Publishing ski news from Nova Scotia, along with occasional pan-Canadian and international content. Prefer instant updates? Subscribe below to get the latest delivered to your inbox. Stay strong NS and ski more.
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Construction + Trail Addition at North Highlands Nordic
Excitement is Building by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, November 25, 2020 f A strong community of volunteers is ensuring the legacy of North Highlands Nordic continues, as the walls of a new groomer building rise up, during a multi-phase infrastructure project. Situated in a natural snowbelt, lies the 12km of expertly groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trail system. Yearly…
Ski + Snowshoe at Cape Breton Nordic
Registration is Open! by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, November 10, 2020 f Join Cape Breton Nordic to connect with a group of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and spending time on the trails. In partnership with Seaview Golf and Country Club, located in North Sydney, this welcoming group invites you to experience all that winter has to…
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Safe Return to Skiing by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, October 30, 2020 f The health of our cross-country ski community is top priority. We are working diligently on the continual development of our Return to Sport Guidelines, in compliance with rules established by the Nova Scotia Government. We will continue to partner with Sport Nova Scotia to update our…
Programs + Trails in HRM
Snow-Making, Lit Night Skiing + More – Halifax Nordic Ski Club by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, October 28, 2020 f Have you been searching for an outdoor sport to improve your fitness level while enjoying time in nature? Cross-country skiing within Halifax city limits is very accessible and reliable. Come out to play on skis with Halifax Nordic Ski…
Nordiq Canada – New CEO
Nordiq Canada Welcomes Stéphane Barrette as New Chief Executive Officer by Nordiq Canada, October 16, 2020 f CANMORE, Alta.—Stéphane Barrette will be counted on to play an integral role in leading the team focused on putting all Canadians on cross-country skis and more athletes on the international podium as new chief executive officer of Nordiq Canada, the Board of Directors…
Fluoro Decision Pending
Fluoro Decision to be Made by October 21 by Nordiq Canada, October 9, 2020 f In light of the FIS decision to postpone the FIS fluoro ban until 2021, Nordiq Canada is considering the direction to take for events in Canada. We will consult with our membership, including the Domestic Development Committee. We understand the need to quicky decide whether to…
VIP Coaching Program
Introducing the new VIP coaching program by Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic – Website, October 9, 2020 f Vip is a coaching program created to recognize the contribution of coaches in communities across Nova Scotia. Vip is not a certification or requirement, but rather a proactive opportunity for coaches to continue to excel in ethical leadership. This program is designed to raise the bar…
New Discoveries – Ski Historical Material
The Skis That Came In From the Cold f When you’re gliding along groomed trails, untouched backcountry slopes, or listening as Nova Scotia veteran racers recall the good ‘ol days of competing on harrowing snowmobile trails – do you ever think about the origins of skiing? As we prepare for the upcoming season, we publish this comprehensive post by Lars…
Nordic Walking Lessons – Cape Breton Nordic
2020 nordic walking lesson, by Cape Breton Nordic. It’s enjoyable and anyone can learn by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, October 5, 2020 f Beginner or athlete, Nordic Walking is an excellent way to get whole-body engagement, while enjoying a leisurely walk. Cape Breton Nordic in partnership with Cape Breton Regional Municipality Recreation, are offering lessons to demonstrate the best…
Roller Skiing in Nova Scotia
Roller skiing allows you to enjoy the cross-country ski movement year-round. Try It! by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, October 4, 2020 f Roller skiing is a great way to practice cross-country skiing technique and ready your skiing-specific muscles for the upcoming season. It’s also a lot of fun! If you’re addicted to the glide on skis, you’ll definitely enjoy…
Provincial Team Remembers Hero
Terry Fox by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, September 21, 2020 f Provincial Ski Team athletes participated in the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 20th, 2020, by roller skiing on the Chain of Lakes Trail in Halifax, while their head coach participated in Cape Breton. Athletes challenged their personal bests with the goal of rolling 42km, the distance Terry averaged…
Lorenzo Caterini is Nordiq Canada’s Volunteer of the Year
Volunteers: Lifeline for Ski Clubs Across the Country by Rita Mingo, Nordiq Canada, September 3, 2020 f Volunteers make the world of amateur sports go ’round. Lorenzo Caterini would never have become a volunteer if he hadn’t had a great affinity for the sport of cross-country skiing. “I learned to ski on a skidoo highway, there was no grooming per…
Terry Fox Virtual Run. One Day. Your Way.
Marathon of Hope by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, September 18, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia would like to invite the Nova Scotia ski community to participate in the Terry Fox Virtual Run this Sunday, September 20th, 2020. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first Marathon of Hope in 1980, the theme this year is “One Day.…
Jr. Athlete of the Year – Fiona McClure
Athlete of the Year by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, July 11, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is pleased to announce Halifax Nordic Ski Club’s Fiona McClure as the recipient of the 2020 Support4Sport Junior Female Athlete of the Year Award. The CCNS high performance committee determines the recipient, by calculating the highest point standing accumulated by a female…
Coach of the Year – Jack Solomon
Appreciation for Solomon by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, July 7, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is pleased to announce Halifax Nordic Ski Club’s Jack Solomon as the recipient of the 2020 Support4Sport Coach of the Year Award. A province-wide call for nominations is held annually in March and the CCNS board of directors votes to designate the…
Bryan Scallion Award – Fiona McClure
Fiona McClure competes at the 2020 Provincials. Fiona’s mother overlooks the start before she participated as well. Fastest at Provincials by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, July 6, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is proud to announce Halifax Nordic Ski Club’s Fiona McClure as the recipient of the 2020 Bryan Scallion Award for the fastest female skier at the…
Jr. Male Athlete of the Year
Jr. Male Athlete of the Year by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, July 2, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is pleased to announce Halifax Nordic Ski Club’s Ogen Newcomb as the recipient of the 2020 Support4Sport Junior Male Athlete of the Year Award. The CCNS high performance committee defines the recipient as the ski team member with the highest…
Bryan Scallion Award – Daniel Murray
2 x Gold at Provincials by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, July 1, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is proud to announce North Highland Nordic’s Daniel Murray as the recipient of the 2020 Bryan Scallion Memorial Award for the fastest male skier at the Nova Scotia Cross-Country Ski Championships. Murray achieved the top male aggregate time, calculated across two…
2020 Official of the Year
Rejean Chamberland by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, June 28, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is pleased to announce North Highland Nordic’s Rejean Chamberland as the recipient of the Support4Sport Official of the Year Award, which is presented annually to recognize outstanding officials in our sport. A province-wide call for nominations is held annually in March and the CCNS…
Freda Wales Award – Deirdre Evans
Distinguished Award to Evans by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, September 18, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is pleased to announce Halifax Nordic Ski Club’s Deirdre Evans as the recipient of our 2020 Freda Wales Memorial Award, which is presented to a woman who has made a significant contribution to cross-country skiing in Nova Scotia. A province-wide call for…
Sue Hill Award – Milo Sircom-Brown
Most Improved by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, June 20, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is proud to announce that provincial ski team athlete, Milo Sircom-Brown, is the recipient of our 2020 Sue Hill Award, for most improved skier. The high performance committee determines the award winners, by calculating the ski team member with the greatest improvement on the…
Chat with Champions – NC Webinar
Chat with Champions by Nordiq Canada f Nordiq Canada is inviting you to a special open webinar, on Thursday, June 25th, at 12pm MST / 3pm AST, featuring a panel of World and Olympic Champions who will engage in various aspects of their cross-country ski careers and experiences. This session is part of the national ski team virtual training camp.…
U.S., Canadian NGB/NSOs Form North American Fluorocarbon Free Policy Working Group
Fluorocarbon Free by Nordiq Canada, June 19, 2020 f PARK CITY, Utah (June 15, 2020) – National Governing Body’s and National Sport Organizations (NGB/NSOs), and snow sport organizations from the United States and Canada today are announcing the formation of a Fluorocarbon Free Policy Working Group. With representation from U.S. Ski & Snowboard, USA Nordic, U.S. Biathlon, U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing,…
The Ultimate Experience at North Highlands Nordic
Ultimate Experience by Dennis Doyon, contributing writer, June 12, 2020 f Grooming equipment and operator expertise ensures the ultimate trail experience for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hikers at North Highlands Nordic in Cape North. The 12km trail system is maintained by a PistonBully PB 100 tractor, and groomed to a width of 16’. It’s the only XC trail system in…
Intentional Training – NC Webinar
Intentional Training by Nordiq Canada, June 12, 2020 f Nordiq Canada is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 16th, at 12PM MST / 3PM AST, on the topic of Mindset. Specifically, what mindset will most benefit athletes in their approach to training and what habits can they adopt to gain added benefits to their regular workouts? Register Pre-registration is required.…
Individual vs. Group Training – NC Webinar
Individual vs. Group Training by Nordiq Canada, June 7, 2020 f Nordiq Canada is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 9th, at 12PM MST (3PM AST) – to explore autonomy vs follow-up. Athletes do parts of their training as a group and parts on their own. What objectives and impacts should be considered in deciding what kind of workouts to…
Volunteer of the Year – Lorenzo Caterini
Top Honours by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, June 7, 2020 f Cross Country Nova Scotia is proud announce Lorenzo Caterini as the Support4Sport 2019-20 Volunteer of the Year. Caterini is President of Halifax Nordic Ski Club and Head Groomer. This Support4Sport award recognizes individuals who are dedicated to advancing the sport of cross-country skiing. Caterini has made enormous, game-changing…
Call for Board of Directors – NC
Applications Welcome by Nordiq Canada, June 20, 2020 f June 2020 – Are you interested in joining the Nordiq Canada Board of Directors? Three Directors at Large will be elected at the online Annual General Meeting on September 9, 2020. Terms are three years subject to approval by the voting members at the AGM; if not approved, term length will…
Running – NC Webinar
Running by Nordiq Canada, June 1, 2020 f Long distance running can be intimidating and everyone has to start somewhere. For cross country skiers it is an integral part of the annual training plan that helps to build endurance, stamina and strength for on and off the trails. Join us for this inaugural Nordiq Connection session that breaks down the…
Dear XC Ski Moms
May 2020 – Dear XC Ski Moms; We see you. A nod to our “cross-country ski moms”, who may or may not have children of their own. We appreciate you are working diligently, helping many to develop a passion for skiing and demonstrating the virtues of our sport. Invaluable gifts, that impact future generations of your family and our greater…
Racing for Honey “77
1978 Mail Star article reporting Honey Pot results. The second edition of the loppet. (Article from Bryan Scallion’s coach album.) Bryan Scallion’s Idea by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, May 8, 2020 f The origin of Nova Scotia’s longest running loppet and why a pot of honey still rewards skiers at this annual event. A conversation with Dianne Powell about…
2020-21 Provincial Team
May 3, 2020 – Cross Country Nova Scotia is proud to announce the 2020-21 Provincial Cross-Country Ski Team and Development Team. Athletes will represent Nova Scotia at regional, provincial, and national competitions. The Provincial Team strives to create engaged young role models who are motivated for success at the national level, as well as inspire future generations of nationally competitive…
AGM Announcement
April 26, 2020 – Please join the CCNS Board for our 2020 AGM on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00pm. The AGM will be online using Zoom video conferencing. You can also phone in to the meeting using a regular telephone. We will share the details to connect to the meeting as well as the agenda and CCNS Annual Report closer…
Canadian Birkie: A Great, Historic, Feel-Good Event
NS Ski Team Alumni Participates by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, April 21, 2020 f Nova Scotia provincial team alumni, Lilla Roy, shares her experiences from the 2020 Canadian Birkie Ski Festival – held at Elk Island National Park in Alberta, this past February. Legend, Moose & Impeccable Conditions I did the Birkie 31km (the official Birkie is 55km). Fantastic…
Celebrating his 70th at Provincials
April 17, 2020 – Skiing into his 70’s, Jim Blanchard is inspiring many around him. He completed two days of racing at the 2020 NS Provincials – just a few days after his 70th birthday. Previously, Jim has skied at the same events as Bryan Scallion, and completed the Konig Ludgig Lauf (Germany) 55km event, three times. Jim waxes his…
Coaching & Officials Development
April 2020 – Many online learning opportunities exist to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of cross-country skiing. If you happen to have extra time on your hands, consider these training options. Most of these courses are free – and CCNS will cover the cost of your course fees (just send your receipt + course completion confirmation to ccns@sportnovascotia.ca. National Coaching…
Youth Racing – NS Provincials
The 2020 Nova Scotia Provincial Cross-Country Ski Championships were hosted by Halifax Nordic Ski Club, at the Oakfield Golf and Country Club, on February 22nd – 23rd. Youths were supported by skiers of all ages in attendance. Published March 27, 2020 A happy skier receives a round of applause, a medal, and a treat bag following the 1.8km Freestyle on…
Coronavirus Protocol (updated June 3)
Published: March 27, 2020 | Updated: June 3, 2020 (Communicated by Nordiq Canada). The situation respecting the current pandemic is changing rapidly as it affects the activities of Nordiq Canada National, Divisions, clubs and members. It is expected that updated restrictions and recommendations published by your local public health authority and the Government of Canada are followed. Nordiq Canada COVID-19 Protocol Government of…
Volunteer Nominations
March 18, 2020 – Nominate a cross-country ski club volunteer to support someone who made a difference. Deadline to nominate is March 30th, 2020. Nomination Form + Details (click). 2020 skiing and volunteer highlights. Thank-you to all volunteers. Club volunteers work tirelessly on the front-lines and behind-the-scenes to ensure Nova Scotians can enjoy our sport. We have groomers, coaches, details…
2020 Maritime Cup
January 20, 2020 – The Nova Scotia provincial cross-country ski team competed at the 2020 Maritime Cup, on January 18th-19th, at Killarney Park in Fredericton. Wostawea cross county ski club hosted the event. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick provincial team members. Photos contributed by team manager, Tara McIntyre. Results Day 1: Freestyle, Individual Start, Zone 4 Results (click) Team Member…
North Highlanders Ski Team
The North Highlanders Ski Team is a part of Nova Scotia’s cross-country ski history. Article below as featured in the Winter 1992 edition of the “Stride and Glide” – Nordic Ski Nova Scotia news. Published: December 16, 2019 This article originally published by “Cross Connections”, Cross Country Canada’s youth program newsletter, 1992. The North Highlanders Ski Team Do you have…
Survey – Adult Skiers
Calling all adult Nova Scotia skiers. Nordiq Canada would like to hear from YOU! Your voice will help the greater cross-country skiing community. Thank-you for considering. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NC_adult_skier Published: November 22, 2019 Message from Nordiq Canada View Nordiq Canada website (click here) After recently rebranding and redefining our mission, Nordiq Canada wants to go beyond the operation of high-performance…
Skills Development Program – Webinar
Nordiq Canada invites club coordinators, coaches, and interested volunteers to take part in a webinar designed to maximize delivery of the skills development program – keeping our young skiers engaged from the start. Webinars scheduled for: Wed Dec 4th 8:00 p.m., Sat Dec 7th 1:00 p.m. (AST). French instruction on Thurs Dec 5th 8:00 p.m. (AST). Length is 45 minutes,…
BIG Roll 2019
Nov 15, 2019. The Big Roll brought members of the cross-country ski community together from across three provinces, who roller-skied and skied their way, collectively, 2.85 times from Halifax Nordic to North Highlands Nordic – at the first annual “Big Roll” held on Sunday, November 10th, 2019. A collective total kilometres was calculated by adding each person’s distance travelled. The…
1979 P. A. Arctic Fox Roller-Ski Relay
Athletes roller-skied for 24 hours in a 1979 roller-ski relay organized by P. A. Arctic Fox Cross-Country Ski Club, at the KMart parking lot in Dartmouth – complete with tents and a sofa to rest between intervals. Arctic Fox paid $183 for radio ads and $32 for printing costs to organize what proved to be a memorable event. Pierre Roy…
World Cup Returns to Québec City
Québec City is hosting the FIS Cross Country Ski World Cup on March 13th – 15th, 2020. The world’s elite skiers will race on the historic Plains of Abraham – one of the most unique venues for competitors and spectators on the world tour! 60,000 ski fans supporting the best skiers in the world, within steps of vieux Québec –…
World Cup “Finale” in Canmore, AB
Get excited! The 2020 FIS Cross-Country World Cup season finale will be held at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park on March 19th – 22nd, 2020. Published: October 23, 2019 See what’s it’s all about! Sneak a peek at the excitement and plan your trip to Canmore for the season finale. (Video posted by Alberta World Cup.) World’s Best 200 from 20…
New Brand for National Sport Organization
Canada’s cross-country ski national sport organization has established a new strategy, to be supported by a bold and new brand. “Nordiq Canada” will identify the NSO, which was formerly “Cross Country Ski de fond Canada (CCC)”. Published: Spring, 2019 Cross Country Ski de fond Canada launched its new brand in March, 2020. Brand Overview Nordiq Canada announced a revised brand…
4 NCCP Courses – No Fees + NS Coach PD Sessions
Four NCCP online training courses are free from September 21 – 29, as offered in conjunction with National Coaches Week. Posted: September 2019 Through “Coaches Week”, the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) increases awareness of the tremendous positive impact coaches have on individuals and communities across Canada,. NCCP Courses Offered at No Cost | Sept 21-29 Making Head Way in…
Increase Your Family’s Enjoyment of XC Skiing
Posted: September 2019 Consider the Introduction to Community Coaching course. Learn techniques to help your youngsters get moving on cross-country skis and enjoying the outdoors. The Introduction to Community Coaching course is 100% online, enrolment fees are covered by CCNS, and you’ll learn tricks and tips to increase your entire family’s overall enjoyment of the sport. This introductory course can…
NC Coaching Licence Required
Qualified coaches, instructing for more than 7 hrs/year, are required to register for a Nordiq Canada coaching license. Coaches require this licence to qualify for liability insurance coverage. Posted: July 2019 All ski coaches teaching more than 7 hours/year, with any age group, are required to register for a Nordiq Canada coaching licence (effective July 1, 2018). A Nordic Canada coaching licence is…
Volunteer of the Year – Rosemary Algar
Congratulations to Rosemary Algar of North Highlands Nordic for earning the CCNS 2018 Freda Wales Volunteer of the Year award. Posted: May 15, 2019 Rosemary photographed with her students, participating in the “Cookie Race” at the North Highlands Nordic Loppet. The award presentation will take place at the CCNS Annual General Meeting on Sunday, May 26th. Rosemary has been a…
In Pursuit of Snow – Halifax Nordic
Lorenzo Caterini surveys the terrain before the weather drops on January 31st, and Halifax Nordic turns on their snow guns at The Links at Brunello. Caterini is President and Head Groomer at the Halifax Nordic Ski Club. Posted: January 20, 2019 Lorenzo Caterini, President and Head Groomer at Halifax Nordic is working in partnership with The Links of Brunello on…
