Welcome to our Adult Cross Country Ski Program – Masters XC for the 2025/26 season!
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club offers a welcoming and engaging cross-country ski program for adults aged 19 and up. Designed for skiers of similar abilities and interests, the program provides a supportive environment to enjoy skiing, build community, and improve technique and fitness.
Refined over a decade through participant feedback, this program strikes a thoughtful balance between skill development and social connection. Sessions are relaxed, friendly, and fun, led by a dedicated team of qualified volunteer leaders who guide participants through both learning opportunities and distance skiing on our beautiful trail system.
Participants may choose to ski classic or skate, with groups available at three skill levels each month.
The program runs twice weekly, Thursday and Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 12:00, with an optional après-ski social gathering after each session. For those unable to attend during the day, a Thursday evening session is also available from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (the lodge remains open until 8:00 p.m.).
Program Format
The program operates from January to March. Each session blends approximately 20–30% instruction (tips, techniques, and drills) with social skiing for the remainder of the time. While not a substitute for private lessons, it’s an excellent way to build confidence and community on the trails.
Please note:
- This is not a drop-in program. All participants must be registered for the season.
- Night sessions are primarily skate skiing. If five or more skiers prefer classic, a classic group will be added.
2025–2026 Session Dates
● TBA ● Any sessions missed by participants will not be refunded or rescheduled. If a session is cancelled by SLNC due to weather, we will make every effort to reschedule; however, refunds will not be issued if rescheduling isn’t possible.
Is This Program Right for You?
The Master’s XC program is ideal for skiers who can comfortably ski 4 km in 40 minutes on flat or gently rolling terrain (such as Woodland Bell). It is not intended for complete beginners. We recommend participants have at least one season of skiing experience.
Please contact Masters XC Coordinator, Eric DeNys , [email protected]
MASTERS XC PROGRAM FACT SHEET
Meeting Place: Sovereign Lake Stadium in front of the Tech Building
When: 1 or 2 days per week/Thursday Morning 10:00-12:00/Thursday Night 6:00-7:30/Sunday Morning 10:00-12:00
Available Spaces: 200 for day sessions; 50 for night group
Ski Ability: Be able to ski 4 km in 40 minutes
Group Descriptions (Classic and Skate):
- Novice: You have a basic fitness level and meet the minimum ski requirement (able to ski 4 kilometres in 40 minutes on flat to gently rolling terrain, for example, Woodland Bell). You want people to ski with and some tips to get you moving more efficiently.
- Intermediate: You’ve been cruising around the green and blue ski trails for a season or so. You can ski uphill and downhill on easy terrain and can ski the equivalent of going to Sovereign’s Black Prince Cabin and back (5 km round trip). You want to refine and increase your skiing skills to gain confidence and explore more challenging trails.
- Advanced: You are a fit and fast advanced skier looking for the next level of efficiency. You are ready and able to work hard.
- Apres Ski: We are back in the lodge but moving downstairs for our after-session treat and hot drink social. Would love some volunteers to be able to help set up before the practice sessions.
Program Details
Dates |
TBA | |
Sessions per Week |
1-2 | |
Days |
Thursday Morning 10:00-12:00 or Thursday Night 6:00-7:30 and Sunday 10:00-12:00 | |
Length of Session |
2 hours | |
Cost |
TBA | |
Registration Deadline |
October 30, 2025 |
Meet the Team!
Thank You to our volunteer leaders and instructors for their time and energy.
Please talk to your leader/ Masters XC Coordinator or Programs Administrator if becoming a leader interests you. We will put you on the path to becoming a fearless leader!
Masters XC Coordinator– Eric DeNys
| Amy Philipson | Andrew Dunphy | ||
| Barb Riley | Brain Wills | ||
| Deb Hunter | Donna Hanson | ||
| Euna Kang |
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Johanna Tul | ||
| Karen Evans |
Karen Wolfe |
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| Kate Ellis |
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| Marcus Boyle |
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Peggy Hung |
| Rick Plovie | Rick Vaughan |
| Rob Oxenham | Stephanie Hendy |
| Trevor Zahara | Ward Strong |
| Tracy Kelly | |
What is SLNC Masters about?
Group-based social skiing with varying degrees of structured skill development.
It’s summed up in the three Fs
Fitness: you don’t have to be very fit to join Masters but participation will help you to raise the bar.
Form: you will learn to ski more efficiently.
Friendly: all happens in a friendly environment.
What it’s not
It is not a boot camp, as in rigorous and intense training sessions.
See our Masters Training Group if you are looking for a higher level of training
Goals of the SLNC Masters Program
- To provide structure and support whereby club members have the means to raise their level of fitness and improve their skiing proficiency.
- To provide support for those who want to compete
- Keep all participants informed of events and activities
- SLNC Masters is still the best program for the money in the country, bar none.
- The program is club and membership-based, organized and delivered by club members.
- Technical support for certain sessions will be led by the head coach
New Initiatives
- To encourage recreational club skiers to participate in SLNC Masters.
- To provide small group tips and tricks sessions.
- To organize social events eg. potlucks
- Goal setting and training for competitive skiers on key events.
General Questions
What would happen if people joined and were not able to meet the minimum requirements?
You will be refunded and can sign up for either private or group lessons through the lodge.
