Program Options & Application
The Whistler Nordic Development Centre (WNDC) is designed for Nordic athletes who want optimal training and program services to reach the next steps in their athletic career. WNDC athletes benefit from a world-class training environment at Whistler’s Olympic legacy venues. Expert and dedicated program coaches support all athletes on their individual journeys, to eventually become successful members of the national team.
WNDC athletes are expected to reside in the Sea to Sky Corridor, to fully benefit from WNDC training schedules, coaching support and to immerse in and benefit from the team’s dynamic.
In 2021-22, the WNDC offers four different program categories focused on biathlon, corresponding to four levels of individual athlete development and commitment:
- Podium Program (full-time, ages 21+)
- Performance Program (full-time, ages 19+)
- Summer Training Program (summer only, ages 17+)
- Next Gen Program (weekly program + camps, ages 16+)
Read more about the four program options below!
applications:
Applications for the Podium & Performance Programs 2021-22 are now closed. If you are interested in our Summer Training or Next Gen Program, download the Athlete Application Form, fill it in and submit it together with the accompanying documents outlined in the form by email to Head Coach Etienne.
For any questions on the programs, please contact Etienne Letondeur, Biathlon Head Coach, Whistler Olympic Park by email or phone at 604-966-7207.
Podium & Performance Program
WNDC Full-Time High Performance Team
Ideal candidates for the full-time program streams are athletes committed to train for long-term international success. You are a dedicated athlete, wanting training and competition opportunities designed to advance on the high-performance pathway, leading to personal development and international podium success!
Podium Program
Full-time program (11/12 months) for returning athletes and/or National Development Team members. Athletes are 21+ years old and are members of Biathlon Canada’s U24 or Dev Team. This program is designed to assist young high performance athletes in making the step up and securing a spot in the senior national team.
Performance Program
Full-time program (11/12 months) for returning and/or new athletes. Athletes are 18+ years old and are members of the U20 National Development Team, and/or among the top ranked athletes in their province. This program is designed to help athletes move up into the nation’s elite within their age group, by focusing on high performance fundamentals and building a strong technical, physical and mental base.
| Where |
The WNDC Podium & Performance team is based in Whistler, and all athletes are expected to reside in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Accommodation is available upon request. |
|---|---|
| Curriculum |
Podium & Performance athletes will receive full-time coaching (minimum six coached sessions/week, up to 14 coached sessions/week) and performance services for training and competitions. Specific training plans are focused on individual athlete goals and development needs. Through technical and performance services as well as access to Whistler based training facilities, athletes will have everything needed to take their performance to the next level on the athlete pathway. |
| Start Date |
May 3, 2021 |
| Services |
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Cost (Domestic athletes; inquire for international pricing) |
Podium & Performance Program:
Cost does not include: Travel to/in Whistler, accommodation, food, competition travel, race entries, camps, ammunition, equipment, taxes & fees. |
| Registration |
Applications are now closed. |
Summer Training & Next Gen Programs
WNDC Part-time Training Options
The WNDC part-time training options are designed for athletes who wish to benefit from a high quality program and environment in order to propel their skills to the next level, but are not able or willing to commit to a full-time program just yet.
Summer Training Program
The WNDC Summer Training Program offers either five or two months of training, from May to September or July to August 2021. The program is ideal for athletes (ages 17+) who wish to be part of a high quality program and environment in order to propel their skills to the next level, while still in school/finishing school. This program could also suit athletes from a different program in search of extra motivation, a new training environment or new insights from different coaches.
Summer Training Program athletes train alongside the Performance/Podium groups according to their needs and abilities.
| Where |
The WNDC Summer Training Program is based in Whistler. Athletes registered for the summer program have access to affordable accommodation options at the Whistler Athletes’ Centre for the months of May to September (depending on availability). |
|---|---|
| Curriculum |
While in Whistler, athletes committed to the WNDC Summer Training Program have the same access to full coaching and performance services as the full-year WNDC team athletes (Podium and Performance). This can be adapted upon requests to meet individual needs as long as the athlete’s requests dos not interfere with the team dynamic. |
| When |
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| Services |
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| Cost |
Cost does not include: Travel to & in Whistler, food, ammunition, equipment, taxes & fees. |
| Registration |
The Intake #1/4.5 month program registration is now closed. To apply for the Intake #2/2 month program, download the Athlete Application Form, fill it in and submit it together with the accompanying documents outlined in the form by email to Head Coach Etienne. |
Next Gen Program
The Next Gen Program is a weekly training opportunity for local athletes (ages 16+) developed in partnership with the Sea to Sky Nordics, to build a solid training base including technical and physical fundamentals. It provides exposure to the training center services for young dedicated athletes who are aiming for a high performance career and are willing to explore their full potential. Athletes will also be able to participate in several multi-day camps with the WNDC team.
The ideal candidates for this program are athletes who are considering to join the WNDC program in the next one to two years, and are willing to commit to the extra training efforts in order to set their sport career up for success.
| Where |
The Next Gen Program is based in Whistler. |
|---|---|
| Curriculum |
The Next Gen Program gives access to one WNDC training session/week, as well as additional sessions through the year (camps/training blocks, development/testing opportunities etc.). The Next Gen periodization is developed in partnership with the local club (Sea to Sky Nordics) in order to line up with short- and long-term athletic goals. |
| When |
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| Services |
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| Cost |
$850/year Cost does not include: Access to Whistler Olympic Park, travel to & in Whistler, food, ammunition, equipment, taxes & fees. |
| Registration |
Download the Athlete Application Form, fill it in and submit it together with the accompanying documents outlined in the form by email to Head Coach Etienne. |
WNDC Video & Photo Gallery
Discover what life is like at the Whistler Nordic Development Centre! Browse through our videos and photos, and meet our athletes and coaches. Learn how we train, compete and have fun!
Athletes & Coaches
Many talented Canadian and international athletes and alumni have been members of the Whistler Nordic Development Centre since its inception in 2016/17. Meet our current WNDC team and our coaches, and browse through our alumni!