Nordic Race/ESO
ABOUT
The Nordic Race program is for cross-country and biathlon athletes ages 14+ (as of Dec 31, 2025) who want to train year-round and have a focus on provincial and national racing. Nordic Race is also known as Equipe Ski Outaouais (ESO), a partnership of Chelsea Nordiq and Club Skinouk which enables the clubs to share their resources and offer quality coaching in a stimulating and welcoming environment for all athletes.
The program aims to create a training and competitive environment where athletes are: challenged physically and mentally; committed to constant technical improvement; encouraged to have fun in an inclusive, social space, and supported to achieve their goals.
The program has three distinct phases: i) spring-summer training ii) fall training iii) on-snow training/racing
Spring-Summer training
This part of the year-round program runs from May until August. Athletes follow personal training plans and engage in a variety of training methods to improve physical and technical abilities.
Fall training
We build on the work done throughout the spring/summer as athletes gear up for race season. In addition to regular strength, speed and endurance training there is the opportunity to participate in time trials and roller ski races. A big highlight is an out-of-region fall training camp.
On-snow training/racing
When the snow flies, we’re on skis. If it’s late coming, we’ll find snow (or artificial snow) so we can do what we love doing best. We train hard in a positive environment as athletes improve their technique in both classic and skate skiing disciplines. We follow a full calendar of races, including the highly popular Quebec Cup circuit. Many athletes build towards Canada’s National Championships and some race in the US, or even further afield. Irrespective of an athlete’s goals, we are there to support and encourage them.
FAQ
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Athletes should have completed the U14 Race or the U14 Adventure Explorers program. Or, they should have completed our Youth learn to Ski program; and have developed basic classic and skate skiing technique. They should be comfortable skiing around 15km.
If this is not the case, please contact us so we can advise you appropriately.
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There are three sessions per week:
Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm,
Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm and
Sundays 10:00am-12:00pm.
The majority of sessions take place in the Gatineau Park. All athletes will have a personal training program and are expected to train independently beyond the organized training sessions.
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Club Head Coach & Director, Maurice Samm is a certified NCCP Learn to Compete (level 3) coach and a trained teacher. He leads an amazing team of Nordic Race coaches, who work very closely with the Biathlon Race program to ensure a competitive, positive and fun team dynamic.
We encourage parents of Nordic Race athletes to be very involved in assisting practices, time trials, local races, as well as training and race trips.
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Dry-land: active wear, waterproof jacket, water bottle and holder, headlamp, running shoes, skate and classic roller skis, bike helmet, gloves, old ski poles (armpit length).
On-snow: skis, poles and boots appropriate for their height, weight and skill level. Drink belt and headlamp for when it gets dark. Athletes will need equipment for both classic and skate skiing. For those with some racing experience we recommend having training and race skis.
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Winter training: $1386
Additionally, all registrants must be affiliated with the Division/Nordiq Canada ($32.00) and purchase a Family or Individual Chelsea Nordiq Club Membership.
(Note: cost includes provincial race licence fee and coach support at races).
