Welcome!
If you are a potential new member, this page is for you. Below you will find the background and history of the club, as well as the level of skiing and fitness required.
We have many programs depending on how much and what type of training you are looking for and when you are available. It is an à la carte system where you can do as much or as little as you would like. Some members join just for the social activities.
XC Chelsea Masters (XCCM) is a community of adult cross-country skiers who share a passion for staying active, improving their skills and fitness, and enjoying the sport together. Based in Canada’s National Capital Region, XCCM offers coaching and training opportunities for recreational and competitive skiers.
We recognize our members come from a wide range of backgrounds and have different goals, experience, and fitness levels. So, whether you’re training for an event or looking to become a stronger skier, our coaches tailor sessions to the needs of masters’ athletes, balancing skill development, fitness, recovery, injury prevention, and the enjoyment of skiing.
Build dryland and on-snow fitness
Our programs are designed to help you build fitness, improve your skiing, and be ready for the winter season. We assume you are active throughout the summer months and are prepared for 2-3-hour workouts hiking, ski striding, or running starting in September.
Training begins in the fall with dryland sessions focused on endurance, strength, and ski-specific fitness before moving to on-snow practices as the conditions allow.
Throughout the winter, our progressive training approach designed in 4-week blocks helps you focus on endurance, threshold and peak speed to allow you to enjoy loppets, racing or touring.
Improve your technique
Qualified coaches provide technique assessment and correction, instruction and feedback in both classic and skate skiing techniques. You can expect feedback on your technique at every practice.
Get stronger through strength training
Follow a comprehensive indoor strength training program with a certified strength and conditioning specialist. These sessions focus on ski-specific strength, endurance and injury-prevention techniques. Strength training is done within a group setting making it challenging, stimulating and fun!
Participate in loppets and races
Racing can be a fun way to set personal challenging goals for yourself and to celebrate your success!
We encourage all masters to try at least one event per year. The Gatineau Loppet, held each February in the Park, is a favourite among club members and is an excellent introduction to ski
Attend focused training camps and clinics
There will be two multi-day training camps to develop both fitness and ski technique and afford athletes the opportunity to build their ski community.
In addition, we offer shorter, technique focused clinics in the fall and winter.
Our programs are designed for skiers who already have experience with both classic and skate skiing and want to build on that foundation.
You should be comfortable skiing intermediate to advanced trails and be able to participate in outings of approximately 20–30 km. You must also be a master skier, i.e., aged 30 and over.
Here are some useful links for new members:
- See the Club’s Vision, Mission, and History for more background on us.
- See the Membership page for info on how to create an account and buy a membership.
- The Shop is our e-commerce store where memberships, programs, camps, and clinics are purchased.
- The Calendar / Next Practice page has information on upcoming practices and social events.
- Still have questions?
- Have a look at the FAQ. There is a lot of good information there.
- If that does not answer your questions, contact us at xcchelseamasters@gmail.com