024 Nordic Sports Coaching Conference, presented by Nordiq Canada, in Canmore, Alberta. Richards honed her coaching expertise, while attending sessions included in the robust conference program of events. View program.
Photos
Michelle skiing as a child through to adult. Photographed at 2024 Nordic Sports Coaching Conference (photos 1-4), North Highlands Nordic community coaching course (photo 5), providing a demonstration during a ski ambassador event (photo 6), skiing at local clubs (photos 6-7), and skiing as a youth.
Cross Country Nova Scotia 