Program Options & Application
Are you a dedicated Nordic athlete, wanting training and competition opportunities designed to advance on the high-performance pathway, leading to international podium success and personal leadership?
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 2023-24, the WNDC offers three different program categories focused on biathlon, corresponding to three levels of individual athlete development and commitment:
- WNDC Full-Time Program (ages 18+)
- Summer Training Program (summer only, ages 17+)
- Next Gen Program (weekly program + camps, ages 16+)
Read more about the three program options and the new scholarship opportunity below, which will enable athletes to train and get fully supported on their pathway!
Applications for the 2023-24 programs are now closed, deadline to submit applications was April 1, 2023. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (contact below)!
For any questions on the WNDC, please contact Etienne Letondeur, Biathlon Head Coach, Whistler Olympic Park by email or phone at 604-966-7207.
High Performance Athletes, Ages 18+
WNDC Full-Time Program
Athletes in the WNSC Full-Time Program receive coaching and performance services for training and competitions over 11 months. Specific training plans are centered on individual athlete goals and individual athlete development. Through technical and performance services as well as access to Whistler-based training facilities, athletes have everything needed to take their performance to the next level on the athlete pathway.
Ideal candidates for the full-time program streams are athletes committed to train for long-term international success. Athletes are 18+ years old and are members of Biathlon Canada’s U24, U20 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.
New: WNDC Scholarship Opportunities!
New in 2023/24, select WNDC Team athletes may be invited to participate in the WNDC Scholarship Program. After goal setting with the coaching team, athletes are then required to meet individual benchmarks throughout the program year 2023/24. Once all criteria are met, the athlete successfully completes the scholarship program and receives a reimbursement for their WNDC program fee. Learn more here
| Where |
The WNDC Team is based in Whistler, and all athletes are expected to reside in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Accommodation is available upon request. |
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| Curriculum |
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. |
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| Services |
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Cost (Domestic athletes; inquire for international pricing) |
Learn more about the WNDC Scholarship Program here. Cost does not include: Travel to/in Whistler, accommodation, food, ammunition, equipment, competition related expenses (except wax), additional para-medical and sport science services, Biathlon Canada & club memberships, PAL. |
| Registration |
Applications for the 2023-24 programs are now closed, deadline to submit applications was April 1, 2023. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (contact above)! |
WNDC Part-time Training Options
Summer Training & Next Gen Programs
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 two months of intensive training from early July to early September 2023. 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 WNDC Full-Time Team 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 duration of the summer training program (depending on availability). |
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| 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-time WNDC Team athletes. 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 |
July 3 to early September 2023 |
| Services |
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| Cost |
$3,300 Cost does not include: Travel to/in Whistler, accommodation, food, ammunition, equipment, competition related expenses (except wax), additional para-medical and sport science services, Biathlon Canada & club memberships, PAL. |
| Registration |
Applications for the 2023-24 programs are now closed, deadline to submit applications was April 1, 2023. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (contact above)! |
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. |
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| 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 | July 3, 2023 to end of March 2024 |
| Services |
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| Cost |
$900/year Cost does not include: Travel to/in Whistler, accommodation, food, ammunition, equipment, competition related expenses (except wax), additional para-medical and sport science services, Biathlon Canada & club memberships, PAL. |
| Registration |
Applications for the 2023-24 programs are now closed, deadline to submit applications was April 1, 2023. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (contact above)! |
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!
