Is Masters for Me?
Are you a mature athlete (18+)? Do you want to glide farther, go faster, and gain confidence on both classic and skate skis? Do you want to ski with others in a fun social atmosphere? The Telemark Masters program is for skiers of all ages and abilities looking for an inspiring ski experience.
With a two-part program to accommodate both less experienced skiers and those who are looking for a little more, the Telemark Masters is focused on learning technique with a strong fitness component. Our goal is to ski longer and more efficiently while having a blast on snow! Click here to register for Masters using our online portal.
*Some ski experience recommended.
2019-2020 Season
This year we will be starting sessions in December (weather permitting) and continuing through March.
Benefits:
- Improve your skate and classic skiing technique
- Develop strength and endurance on skis
- Ski with others in a fun atmosphere at your speed
- Learn to ski more efficiently (go faster with less work! Keep up with your kids!)
- Two streams of the Master’s program (see below)
- Intro to waxing & ski maintenance
- Fun local loppets (races)
Telemark XC Masters Program Prices 2019-2020 Season
Smooth Cruisers – $180 – 6 x 2hr sessions on Saturdays 10:00 – 12:00 Dec to Feb. (3 sessions Classic + 3 sessions Skate). This program is for the skier who wants to ski smoother, faster and farther but at more relaxed pace. Expect beautiful skis with lots of technique work in both Classic and Skate technique. Our goal is to improve your confidence and get you ready for your first loppet. Some ski experience is required. Please contact us with any questions – all fitness levels and abilities are welcome.
Master Blasters – $360 – 12 sessions – Saturdays 10:00 – 12:00 and Tuesday 6:00 – 7:30 from Dec to Feb. (6 sessions Classic + 6 sessions Skate). This program targets the skier who wants to ski smoother, faster, and farther with a little more emphasis on fitness. Expect beautiful skis with a fitness focus while working on technique in both classic and skate. Our goal is to improve your confidence and fitness. Some ski experience is required. Please contact us with any questions – all fitness levels and abilities are welcome.
* New this year we will be combining the Master Blasters and Smooth Cruiser in some sessions where appropriate to increase the exposure to different coaches and increase the social aspects of the program.
Coaches
Aengus McCullough discovered the delights of cross country skiing when he moved to Alberta from the UK in 2011. After floundering in the snow for his first winter season he realized that skiing was not as effortless as it looked and decided to join Edmonton Nordic to develop his technique. Aengus progressed through Edmonton Nordic’s adult skiing program through to their Master’s program after which he went on to take CANSI instructor courses so he could help others on their skiing journey.Before he discovered skiing, Aengus was a keen mountain runner who competed in British Fell Running events for several years as well as the occasional ultra-marathon, including the 300Km PTL in 2010 and the 160Km Sinister 7 in 2015. He is also a certified rock climbing instructor and since moving to BC has been dabbling in ski mountaineering racing.
Aengus has a PhD in Geoinformatics and a Certificate in Outdoor Recreation from Tai Poutini Polytechnic in New Zealand. He works as a Software Development Manager at TELUS Health, and in his free time is working on building a data analytics app for cross country skiing.
Annika Ackermann was born and raised in Kimberley, B.C., where her parents threw her on skis before she could walk. She began racing competitively for the Kimberley Nordic Racers in 2011, with numerous podium results provincially, two top 6 finishes in sprints at Canadian National Championships, as well as several podium results representing Club Ski Nordique La Feclaz in France. She also represented France at the 2014 ISF World Championships in Estonia, contributing to a 4th ranking overall as a country. After spending her final two years of high school racing for the BC Ski Team, Annika moved to Kelowna to study biochemistry at the UBC Okanagan campus, where she is currently in her second year. She raced for Telemark Nordic during her first year but now hopes to spend more time coaching and giving back to the sport while still actively pursuing her post-secondary education.
New for 2019-20 Olympian Brittany Webster will be joining our team.
Inviting, energetic and full of positivity, Brittany is passionate about offering her knowledge of cross-country skiing to everyone. A 7 year National Team member, and 2-Time Olympian, Brittany lived and trained in Canmore until 2015. She then became coach and program manager of the Bow Valley’s first High Performance Junior cycling team. Last year, Brittany moved to the Okanagan and is thrilled to be involved with Telemark and the surrounding community. Brittany aims to empower people of all ages and abilities through her vibrant personality, sense of humour, and passion for the outdoors.
Brittany is an NCCP T2T coach in both cycling and skiing. She is also a certified yoga instructor and strength coach. She has a broad knowledge base of sport physiology, nutrition, and leadership.
When she’s not hitting the ski trails, Brittany can be seen exploring the woods with her loving partner, mountain bike extraordinaire Evan Guthrie, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her beloved animals.