July 26, 2015 – After consideration of excellent bids from Canmore, Highlands Nordic and Les Aventuriers, the Events Committee is pleased to confirm that Canmore Nordic will play host to the 2017 Haywood Ski Nationals.  The annual event is the largest Olympic style competition held in Canada.  Over 650 athletes from 75 ski clubs are expected for the 2017 event.  Last hosted at the 1988 Olympic facility in 2011, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park has been a fixture on the World Cup calendar since 2005 and was recently reviewed by coaches and athletes of the 2012 World Cup as one of the top two World Cup venues on the circuit.

“We are excited to be returning to Canmore for the 2017 Ski Nationals” noted Dave Dyer, Events Director for CCC.  “Canmore Nordic has one of the strongest athlete development programs in the country and this combined with a strong base of officials and a very comprehensive bid package were the deciding factors for the selection committee.”

“The CNSC is honoured to invite Canada’s able-bodied and para-nordic cross-country skiers, rising stars, elite athletes and veterans to participate in the ten day competition in one of the world’s most beautiful cross-country skiing destinations. A return to Canmore in 2017 will provide the country’s cross-country skiers a chance to celebrate the best of our sport and what CNSC hopes will contribute to a life-long passion for our sport,” stated Bob Ellard the Event Chair when told of the committee’s decision.

The Ski Nationals, which were first held in Montreal in 1921, will include 4 individual races in combination with a Team Sprint competition.  National Champions in able-bodied, para-nordic and Canadian Colleges and Universities will be crowned during the event.   Over the past 5 seasons clubs that regularly appear near the top of the Aggregate standings include the Nakkertok Ski Club from the Ottawa-Gatineau region, the Whitehorse Ski Club, SkiBec from the Quebec City region and Team Hardwood from southern Ontario.  The Bow Valley has also had its fair share of success at the Ski Nationals.  Canmore Nordic, Foothills Nordic and Rocky Mountain Racers have posted top 8 Aggregate results at the Ski Nationals over the past 3 seasons.

The 2016 Haywood Ski Nationals will be held in Whitehorse, Yukon, March 19 – 26th 2016. For complete information on the 2016 event visit: http://www.skinationals2016.com/home