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Whistler Nordics to offer new and returning programs in 2024-25

The annual Ski Swap takes place Nov. 3, while new adult sessions kick off in January

Although the heart of cross-country ski season is still a ways off, it's never too early to start gearing up.

The Whistler Nordics is bringing back its popular Ski Swap on Nov. 3 from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Whistler Secondary School (WSS). Club president Dan Wilson explained the event's goal is to put good equipment into the hands of athletes and families at "the best possible price." 

High-quality used gear is frequently found at this gathering, as are sale products from a number of retailers. 

"It is the Turkey Sale for cross-country skiers in the corridor," Wilson elaborated. "There aren't that many retail stores in the Sea to Sky carrying cross-country equipment, so our [Ski Swap] is really this smorgasbord across all ages, all sizes and all types. We have people on hand to help others fit boots, poles and skis as well, to make sure they leave with stuff that works."

Once you're outfitted with the right kit, look forward to the opening round of action at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP) in early December. Adults of intermediate to advanced skill levels can choose to work on their racing or technique on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. 

Youth sessions begin around the same time of year, from the fundamental "Bunny Rabbits" curriculum for kids aged four and five to the Coast Corridor United (CCU) program blending racers aged 10 to 16 from Whistler Nordics, Sea to Sky Nordics and Spud Valley Nordics.

"We've maintained our coaching roster for this year, which is fantastic, and we hosted a summer dry-land program for the first time as well," remarked Wilson about CCU. "We've got about 12 kids training right now, three days a week between Whistler and Pemberton, and then we'll have a full roster of about 16 kids through the winter." 

There are also a few novel offerings to take note of. 

Lessons and connections

New in 2025 will be Tuesday evening adult sessions at Lost Lake. 

Two blocks of four weekly meetings are scheduled for January and February. Each is intended primarily to help novice and experienced skiers fine-tune their abilities. While skate-skiing is emphasized in most of these lessons, there will be some work done using the classic technique as well. 

"Classic is a fantastic activity, especially when there's softer snow or or powder snow throughout the day. It is just far more enjoyable than trying to skate-ski through powder," Wilson said. "These sessions are pretty casual. If folks don't know each other [at first], they know each other pretty well by the end of the last meeting. Our experience is that people who take lessons together often hang out afterwards to grab some food or a drink." 

Whistler Nordics is also doing its part to safeguard the environment by working with the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WB) to remove polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) from all of its gear. PFAS have been widely used in ski wax for its top-notch dirt and water-repelling properties, but are non-biodegradable and have been linked to various negative health effects such as increased cholesterol, liver damage and (albeit inconclusively) cancer. 

Some cross-country races in British Columbia test athletes for PFAS, making it necessary to remove that family of chemicals from all club equipment and apparel. 

Moreover, the Invictus Games Foundation has partnered with Whistler Nordics in a key gear-sharing endeavour. 

"The Invictus Games needs a lot of equipment to host its events, so what we've done is partner with them," explained Wilson. "That funding will help purchase equipment for the Invictus Games, which goes over to us after the Games as a bit of a legacy. I know there've been some members and coaches who have offered up their time to volunteer with those events as well." 

Learn more about Whistler Nordics at whistlernordics.com.