November 5, 2021
About Cross Country Ski Ontario
Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) provides the framework for cross country ski clubs in Ontario to participate in national programs established by the National Sport Organization, Nordiq Canada. XCSO currently represents 74 clubs and 20782 individual members in four ski districts - Southern Ontario, Northern Ontario, Lake Superior, and National Capital. Skiing activities and programs are mostly carried out by clubs. XCSO is run by a volunteer board including four district chairs and directors for high performance, coaching development, youth programs, technical and officials development, a treasurer and the chairperson.
COVID-19 Response
XCSO's Safe Return to Sport document is re-evaluated and updated as conditions and restrictions change. The most recent update was on September 17th, 2021. XCSO encourages everyone to get vaccinated. Athletes are required to provide proof of full vaccination before accessing indoor environments including spaces for sports and fitness, personal fitness training, sporting events, and cross country ski facilities (chalets, warming cabins/huts, wax trailers/cabins, timing/officiating rooms/trailers, etc). XCSO follows Public Health Ontario's guidelines on the use of masks. All athletes, program participants, coaches, and leaders must not attend training or programs when ill. Cross country skiing is generally outdoors, therefore there is often ample space for physical distancing.
Requirements for all participation in training and programming:
• No symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days
• No close sustained contact with anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 and/or has tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of beginning group training
• If a person has had a case of documented COVID-19 infection, following public health guidelines for ending isolation is required
For more information about XCSO's COVID-19 response, please see their Return to Sport Protocol.
About the Para-Nordic Program
The Ontario Para-Nordic Program provides youth and adults with various types of physical disabilities with opportunities to participate in recreational and competitive Nordic skiing. Categories in Para-Nordic include sit and standing skiing.
Youth Program
Youth programs are based on Nordiq Canada's Skill Development Program for Children, including the Bunnyrabbit (ages 5 and under), Jackrabbit (ages 6-9), and Track Attack (ages 10-12) programs.
High Performance Program
The high-performance program promotes the development of high-performance Para-Nordic athletes to represent Ontario at the Canadian Winter Games.
Visually Impaired Classes
Athletes eligible for competition must meet the criteria of classes B1, B2 and B3.
Clubs offering the Para-Nordic programs include the Georgian Nordic Ski Club, Highlands Trailblazers, Kanata Nordic Ski Club, Lappe Nordic Ski Club, Lappe Nordic Ski Club, Laurentian Nordic Ski Club, North Bay Nordic Ski Club, Porcupine Ski Runners, Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club, Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club, and Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club.
For more information visit the Para-Nordic Program webpage.
Contact Cross Country Ski Ontario
To contact XCSO, visit their Cross Country Ski Ontario Staff webpage.