What is the Development Team?

The Development Team is the next step after Track Attack and supports athletes as they transition from learning skills to learning how to train.

Designed for athletes ages 11 to 13, the program aligns with the Train to Train stage of Nordiq Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development model.

Athletes typically enter from:

• Track Attack (primary pathway)
• Other sport backgrounds with strong movement skills

The goal is to develop confident, technically skilled, and motivated cross-country skiers in a structured, team-based environment.

Program Focus

The Development Team builds on the foundation established in Track Attack and introduces more purposeful training.

Athletes develop these key skills:

• Classic and skate technique
• Aerobic fitness and overall athletic capacity
• Strength, coordination, balance, and movement skills
• Training habits and consistency
• Pacing, effort control, and recovery awareness
• Goal setting and self-reflection
• Teamwork and leadership

Training remains athlete-centered, active, and fun, while gradually introducing more structure.

Training Environment

Club-led training may include:

• Roller skiing
• Running and trail training
• Strength and movement training
• Cycling, hiking, and paddling
• On-snow technique training
• Introductory race tactics and pacing

Training progresses from general athletic development toward more ski-specific training as athletes advance through the program. Programming and schedules are communicated through TeamSnap after registration.

Who Should Join?

Development Team athletes are:

• Enthusiastic about cross-country skiing
• Willing to be active for up to 2 hours
• Open to learning and trying new activities
• Interested in improving fitness and ski skills
• Ready to participate in a positive team environment

Progression between programs is based on athlete readiness, interest, commitment, and coach recommendation — not strictly age.

Athletes turning 13 may participate fully in Development Team and may optionally integrate into select High Performance sessions where appropriate, at the discretion of the Head Coach.

This program is best suited for athletes who are ready to move beyond recreational skiing and begin structured training with consistency.

Training Schedule

Athletes are encouraged to attend consistently, with flexibility built into the schedule to support multi-sport participation.

Spring Dryland: May to June

• Saturdays: 10:00 AM, approximately 2 hours
• Tuesdays: 6:30 PM, approximately 1 hour
• Optional sessions as scheduling allows
• 2 to 3 sessions weekly

Summer: July to August

• Optional self-directed training plans
• Micro-training camp opportunities during weekdays
• Recommended activities and durations
• Opportunities to attend provincial camps
• Scheduled weekday programming in August where available

Fall Dryland: September to November

• Saturdays: 10:00 AM, approximately 2 hours
• Tuesdays: 6:30 PM, approximately 1.5 hours
• Optional Sunday sessions
• 2 to 3 sessions weekly

Winter: November to March

• Saturdays: 10:00 AM, approximately 2 hours
• Tuesdays: 6:30 PM, approximately 1.5 hours
• Optional Wednesday and Sunday sessions
• 2 to 3 sessions weekly

Athletes are asked to attend an average minimum of:

• 1 session per week in spring
• 2 sessions per week in fall
• 2 sessions per week in winter

Competitions

Competitions are an optional but encouraged part of the Development Team experience.

Athletes are introduced to racing in a supportive environment focused on development, not results.

The focus is on:

• Technique and tactical goals
• Skill execution
• Pacing and energy management
• Positive race experience

Relevant race opportunities may include:

• Cross Country Saskatchewan Sask Cup Race Series
• Saskatchewan Nordic Ski Provincials
• Alberta Youth Championships
• Western Canadian Championships, where appropriate

Equipment

New to Development Team? Don’t worry — coaches will guide you on what is needed and when. There is no expectation to have all equipment immediately.

Development Team athletes require both dryland and on-snow equipment. Families new to the program are encouraged to speak with the Head Coach before purchasing equipment.

Dryland Equipment

Athletes may require:

• Headlamp
• Outdoor trail shoes
• Classic poles
• Nordic racing straps
• Closed-finger gloves
• Water bottle, drink belt, or hydration pack
• Helmet for roller skiing
• Reflective or fluorescent vest/shirt
• Skate or combi boots for roller skiing
• Roller ski poles with roller ski ferrules
• Roller skis

Regina Ski Club provides roller skate skis for athletes new to the program. After the first season, families are encouraged to consider purchasing personal roller skis.

On-Snow Equipment

Athletes require:

• Skate ski boots
• Classic ski boots
• Skate skis
• Classic waxable skis
• Skate poles
• Classic poles
• Winter drink belt
• Clothing suitable for all weather
• Headlamp

Recommended additional equipment:

• Used skate skis for early/late season or warmups
• Used classic skis for early/late season or warmups
• Skin skis for variable training conditions

Team Suits

Regina Ski Club provides Development Team athletes with a club training suit at no charge.

Race suits are provided at the beginning of the season and must be laundered and returned at the end of the season.

Program Fees

Program fees are posted on the Regina Ski Club Zone4 registration site.

Fees support year-round programming, coaching, team training, race support, ski waxing support, and club equipment where applicable.

Parent Involvement and Volunteerism

Regina Ski Club programming is supported by:

• Board and program volunteers
• Parent volunteers
• Event support
• Coaching support
• Athlete leadership through the Nordic Youth Instructor Program

Cross-country skiing is a family-centered, lifelong sport. Many parents begin learning to ski alongside their children, and Regina Ski Club offers opportunities for adults to stay active and develop their own skills.

How to Register

Register through the Regina Ski Club Zone4 system.

Questions? We’re happy to help:

[email protected]