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Junior Development Program

Junior Development Program: Ages  13-18 (U14, U16, and U18 )

 

About: The Junior Development program is designed for youth in the U14 to U18 categories. It is geared towards skiers who are looking to improve their skills, confidence and abilities on skis.  Participants will also be introduced to strength training and goal setting to set them up for success in any sport or physical activity they pursue. This program will encompass the Training to Train, Learning to Compete, and Active for Life stages of the Long Term Athlete Development Model. Junior Development Skiers will develop ski technique, agility, power, and confidence on skis. For those who are interested in racing, the team will have options to travel to local, regional and provincial events for those U14, and even nationally for U16 & U18 athletes should they choose. There are options for participating in dryland sessions from May-October such as roller-skiing, trail runs, field games and more. Participants may also choose to be on a Yearly Training Plan (YTP) to receive personalized, structured training plans.

 

U14: Younger athletes (U14) participate mostly from September-March, but are encouraged to join in team activities during the summer. Participating in other sports throughout the summer, either with the team or otherwise, is highly encouraged.

 

U16 & U18: Older athletes (U16 & U18) generally participate from May-March. During this period, athletes are encouraged to participate year-round in a variety of activities, they can have individualized yearly training plans (YTPs) developed to help guide them through the year and week to week. Because many nordic skiers play other sports (and are encouraged to do so!) during dryland season, their YTP takes this into account, so they can substitute training sessions and maintain balance.

 

Dryland: The first half of the program is dryland training. There will be 2 to 3 team training sessions each week skiers can attend. Dryland training will include:

  • Roller skiing (both technical aspects as well as fun agility sessions)

  • Running

  • Running with poles (ski striding)

  • Strength training

  • Road biking

  • Adventure hiking

  • Team-bonding activities

 

During the dryland season we will have multiple training camps. These include:

  • A summer training camp

  • A fall training camp

  • Potential other local training camps

 

On-snow: The second half of the program, on-snow training, will begin as soon as the snow flies here in Kimberley. There will be 3 to 4 team training sessions each week skiers can attend.

 

During the winter months, focus will be on the technical aspects of skiing as well as building aerobic capacity. Workouts will continue with a mix of Long Slow Distance, Intensity Interval  training, and Strength Training.

 

During the winter months athletes have the option to attend races such as:  

  • Local Kootenay cups (Kootenay Region),

  • Loppets (Fun races with neat courses and lots of draw prizes. All over, though Nipika near Radium, Golden and Fernie and our local Kimberley Nordic Fest are the closest)

  • BC Cups (Provincial races held throughout the province)

  • Westerns Canadian Championships

  • Canadian National Championships

 

When we meet (dryland): 

  • Tuesdays: 9:00am-11:00am

  • Thursdays: 9:00am-11:00am

  • Saturdays: 9:00am-11:00am

 

Switching to after-school (4:00-6:00pm) once school is in session. 

 

When we meet (on-snow):

  • Tuesdays: 4:00pm-5:30pm

  • Wednesdays: Optional strength with strength coach, drop-in hours 3:30pm-5:00pm. Ski training 5:15pm-6:45pm

  • Saturdays: 9:00am-11:00am

  • Sundays: 9:00am-11:30am

 

No practice December 22nd-January 4th. 

 

Cost:

  • Program cost: 

    • U14: $700 (September-March, no yearly training plan)

    • U16/U18: $950 (May-March, yearly training plan)

  • Division fees: $21

  • Optional strength and conditioning sessions: TBD

  • Waxing fees at races

  • All Junior Development participants are expected to have their own equipment. The link to the equipment list can be found at the bottom of this page. 

  • Need help paying? Apply for a grant through Kidsport Canada

 

What’s included: 

  • NCCP Qualified Coaching

  • Spring and fall testing camp including: 3000m run, Ski Erg Tests, Uphill roller ski test

  • Strength Test, Functional Movement Screen

  • Registration for Kootenay Regional Fall Camp

 

Registration deadlines for 2024/2025 Season: August 15 at 10:00am until August 31 at 10:00pm

 

What is expected of parents: support with annual fundraisers including Teck Regional Dryland Camp, Fall Fair, and Torchlight Ski. Additional details to be confirmed.

 

Additional Information:

  • Fees need to be paid before your child starts dryland or on snow sessions. 

  • Junior Development participants must be members of the Kimberley Nordic Club. 

  • All Junior Development participants and parents must sign the Code of Conduct before the start of the program. 

  • Required equipment list

 

Want to know more? Contact our Program Administrator, Anna Malvin, at programs@kimberleynordic.org or 250-427-5268.

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