Masters Programs
Canmore to host the 2029 Masters World Cup!
Trail Sports Presents
PureXC Masters Cross-Country Ski Three-Day Camp
What is PureXC?
PureXC is dedicated to the technical, tactical, physical and mental development of masters cross-country skiers with three days of sport-specific training and expert coaching in classic and skate techniques.
PureXC camps are a unique opportunity to receive individualized ski technique feedback from expert coaches, to increase fitness and mileage at a world-class ski venue, and foster new friendships in a fun, social and supportive environment.
What can you expect from our Masters Ski Camps?
- An increased understanding and application of cross-country ski techniques in both skate and classic.
- Individualized ski technique feedback with video analysis in each ski session.
- An increase in skiing fitness with three on-snow days and six quality workouts.
- An increased knowledge of masters-specific training; focus on physical training, recovery, nutrition and strength training appropriate to age and lifestyle.
- Small group ratios.
- The enjoyment of the social aspect of skiing and training with like-minded people and building new friendships.
Is this camp for me?
Our Masters camps are intended for intermediate/advanced skiers (age 30+) who want to develop their ski technique, enhance fitness and delve deeper into how to better train for cross-country skiing. Read on for information on the venue, the coaches and a breakdown of all of the camps we offer. This is not a learn-to-ski program; previous classic and skate experience is required (comfortable on blue-level trails).
The Venue
Trail Sports, Canmore Nordic Centre
PureXC masters ski camps run in partnership with Trail Sports at the Canmore Nordic Centre, a world-class ski venue five minutes from downtown Canmore, 20 minutes from Banff and one hour from Calgary. Situated at 1300 metres, the CNC (site of the 1988 Calgary Olympics) offers exceptional daily trail grooming and track setting for classic and skate skiing, and touts a trail system of 60-plus kilometres of varied terrain. Trail Sports offers a 10% discount to camp participants who are ski club members (Join a club!).
Industry-leading ski waxing and service is available at Trail Sports: Visit our shop or call (403) 678-6764.
Meet the Coaches
Roddy Ward, Head Coach
Roddy Ward has coached high-performance, development and masters athletes for 20-plus years. He has more than a decade of experience as a national team coach and as the director of high performance and athlete development with Biathlon Canada. Roddy has a master’s degree in coaching from the University of Victoria and has guided athletes to win medals at the World Cup and World Championships. Roddy’s goal with PureXC is to provide masters athletes an exceptional experience focused on the improvement of all aspects of athletic development in the sport of skiing.
Kelly Drager, Lead Performance Dietician
Meet Kelly, Lead Performance Dietitian and an expert in the field of nutrition for high-level athletes. Kelly holds a Masters of Science in exercise physiology and biochemistry. Read Kelly's impressive bio here.
Trail Sports Assistant Coaches
CANSI Level 3 and 4 instructors who are lifelong skiers with years of experience in ski racing and as ski instructors and coaches.
Masters Camp
Early Season Training and Nutrition
Friday–Sunday, December 11–13, 2026.
Technical focus:
Body position and timing for one skate, offset, double pole and diagonal stride. Cornering and agility work. Extensive focus on individualized video feedback.
Nutrition:
Nutrition “hot topics” for master endurance athletes.
Strength:
In-season strength routine and ski-specific core strength workout.
Saturday team dinner (Iron Goat) with guest speaker (TBD) | Menu | Directions
Masters Cross-Country Ski Camp Handbook
For further information, including a detailed breakdown of the camp schedbuttule, pricing, cancellation & weather policy, accommodation etc. please refer to our handbook.
Masters Series
CLASSIC/SKATE Technique + Video Analysis Four-Week Series
For skiers who are confident in classic techniques with room for improvement in skill and efficiency. Skiers should be able to diagonal stride up the teaching hill in the CNC stadium. Led by CANSI Level III and IV instructors.
TBD
TBD
SKATE Friday Fitness | Five-Week Morning Series
Need to take a breather on long hills? This course is for you! Improve efficiency on hills and flats and in terrain-based transitions through technical analysis and video feedback. Skiers should be confident in skate techniques with room for improvement. Skiers must be able to skate ski up the teaching hill in the CNC stadium. Led by Colin Norman, CANSI Level IV.
TBD
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer Masters cross-country ski programs?
Yes. Trail Sports offers Masters Programs as part of its cross-country ski lesson lineup.
Who are Masters programs for?
Masters programs are designed for skiers who are already confident in their technique and want to improve skill, efficiency, and performance. Trail Sports describes options for skiers with room for improvement in either classic or skate technique.
What kinds of Masters programs are offered?
The Masters page includes options such as classic or skate technique with video analysis, as well as skate fitness-focused series.
Are Masters programs suitable for advanced skiers?
Yes. Trail Sports positions Masters as a more performance-oriented offering, with some sessions requiring skiers to already be able to ski specific terrain confidently, such as skating up the teaching hill in the CNC stadium.
How do I know which lesson is right for me?
Yes. Some Masters offerings specifically mention video analysis as part of the training format.