April 11, 2013 (Thunder Bay, ON) – The 16th Annual 24 Hour Relay, in support of the Lappe Nordic Ski Club and the National Development Centre wrapped up Sunday morning at 11am. This year’s event included the traditional 24-hour event, as well as new 6 and 12 hour events. Twenty-eight teams took to the trails starting Saturday at 11 am with many goals in mind. Participants skied on teams, in pairs, and even alone. This year’s events brought many skiers from out of town, including St.Paul, MN and Winnipeg, MB.

Werner Schwar defended his 24 Hour solo men’s title with a total of 285.15km covered. Event organizers were thrilled to have enough snow for the event as in the past it has been cancelled due to lack of snow. This year, there was enough snow for the event, and to make things more difficult for skiers snow continued to fall well into the evening….

Read more HERE.

February 22, 2013 (Oro Station, ON) – Mark your calendars for the Fischer Loppet at Hardwood Ski and Bike on February 23. The new course is now open for skiing – ask at the front counter for a map.

The annual Hardwood Fischer Loppet features 15 km and 30 km skate and classic events into one amazing day of racing. This a favourite or racers of all ages to work towards all winter. After the races, participants are treated to a spagetti dinner during the prize ceremony.

The courses that will be fun and challenging for all levels of skiers. Racing starts at 9 am.

On line registration is now closed but you can still register up to 8 am on Saturday morning either in person or by phone at 705 487 3775.

Course Map HERE.

Costs:
– Skate 30km – $36
– Skate 15km – $31
– Classic 30km – $36
– Classic 15km – $31

Register now HERE!

February 08, 2013 (Thunder Bay, ON) – The annual Kamview Tour is tomorrow and it’s not too late to register. Drop by the chalet today, or download a registration form online. Race day registration is available-but why wait? You can ski a 5, 15 or 30km distance and enjoy a hot pizza lunch and great awards from Fresh Air Experience and Wilderness Supply. Find the registration form HERE.

Kamview-SkiTrax Special Offer!
Kamview-Thunder Bay Nordic Trails Association and SkiTrax Magazine, the largest cross-country ski magazine in North America, have teamed up to bring you great savings. SkiTrax keeps you up to date on all the latest Nordic news, ski gear, adventure and recreational skiing, including race reports from across Canada, the USA, and around the world – check out skitrax.com.

Kamview/TBNT members save 30% off regular subscription prices – try a SkiTrax-Pedal Combo Deal and get Pedal Magazine as well – to order click HERE.

Profile on Kamview Nordic Centre and TBNT in your first issue!

Kam Jam – Feb. 16
Frank Pollari and crew will be hosting the second annual “Kam Jam” on February 16th. Everyone is welcome for this fun evening of skiing and music. Fabulous Friday after Five rental and trail pass rates will apply. A perfect night to introduce a friend to cross-country skiing at Kamview.

Sleeping Giant Loppet – Mar. 2
Online registration for the Sleeping Giant Loppet ends on Tuedsday February 26th. Click HERE to register. Our special edition pins are reserved for the first 500 registrants, so don’t delay! Remember our Park n ‘Ride service is free this year, thanks to sponsorship from Lakehead Marine and Industrial, e-mail info@sleepinggiantloppet.ca to reserve your seat. Make 2013 your ROOKIE YEAR !

Kamview Ladies Day – Mar. 6
Yes-we will be having a Kamview Ladies Day! Mark Wednesday March 6th on your calendars for a day of great skiing and an amazing lunch prepared by Chef Kerry and the Kamview crew.

January 09, 2013 (Thunder Bay, ON) – Here are some great photos from last weekend’s Haywood NorAm and U23/Junior trials, Jan. 5-6, at the Lappe Ski Centre in Thunder Bay as athletes made their bids for selection to the various upcoming World Championship teams. Results HERE. Read more about the races: Day 1 HERE, Day 2 HERE.

December 13, 2012 (Ottawa, ON) – Biathlon Canada, the national governing body for the sport of biathlon in Canada, is seeking an energetic and motivated individual to serve as Technical Programs Coordinator.

The Technical Programs Coordinator is a key staff position within the organization and as such provides the overall coordination aspect of all biathlon sport development programs (coaching, officials and competition programs). The TPC ensures that Sport Development programs apply sound business practices, operates according to Biathlon Canada, IBU, Sport Canada and COC policies and consistently delivers a high standard of athlete, coach and officials satisfaction.

The applicant should have the following experience / abilities:
– Formal Education at the university level in Physical Education or Physical Activity Sciences, or Sport Administration or the equivalent experience in the field of amateur sport;
– Coaching and Officiating certification or experience in biathlon and/or in other sports;
– Knowledge and understanding of the LTAD Program is considered an asset
– A proven record of success coordinating programs and personnel in their efforts for national success;
– Good leadership abilities, and an ability to organize and administer complex programs;
– An understanding of short-term and long-term planning necessary to develop clubs, athletes, coaches and officials;
– The ability to represent Biathlon Canada professionally to its partners and stakeholders;
– Be a team player;
– The ability to communicate effectively;
– Bilingualism is considered a strong asset;
– Fluency in written English;
– Excellent computer skills including knowledge of use of Microsoft Office products
– Ability to create and present PowerPoint presentations; ability to prepare reports for funding partners, Executive and Board Members.
– Experience with social media would be considered an asset.

TRAVEL: The TPC will be required to travel from time to time. This includes attending committee meetings, some events and various Biathlon Canada national meetings.

APPLICATIONS: The location of the position is at the national office in Ottawa, Ontario.

Application Deadline: December 21, 2012. Starting Date: January 28, 2013. Term Dates: January 28, 2013 – February 28, 2014

Salary is commensurate with experience. Applications with a résumé and 3 references will be accepted at the address below until 21 December 2012.

Joanne Thomson
Executive Director, Biathlon Canada
jthomson@biathloncanada.ca

We thank all applicants but only those invited for an interview will be contacted. This position is made possible with partial financial support from Sport Canada.

Type of Position: Full Time

Full Job Description: HERE.

Contact Information:
Joanne Thomson
Biathlon Canada
Suite 111, 2197 Riverside Dr.
Ottawa , ON, Canada
K1H 7X3
E-mail: jthomson@biathloncanada.ca
Tel. 613-748-5608 x3
www.biathloncanada.ca

November 09, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – The Toronto Bicycling Network (TBN) Cross Country Ski program is aimed at the recreational skier, so come on out and participate in this wonderfully invigorating winter activity. Some of the trips offer a snowshoe option as well.

You will travel in a warm and comfortable coach in which you can relax, forget about the driving, and meet other skiers. Whether you are a long-time TBN member, or a newcomer, come out and join us!

– Sun., Dec. 30, 2012 – Hardwood Hills
– Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 – Horseshoe Valley Resort
– Sun., Jan. 13 – Wasaga Nordic, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
– Sun., Jan. 20 – Mansfield Outdoor Centre
– Sat., Jan. 26 – Highland Nordic
– Sat., Feb. 2 – Horseshoe Valley Resort
– Sun., Feb. 10 – Wasaga Nordic, Wasaga Provincial Park
– Sun., Feb. 24 – Mansfield Outdoor Center
– Sat., Mar. 2 – Horseshoe Valley Resort
– Sun., Mar. 10 – Hardwood Hills
– Sat., Mar. 18 – Highlands Nordic

Sat. Pickups: Victoria Park 8:00 AM; Yonge/York Mills 8:20 AM; Hwy 400/Major MacKenzie Carpool 8:40 AM.
Sun. Pickups: Victoria Park TTC lot on Victoria Park at Denton Ave. 8:00 AM; Yonge and Asquith Ave, Metro Library 8:20 AM; Yonge/Eglinton in front of Tim Hortons 8:30 AM; Yonge/York Mills TTC 8:40 AM, Hwy 400/Major Mac Carpool 9:00 AM.

Two special geteway weekend trips are also planned, with transportation arranged via car pool
– Feb. 8-10 – Wanakita Resort Ski Weekend
– Feb. 15-18 – Arrowhead Provincial Park Ski Weekend

Go to www.tbn.ca for details or contact xcski@tbn.ca

October 17, 2012 (Oro, ON) – The Hardwood Ski and Bike Annual Ski Swap is one of the largest cross country ski swaps around offering a great opportunity to find just the right equipment for you for the coming season. The swap includes new and used cross country equipment, snowshoes, poles and more.

This is a chance for people to sell their old equipment at the swap and make a few dollars to put toward upgrading equipment. This is a great place to find ski equipment for your kids for this winter.

The Retail Shop will be showing the newest cross country gear and clothing with an added bonus – Save the Tax on purchases in the retail shop this weekend.

The Open House is a chance to learn more about the various programs, clinics, events and races taking place at Hardwood this winter.

WHERE: Hardwood Ski and Bike, 402 W Old Barrie Rd, Oro Station, Ontario
WHEN: October 20 and 21, 2012. Saturday from 9 to 5 and Sunday 9 to 1

October 04, 2012 (Oro, ON) – On October 20 and 21 we are holding our annual Ski Swap and Open House. This is the largest cross country ski equipment swap in Ontario with a wide selection of equipment. Buy or sell skis, boots, poles, bindings, roller skis at great prices.

You can also choose from new and used equipment available in the swap and in the retail store. You can also Save the Tax in our retail store on new 2012 equipment.

If you are looking to sell your equipment you can bring it in after October 13th for tagging.

Swap Hours
– Saturday October 20st – 9 am to 5 pm
– Sunday October 21st – 9 am to 1 pm
The retail store will be open both days from 9 am to 5 pm.

September 26, 2012 – Join Canadian Olympic XC Skier Perianne Jones and support her 2013 season as she continues her road to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. The event takes place on October 16 at the Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa from 7-9p.m. The evening will include a waxing workshop and a silent auction. Tickets $30, available at Fresh Air Experience, 1291 Wellington St., Ottawa, 613-729-3002.

April 18, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic movement, including Canada’s participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means.

Internship Description
This position will support the Canadian Olympic Committee’s (COC) mandate, in particular increasing public awareness of and engagement toward the COC and the Canadian Olympic Movement. Reporting to the Manager, Education, Youth and Community Outreach, the Intern will contribute to the following programs: Canadian Olympic School Program, Olympic Day, Olympic Tool-kit and various other Community Outreach projects. Through these initiatives, the Intern will help build, maintain and strengthen relationships with various COC stakeholders.

Location: This internship will be placed at the COC Toronto office at: 21 St. Clair Ave. E., Suite 900, Toronto, ON, M4T 1W4

Timing: Summer, 2012 (May-August, 2011)

Tasks and Responsibilities
The COC Education, Youth and Community Outreach Intern would assist the Education team, with various tasks. Some of these responsibilities will include:

1. Canadian Olympic School Program (COSP): Assist with the development, promotion and implementation of the 2012-2013 curriculum.

2. Olympic Day: Development, implementation and review of the Olympic Day related activities and Olympic Tool Kit

3. Marketing and Communications: Support various tasks related to education and community outreach as required.

Application Information
Please send all cover letters and resumes by April 30th to applications@olympic.ca citing the position title in the subject line. No telephone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest: however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Type of Position: Full Time – Intern / co-op
More info HERE.

April 11, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – Teach a skill. Inspire the next Crosby. Be a role model. Because I had a coach that made a difference in my life. There are a million reasons to coach and the Coaches Association of Ontario is asking coaches to share their reason during Ontario Coaches Week from April 14-22nd where dozens of communities across the province will be celebrating the men and women who volunteer their time to build better citizens.

“Ontario Coaches Week is about inspiring new community leaders to take up coaching,” says Susan Kitchen, Executive Director, Coaches Association of Ontario. “There are many intrinsic rewards that come from being a coach. Introducing a young person to a sport you love has returns that last a life time.”

Twenty-five Ontario communities are hosting free National Coaching Certification Program workshops, and many other communities are recognizing the men and women who coach in their clubs, arenas and recreation centres. Whether your sport is swimming, fencing or baseball, get involved in your community through coaching.

“Ontario is committed to being a leader in sport development and we look to our coaches to continue to inspire all athletes to give their best. I commend everyone taking part in this week’s activities. Your role is vital in taking us to the forefront of athletic excellence while encouraging Ontarians to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.” – Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Individuals can take up coaching even if they are not highly athletic people with extensive sport backgrounds. Good communication skills, planning and organizing activities and having a positive attitude are the most fundamental skills a coach needs.

Throughout the week, free workshops will target new coaches including aboriginals, women and youth.

Activities for Ontario Coaches Week 2012 include:
– NCCP Free Days, delivering National Coaching Certification Program courses for up to 500 coaches in 25 communities.
– Kick-Off Celebration: 2012 Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards – Scotia Bank Theatre, Toronto
– FREE Getting Started Coaching Resources on www.coachesontario.ca
– Week long celebration of community coaches across the province.

The week-long celebration is funded by Sport Canada and the Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Visit www.coachesontario.ca for a complete listing of workshop dates and locations.

What’s Your Reason? Share your story on our facebook page or tweet using hashtags #myreason #OCW

The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit, coach-led organization that strengthens development opportunities and provides resources, representation and recognition for coaches in a variety of contexts. In 2012, The CAO celebrated its ten year anniversary.

Reasons For Coaching From Ontario Coaches:
I love that fact that I have a chance to be challenged every day in multiple ways! No two days are ever alike. I get to work with a great group of athletes and coaches who challenge me and I hope I challenge them to not only become better people on the court but also in every aspect of life. I love being able to help people grow and develop into amazing people doing amazing things; striving to points in their life that they may never thought possible. Seeing that transformation happen day in and day out is truly remarkable. – Michael Broughton, Provincial Head Coach, Wheelchair Basketball

March 28, 2012 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada’s participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. The COC is looking to fill one part time contract with a Results Specialist. The contract duration is from April 2012 to February 2014.

General Purpose
The individual’s primary responsibilities will be to track Canadian athletes’ performances as well as other nations’ performances at World Championships, and other International events; produce various statistical analyses and provide such information to the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Olympic Team, and its partners as required. The workload will vary from week to week. It is estimated that, averaged over the course of the contract, time spent per week will be approximately 0.5-1.0 day per week, along with time spent at seminars and onsite at the Olympic and Pan American Games. This position is not based out of any specific city or COC office, however being based in Ottawa is an asset.

Responsibilities
Pre-Games:
– Provide support with various statistical analyses as required in the lead-up to the Olympic Games.
– Assist with the compilation and centralization of the various results and analyses by sourcing information directly or through COC partners (Sport Canada and Own The Podium)
– Respond to information requests from the COC’s various departments, specifically the Communications department, specific to athletes and sports in the lead-up to the Olympic Games.
– Be available for training on the COC’s Zeus Database.
– Assist with the preparation of the Canadian schedule of participation for the Olympic Games for initial upload to Zeus.
– Attend the Team Operations Preparation Seminar (approx 3 months prior to Games)

At-Games:
– Track and manage all Canadian Olympic Team results, competition schedule and statistics.
– Ensure that Canadian Olympic Team schedule and results are current, requiring multiple daily updates and a final revised version at the end of each day.
– Provide information to the Canadian Olympic Team and partners as required.
– Liaise with Sport Services Officers, Press Chief and Assistant Press Chief in providing timely and relevant information for bulletins, daily results highlights, and media briefings.
– Create and pull reports from Zeus for Sport Services staff and Communications staff as required.
– Attend daily communications meetings.
– Contribute to the results sections of the mid and post-Games press briefing and/or final Games report developed by Sport Services

Knowledge and Skill Required
Knowledge requirements include:
– Required proficiency in excel and with databases
– Canadian Sport System (asset)
– Technical knowledge of the various sports on the Olympic program (asset)
– COC Games Operations (desirable)

Skill requirements include:
– Detail oriented
– Thorough
– Time management
– Ability to multi-task
– Team player
– Good written and oral communication skills
– Ability to work under stressful conditions and strict timelines

Experience:
– Prior data entry experience
– Experience in Canadian Sport System

Application Information:
Please send all cover letters and resumes by April 20, 2012 to applications@olympic.ca citing the position title in the subject line. No telephone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Type of Position: Part Time

View Attachment more info HERE.

Contact Information:
Canadian Olympic Committee
85 Albert St., Suite 1400
Ottawa , ON, Canada
K1P 6A4
E-mail: applications@olympic.ca
www.olympic.ca

March 22, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – ParaSport Ontario is a not-for-profit provincial sport organization that provides leadership, resources, and opportunities to ensure a strong community for persons with physical disability in the Ontario sport and recreation community. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Events and Communication Intern will assist with event planning and execution as well as executing the communication strategy of ParaSport Ontario. This is an unpaid position. Application Deadline: April 20, 2012; starting Date: May 7, 2012.

Roles & Responsibilities:
– Works with the Development Coordinator to insure that proper information is sent out to member organizations, athletes, coaches and volunteers associated with the development program.
– Records post session information in the participant database and communicate with other sport organizations regarding interested participants.
– Helps drive the media presence of ParaSport Ontario through traditional and social media channels
– Creates an effective regular communication schedule to keep members and partners informed of ParaSport Ontario Activities
– Works with the Executive Director to plan and execute promotional, fundraising and sport events
– Creates communication partnerships between other sports organizations
– Assists with other ParaSport Ontario programs/events as required

Qualifications Required:
– Strong team player and able to collaborate on numerous projects. Able to work independently and as a team member in a cross-functional office environment.
– Knowledge of the amateur sport community and experience in working in the field of sport for athletes with a physical disability considered an asset.
– Experience working with volunteers
– Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
– An educational background in Event Planning and Communications an asset
– Detail oriented
– Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Publisher)
– Social media literacy (facebook, twitter, youtube)
– Desktop publishing experience
– Promotional and Marketing experience
– Must be willing to travel within Ontario if required, work some evenings and weekends, as well as possess a valid driver’s license
– Access to a personal computer will be considered an asset

Location: 3 Concorde Gate, Suite 104, Toronto, ON
Supervisor: Eric Cartlidge, Executive Director
eric@parasportontario.ca
(416) 426-7186

****THIS IS AN UNPAID POSITION****
Note: Parking will be provided as well as expenses for travel, meals and accommodations when necessary.

Salary Range: this is an unpaid position

Type of Position: Intern / co-op

View more details HERE.

Contact Information:
Eric Cartlidge
ParaSport Ontario
3 Concorde Gate Suite 104
Toronto , ON, Canada
M3C3N7
E-mail: eric@parasportontario.ca
Tel. 416-426-7186
Fax. 416-426-7361
www.parsportontario.ca

March 19, 2012 (Thunder Bay, ON) – The National Development Centre – Thunder Bay (NDC) is pleased to announce that Mark Doble will be the new Head Coach for the 2012/2013 season and beyond. Mark will be taking over from Eric Bailey, who has held the position for the past 8 years. After bringing NDC Thunder Bay to new heights of performance and consistency, Bailey sees the program evolving even more in the capable hands of Mark.

“At NDC-Thunder Bay, we have built systematically and sustainably and are now at the point where a new Head Coach can take the reins of the program and continue to deliver the highest quality program. The capacity of the program has surely risen, but at NDC, quality will always trump quantity. It is a core value of our program. Working with our other staff, our new Head Coach will continue to develop all aspects of the training and racing environment. It has been very gratifying to develop this program and its athletes over the past 8 years and I am very confident it will continue to progress and evolve to meet the needs and goals of its athletes in the years to come.”

Hailing from Barrie, ON, Doble brings a vast level of experience working with and developing the athletes and organization of Team Hardwood. An NDC-Thunder Bay alumnus, Doble expressed his excitement to return to Thunder Bay and to be a part of the city’s great ski community. “Racing and training in Thunder Bay was one of the highlights of my ski career. The support that the community has for skiing and ski racing and for the NDC program was phenomenal then and I am looking forward to being a part of it in a different role.” A natural leader with a passion for helping others excel, Mark is known for his enthusiasm and for producing some of Canada’s top junior aged skiers during his tenure with Team Hardwood. When asked what unique qualities Mark brings to the organization, Bailey stated: “Mark has an immense passion for the sport, a keen desire for excellence, and an acute knowledge of sports science. His coaching style and philosophy meshes very well with the program and the team at NDC-Thunder Bay. He will treat athletes with a great deal of respect, which has always been a cornerstone of our team philosophy at NDC-Thunder Bay.

Mark’s natural leadership abilities are evident and his commitment to high performance will serve the program and its athletes extremely well. At NDC-Thunder Bay, an important component of athletic excellence has always been to really enjoy every day and every step on the high-performance pathway. This belief is well-understood by Mark and one he will undoubtedly integrate uniquely and effectively.”

During his time at NDC, Bailey created a culture of excellence that Doble hopes to continue. “I am looking forward to working with the strong board of directors and within the community of Thunder Bay to drive this organization forward and am excited about the opportunity to work with the NDC staff and athletes to help the program continue to produce some of the best skiers in Canada.”

The organization is looking forward to their future with Mark and to helping him develop the next generation of cross country ski racers that will continue to represent Canada and Thunder Bay well into the future.

Mark will begin on April 23rd and, with Bailey, will represent NDC Thunder Bay at the National Team Selection Meetings in Canmore, Alberta.

January 31, 2012 (Montebello, ON) – I am very proud to report that despite recent freezing rain and warm weather, the traditional trail – Gatineau-Montebello-Lachute – is in excellent condition. The full trail has been groomed creating a hard base with some parts of the trail boasting 45cm of snow.

… With plenty of snow expected in the forecast, groomers will do another pass next week to further pack down the trail for optimal conditions during the marathon. Other updates to the trail include;

– Section 7: Thanks to the generosity of the land owners east of St. Sixte, the trail is back in the fields, thereby avoiding the 2 km of skiing the sandy, salty snow bank along highway 317.

– Section 6: The Highway 50 underpass west of Montebello has been completed, eliminating the need to cross any autoroute construction sites.

– Section 5: The rocky pieces of trail north of Montebello, especially notorious in the last 2 years, has been completely rebuilt using a hydraulic shovel. The ups and downs are still there, but the rocks are gone and the previous hair raising turns are much safer.

– Section 4: The trail has been relocated to avoid the hill with the hairpin turn going down to the Kinonge River valley. It is still a big hill, but with sweeping turns and a new wide bridge at the bottom.

Plans are already in the works for more trail improvements in 2013 so we can all test our personal limits on a challenging, but safe, trail.

We are also happy to announce that CSM Section 5 (Montebello to Kanauk) is open now for people to try out before the marathon. You can pick up passes at the Hotel Ski Shop.

Finally, please reach out to all unregistered skiers who may be sitting on the fence. Don’t let the “It didn’t or I didn’t(s)” stop them from having an incredible February CSM experience.

Help us fill up the Montebello with sweaty skiers telling amazing CSM stories – don’t wait, book your Montebello room today!

www.csm-mcs.com

Bill Syrros
President, CSM

January 10, 2012 – The Thames Valley Invitational Nordic Ski Race takes place January 12th, 2012 at Hardwood Ski and Bike. We have between 300 and 400 racers for this event with the race being open to all high school cross country ski racers and there is a novice/elementary school division as well. We have teams and racers registered from Barrie, Orillia, and the GTA and all over Ontario.

The categories for the race are:
– Elementary: 2 km
– Novice: 2 km (Novice is for high school skiers with limited skiing experience and no racing experience at any level.)
– Junior Girls: 4 km
– Junior Boys: 5 km
– Senior Girls: 5 km
– Senior Boys: 7 km

WHEN: January 12th, 2012 with races starting at 11 am

WHERE: Hardwood Ski and Bike, 402 W Old Barrie Rd, Oro Station, Ontario

For additional information, please contact:
Jack Sasseville, General Manager OR E-mail at jack@hardwoodskiandbike.ca
John Sustersic, Marketing & Events Manager E-mail at marketing@hardwoodskiandbike.ca
Phone at (705) 487-3775

November 09, 2011 (Cambridge, ON) – Andy Shields, named Best Overall Junior Male in North America in 2010/11 by SkiTrax readers, won the the Tim Turow Award which is the Cambridge Athlete of the Year Award, this past Friday at the Cambridge Sports Awards banquet at the Cambridge Holiday Inn.

At the Junior Worlds trials, the 20-year-old won the the 15km skate, placed third in classic sprint, and won the 20km pursuit to qualify for the World Championships where he finished 31st in the classic sprint and in the 20km pursuit.

Read the full story in the Cambridge Times HERE.

October 25, 2011 (Barrie, ON) – A little over a year ago a group of like-minded coaches, parents and club officials in southern Ontario saw a need to provide greater high performance coaching and training support to young athletes who were committed to excellence in cross country ski racing. After months of discussion, planning, and fundraising the Southern Ontario Training Centre (SOTC) was born.

An initiative of the Hardwood Hills Nordic Development Centre (aka Team Hardwood) and other Founding Clubs (Kawartha Nordic Ski Club, Arrowhead Nordic, and the Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club), SOTCʼs mission is to further the development of cross country skiing in Ontario by providing a high performance training centre for athletes who have graduated from high school and are committed to exploring their potential in the sport.

The vision is of a year-round training facility where, under the guidance of a full-time  coach, athletes train with a group of competitive peers while engaging in post-secondary studies if they chose. A key feature of SOTC is that athletes compete as members of the SOTC team while also representing and accumulating points for their home clubs in Ontario Cup Series races and at the Canadian Championships.

One year later, the dream has become a very exciting reality. SOTC was formally launched in June, 2011, with the hiring of our Head Coach, Petr Jakl. Petr is a highly qualified nordic ski coach who has held coaching positions in western Canada, Quebec, and his native Czech Republic. Petr hit the ground running in June and began immediately to work with SOTC’s athletes and to set up the office and training facilities. All athletes are following a custom-designed annual training program and Petr oversees the execution of training sessions with the athletes on a daily basis.

There are currently 4 athletes enrolled in the SOTC program, representing 3 different Ontario ski clubs. Cam Raynor hails from Huntsville, ON, where he has raced for the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club and Huntsville High School. Cam had a break-out season last year, finishing 4th in the Sr Boy’s individual race and anchoring the Huntsville team to a gold medal in the relay event. Scott Hill and Adam Birosh are from North Bay, where they compete for the North Bay Nordic Ski Club. Scott has been a member of the Ontario Junior Development Team and posted some solid race results last year as a first year Jr Male, despite struggling with injuries.

Adam is a member of the Ontario Ski Team and is the reigning Jr Boys overall champion in the Ontario Cup Series. Evan Odell is from Mississauga and races for Team Hardwood. Evan has made regular podium appearances on the university racing circuit the last two years (racing for Laurentian U) and was the overall Ontario Cup champion in the Jr Male category in 2011-12. All 4 athletes are exceptionally talented athletes who are completely committed to the program and to achieving their potential in the sport. Most are also enrolled in university-level studies on at least a part-time basis, at either Lakehead University (Orillia campus) or Laurentian University (through Georgian College in Barrie), both of which are within a 15 minute drive of SOTC.

SOTC is hosted by Team Hardwood, utilizing the world class trails and other training amenities at Hardwood Ski and Bike and the surrounding area. Hardwood offers 30kms of meticulously groomed trails in winter and 80kms of double and single-track trails for mountain-biking in summer, along with an on-site rental and pro shop, as well as a cafe. SOTC maintains an office, strength and conditioning room, and equipment storage space on site. Surrounding Hardwood are miles of quiet, undulating, newly-paved country roads that are perfect for rollerskiing and cycling. The greater Barrie and Orillia area, meanwhile, is a mecca for outdoor sports and boasts over a dozen cross country and downhill ski areas within a short drive.

Since arriving last June, Petr and the SOTC athletes have become fixtures on the trails and roads around Hardwood Ski and Bike, where they have been logging the miles running, mountain-biking and rollerskiing. In addition, the team has already participated in several training camps. Petr has planned and executed two team training camps so far, one at Horseshoe Valley in July, and a fall camp at the Craftsbury Outdoor Centre in Vermont in early October, held in conjunction with a Team Hardwood junior camp.

After 5 days of hard training, the camp at Horseshoe climaxed with some thrills on the high ropes course at Horseshoe Valley Resort. While the Craftsbury camp was plagued by cold wet weather, the team still managed to get in some quality training that included ski-striding to the gondola station at the top of Mt Mansfield in Stowe, and strength sessions in the sweet fitness room used by the Craftsbury Green Racing Project team. The SOTC squad also participated in the SOD high performance camp hosted by Team Hardwood in August, where, along with over 100 other aspiring elite athletes, they had the opportunity to train with emerging World Cup star Lenny Valjas and other top Canadian skiers such as Mike Somppi, Erin Tribe and Andy Shields.

While the fruits of all their training won’t be evident until the snow flies, their success in a number of recent races testifies both to their fitness and to the effectiveness of Petr’s coaching and training program. All four athletes, for example, have won medals in the popular and very competitive 5 Peaks Trail Running series. Finally, Petr and the athletes have also participated in a number of outreach activities, including a visit to Arrowhead Nordic and the joint training camp with Team Hardwood in Vermont. Additional outreach activities are planned for the winter.

Looking ahead, the SOTC coach and athletes will be traveling to training and racing venues across North America over the next few months. After an early season snow camp in late November at Foret Montmorency in Quebec, they will compete at the 2012 World Jr/U23 Trials in Callaghan Valley, BC, in early January, and then move on to a NorAm competition in Canmore the following weekend. Following this western swing they will return home, where they will prepare for the Eastern Canadian Championships at Nakkertok and the Mt Orford NorAm in February. In March the focus will be on the Haywood Ski Nationals in Mont Ste Anne. Watch for them this winter in their blue and orange custom-designed racing suits courtesy of Mt Borah!

Follow the team’s travels and race results this winter on the newly launched SOTC web site! The site already contains lots of information about the Centre, including program information, coach and athlete profiles, photo galleries, training updates and camp reports. Please visit the SOTC web site HERE, and check for updates regularly.

Finally, SOTC is still accepting athletes for the 2011-12 season. Athlete inquiries should be directed to Petr Jakl at 1-800-387-3775 or sotc@hardwoodskiandbike.ca. Athletes interested in applying to SOTC should send a letter of interest outlining their background in the sport, performance highlights, and future goals in the sport to: Petr Jakl, Coach, Southern Ontario Training Centre, c/o Hardwood Ski and Bike, 402 Old Barrie Rd, Oro, ON, L0L 2E0.

SOTC acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors, including: KRG Children’s Charities; Monette May & Associates; Dalton Pharma Services; and Gulfcom.

October 21, 2011 (Oro Station, ON) – The Hardwood Ski and Bike Annual Ski Swap is one of the largest cross country swaps around offering a great opportunity to find just the right equipment for you for the coming season. The swap includes new and used cross country equipment, snowshoes, poles and more.

It is a chance for people to sell their old equipment at the swap and make a few dollars to put toward upgrading equipment. This is a great place to find ski equipment for your kids for this winter.

You can check out Retail Shop for the newest cross country gear and clothing with an added bonus – you pay no taxes this weekend.

The Open House is a chance to find out about the various programs, clinics, events and races taking place at Hardwood this winter.

WHERE: Hardwood Ski and Bike, 402 W Old Barrie Rd, Oro Station, Ontario
WHEN: October 22 and 23, 2010. Saturday from 9 to 5 and Sunday 9 to 1

April 17, 2011 (North Bay, ON) – The North Bay Nordic Ski Club is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Ski Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will oversee all programs delivered by the club, ensuring that high quality ski programs, training and coaching are provided at all levels.This contract position will be a full time seasonal position from October to March inclusive, with part time off-site work through the rest of the year.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and be taken until May 31st, 2011.

More info HERE.

www.northbaynordic.ca

March 29, 2011 (Oro Station, ON) – Due to the cool weather and good snow coverage Hardwood will remain open for one more week until Sunday, April 3rd. The majority of our trails are open with good spring skiing conditions and trails will continue to be groomed as conditions permit.

We still have good snow coverage on the trails that are open, so you do not have to end your ski season yet. We take care of our snow like gardeners take care of lawns and flowers. For more, info check out the webcam or give us a call at 705 487 3775. We will always tell you the truth about conditions. It doesn’t do us any good in the long run to misrepresent the snow conditions and have you come up here and find that they are not what we said.

Hardwood Ski and Bike is a family oriented cross country skiing, mountain biking and outdoor recreation facility with 300 acres of beautiful trails. We have 80 kms of mountain bike, 74 kms of cross country and 18 kms of snowshoe trails. Our facility is located 15 mins. north of Barrie just off Highway 400, within 1 1/4 hour drive from downtown Toronto. “A place where everyone can enjoy pursuing their outdoor fitness activities in a fun, social, safe and healthy atmosphere.”

www.hardwoodhills.ca

January 12, 2011 (Thunder Bay, ON) – Here is another video  courtesy of Team Hardwood’s Graham Longford with highlights from the Classic Sprint heats and finals at the 2011 Haywood NorAm WJr/U23 Trials at Lappe Nordic Centre in Thunder Bay, ON last weekend. Brent McMurtry took the men’s win over Stefan Kuhn and Jess Cockney, who also snagged the U23 victory. In the women’s race, it was Dasha Gaiazova who chalked up another win to her name. NorAm leader Perianne Jones took the silver, while Alysson Marshall doubled as the senior bronze medalist and the best U23 – read more HERE.

January 11, 2011 (Thunder Bay, ON) – Here’s another great video by Team Hardwood’s Graham Longford with highlights of the Junior Men’s 20km Pursuit race at the 2011 Haywood NorAm and World Junior/U23 Trials held at Lappe Nordic in Thunder Bay, ON Jan. 6-9. Local boy Andy Shields won convincingly, skating away from the field in the final 10km to win by a 51s margin. Shields is now guaranteed a spot on the Canadian Junior Worlds team heading to Estonia.

January 09, 2011 (Thunder Bay, ON) – Competing on the domestic circuit as part of a plan to return to the World Cup circuit while their Olympic teammates wrapped up the Tour de Ski, Canada’s George Grey and Perianne Jones found their stride by winning the men’s and women’s skate ski races at the Haywood NorAms in Thunder Bay, Ont. on Sunday.

The 31-year-old Grey, of Rossland, B.C., is starting to discover the shape that helped him capture his lone World Cup medal two years ago in a team sprint with Alex Harvey in Whistler, B.C. The two-time Olympian captured his second victory of the weekend after completing the men’s 15-kilometre skate-ski race with a time of 39 minutes, 21.9 seconds at the Lappe Nordic Ski Centre.

“It was good race and a tough course today so I’m happy,” said Grey, who punched his ticket for a spot on Canada’s World Championship squad this weekend.

“Right now I’m going back to the drawing board. I’m working on my distance and getting my shape again. I have six weeks to go until Worlds so it will be good to get back around the team, and Justin (Wadsworth – head coach), to ramp it up to where I want to be.”

Grey has spent most of his summer and early season rebounding from knee surgery this spring.

“Motivation is tough to find for any athlete, and when you have injuries a dark cloud just follows you because you want to go but you have to be patient,” said Grey. “Everyone this weekend was peaking because it was trials for World Championships. To win twice I know I’m not far off so I’ll keep working hard at it.”

Grey was pressed for the podium by Graham Nishikawa, of Whitehorse, who claimed the silver with a time of 39:27.3, while Michael Somppi, of Thunder Bay, Ont., rounded out the podium in third (39:34.6).

Meanwhile Canada’s Perianne Jones is also patiently making her comeback to the elite international circuit. Jones, of Almonte, Ont., won her second race on North America’s premiere development cross-country ski race series after posting a time of 31:02.7 in the women’s 10-kilometre skate-ski event.

“I felt really good out there and I’ve known all year that I’ve just been feeling a lot better,” said Jones, who said her body felt a little bit up last year pushing the paces with the world’s best on the World Cup circuit. “My body was just really tired last year and it is nice to be building that confidence and racing professionally again here. I have been working hard on my technique and things have been going really well.”

Jones was put to the test this weekend with Daria Gaiazova, of Banff, Alta., who made her return from the World Cup. Gaiazova, who won a World Cup bronze medal in the team sprint earlier this year with Chandra Crawford, won the first two races of the weekend but was pushed to the second spot on the podium Sunday with a time of 31:18.3.

“It was awesome to have Daria here and bring the level of racing up a little,” said Jones. “It was a good reminder for me of how fast things are on the World Cup.”

Calgary’s Brooke Gosling claimed the bronze with a time of 32:27.5.

Full results HERE.

Results (brief)

Open Female

1.    Perianne Jones (Nakkertok/NST) 31:02.7
2.    Dasha Gaiazova (Rocky Mountain Racers/NST) +15.6
3.    Brooke Gosling (Foothills/CXC) 1:24.8
4.    Sara Hewitt (Foothills/AWCA) 2:01.7
5.    Brittany Webster (Highlands Trailblazers/AWCA) 2:23.4
6.    Heidi Widmer (Foothills/AWCA) 2:34.4
7.    Alysson Marshall (Larch Hills/AWCA/BCST) 2:36.3
8.    Annika Hicks (Canmore Nordic/AWCA) 2:40.6
9.    Anne-Marie Comeau (Club Nordique M.S.A.) 2:44.3
10.    Erin Tribe (Team Hardwood/NDC Thunder Bay)2:44.6

Open Male

1.    George Grey (Black Jack/NST) 39:21.9
2.    Graham Nishikawa (Whitehorse/AWCA) 5.4
3.    Michael Somppi (Lappe Nordic/NDC Thunder Bay) 12.7
4.    Brent McMurtry (Foothill) 55.0
5.    David Greer (Whitehorse/CNEPH) 56.1
6.    Erik Carleton (Rocky Mountain Racers/RMR) 58.4
7.    Jess Cockney (Foothills/AWCA) 58.8
8.    Graeme Killick (Banff Ski Runners/ NST) 1:20.9
9.    Pate Neumann (Canmore Nordic/AWCA) 1:33.0
10.    Kevin Sandau (Foothills/NST/AWCA) 1:34.1

January 07, 2011 (Thunder Bay, ON) – Check out these great video highlights of the final lap action taken by Graham Longford at yesterday’s Men’s 30k Pursuit at the Haywood NorAm in Thunder Bay won by George Grey who narrowly edged out Graham Nishikawa for the win. Grey’s performance earned him a spot on the Canadian Team for the Nordic World Championships in Oslo. Drew Goldsack finished third – read more HERE.

January 06, 2011 (Thunder Bay, ON) – Cold conditions and a moderate wind made for a frigid race, dropping to 20 below at Lappe Nordic Centre, but this did not dampen the enthusiasm and drive of 174 racers on site for the competitions. The continuous pursuit races held today were trials to determine who would qualify for positions on Canada’s team at the 2011 World Senior Nordic Championships in Oslo, Norway and the World Junior/U23 Championships in Oteppa, Estonia. A perfect set of classic tracks and a challenging, lung-bursting skate leg, greeted the skiers.

In the senior Men’s category National Ski Team (NST) member, George Grey, of Rossland, B.C. earned a spot to go to Oslo edging out Graham Nishikawa, of Whitehorse in the final meter of the men’s 30km race. The race was described by Grey as a tactical one with several unsuccessful breakaway attempts by NST members Drew Goldsack and Stefan Kuhn in both the classic and skate portions.

“Many of the skiers in this race are at a very similar fitness level so it was difficult to establish any gaps,” said Grey a two-time Olympian. In the end his World Championship spot was decided by toe over Nishikawa as NorAm leader Goldsack claimed the bronze.

“It was awfully tight and very technical out there today,” added Grey. “I don’t really have my shape but I think my experience put me in the front in the end. The last few weeks of training have been challenging because my fitness isn’t there. But it will come around. I’d love to be in Europe even just to watch Devon (Kershaw) and Alex (Harvey) because those guys are flying. It will be fun to get them home and train beside them again, and get ready to race with them again at the World Championships.”

In the Senior women’s category, National Ski Team member Dasha Gaiazova held off a skate leg charge by Brooke Gosling (Foothills Nordic/CXC) to take the win. Ottawa’s Perianne Jones took the bronze after skiing closely with Gaiazova in the classic portion but was overtaken by Gosling in the final 7.5km skate section.

“It was really hard today. I’m not going to lie,” said Gaiazova.“I had really good skis and it was fun to be racing in Thunder Bay. I have really good memories of racing here at the Nationals in 2006, and I was just excited to be racing in Canada and on these trails again.”

In the Under 23 competitions Kevin Sandau and Emily Nishikawa took top honors.  Sandau, of Canmore, Alta., was the top under-23 male, while Emily Nishikawa was the fastest under-23 woman.

Heidi Widmer of Banff, Alta., was the top Junior woman in their 10-kilometre pursuit race with a time of 32:38.8 while Thunder Bay-based National Development Centre skier Andy Shields dominated the junior men’s 20-kilometre pursuit. Shields skated away in the final 10km to a 51-second victory.  Both Widmer and Shields are now guaranteed to go to the Junior Worlds in Estonia.

Races continue Saturday and Sunday and predicted warmers temperatures will likely heat up the action.

With files from CCC.

Full results HERE.