Skier Development Program
Our Skier Development Program (SDP) offers guided groups and classes for skiers of all ages and levels to help you access and enjoy the trails, improve your skills, challenge yourself, and connect with our ski community at The Paulson, all with affordability in mind.
In the 2025/26 Winter Season we are offering a number of Adult (17+) and Youth (4-16) programs
Continue down the page for all information on Youth Programs and Adult Programs.
Location
All program sessions take place at the Paulson Nordic Ski Trails, located 32 km. west of Castlegar on Highway #3. Park in the parking lot near the Mud Lake trail head. Click here for a Location Map.
Registration
Youth Program Registrations Form
Adult Program Registrations Form (Registration form available soon)
Note:
- Youth registered in our winter programs also must be registered members of Cross Country BC. Families registering for Youth Programs will receive a Discount Code to register their children as members with our club, and the only fee you will need to pay is a $21 Cross Country BC fee. Please contact our program coordinator at [email protected] to receive the Discount Code.
- Adults registered for any programs will require either a Season Membership to the Castlegar nordic Ski Club, or a trail day-pass for each session. Both of these options are available for purchase here: https://www.castlegarnordic.ca/membership-fees/
Youth Winter Programs:
The Youth Skier Development Program is a fun-based, affordable program, cultivating a love of cross country skiing in the next generation.
Skier Development Programs are an amazing way for youth to develop important lifelong skills, an love for the outdoors and a sense of community with other skiers. Come on out and join the team!
Jack Rabbits and Bunny Rabbits (Ages 4-9)
The Jack Rabbit program is the classic nation-wide youth skier development program. This fun and family oriented program focuses on teaching kids all of the fundamentals of Nordic skiing as well as showing them the adventure and enjoyment of the sport.
The program follows a progression of 5 classes, all with a focus on different age and skill levels. Using a graduated evaluation system, these classes will introduce your kids to the sport and bring them to full proficiency in all ski techniques over their journey. We cover everything from how to put on your skis and get dressed for the weather, to skate skiing and more advanced ski techniques for kids. With a strong emphasis on fun and games, your kids are sure to have a blast!
Bunny Rabbit: Ages 4-5
Jack Rabbit: Levels 1/2, Ages 6-7; Levels 3/4, Ages 8-9
Duration: 1.5 hour sessions
Cost: $98, plus occasional parent volunteer commitment
Classes: Saturdays at 1:30pm from January 11 to March 15th.
Track Attack/ Saturday Nordic Adventures (Ages 8-16)
Nordic Skiing can be a challenging sport, especially for kids and teens! But the fun really starts when they learn to glide through the tracks and around corners, zip up and down the hills, breathe deeply in the woods, and above all, get to share this experience with skiers of their own age.
This year we’re combining Track Attack and Saturday Nordic Adventures into one exciting program for young skiers (ages 8–16) who will explore the trails working on building up their abilities for distance, endurance and ski technique. Participants will embark on a team-based adventure each week, guided by our certified coaches.
The program has a strong emphasis on team-building, technique development and finding fun in the sport. Come on out and explore the trails!
Note: Registered participants should have experience with ski classes or sufficient trail experience and must be able to carry a water bottle and snacks on the trail.
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $135 per participant
Classes: Saturdays at 1:30pm December 6th to March 15th
Competitions: The team will have the opportunity to attend regional races including local Loppets and Kootenay Cup events and the BC Cup. Athletes may decide on which races they will attend.
Adult Winter Programs (Ages 17+):
Beginner & Intermediate Ski Classes – with Jaime Frederick
Description: Separate Beginner and Intermediate 4-session series
Level: Open to all adults (17+)
Classes: Saturdays in January (Dates TBA)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: TBA
Beginner Social Ski Trail Groups
Description: Guided sessions at an easy pace to explore more of the Paulson Ski Trails
Level: Open to all adult skiers, any ability level
Classes: Weekly dates, Session dates TBA
Duration: 1-2 hours
Cost: Free
- Seeking volunteers to guide one or two sessions of the series
Ladies Ski Group – “40km Loppet Social” with Brenda Gill
Ladies, are you training for the 40 km Loppet? I’d love some company, so join me and we’ll start with an 8 km ski and progress to 10 km the following week, working on technique. Then, we’ll add 5 km each Saturday to reach our 40 km distance. There will be exits along the routes if you choose a shorter version. Let’s have some fun! – Brenda Gill
Description: Women’s social ski group, building toward 40 km circuits
Classes: Saturdays, ready to ski at 9:00 AM Dec 6 – Jan 24 (8 sessions, weather permitting)
Duration: The length of time will vary as distance increases, but set aside the morning for the ski.
Cost: Free
Weeknight Ski Group – with Darrin Markvardsen
Description: Mixed “Intermediate+” level group focusing on technique, skill development, and training with ex-National competitor, Darrin Markvardsen
Level: Open to all skiers with intermediate or higher experience (17+)
Classes: Tuesday evenings, Dec 9 – Mar 10 (14 sessions)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: TBA
For program information email: