This is a full listing of the programs offered by XC Chelsea Masters. (For purchases, go to the XCCM Shop )
To improve your endurance, strength, power, speed, flexibility, and ski-specific fitness. Sessions combine ski walking, ski bounding, running, strength training, agility exercises, and aerobic interval training.
You will need ski walking/bounding poles (i.e. slightly shorter than classic XC ski poles), an exercise/yoga mat, a water belt, a headlamp, and dry clothes to change into afterward. Dress for running. The last four practices will be with Mike Patone at Evolve Strength and Conditioning on Sommerset St. W, Ottawa.
Tue Dryland – Sep 15 to Dec 15
6:30 – 8:00 pm at Mooney’s Bay and Evolve Strength and Conditioning, Ottawa.24 Nov to 15 Dec at Evolve (4 weeks)
$150 for 14 weeks
Live, in-person strength training. Under the supervision of Mike Patone, strength coach and owner of Evolve Strength and Conditioning, you will follow a phased, structured strength training program designed to improve your joint mobility, flexibility, and build strength. The practice will involve dynamic activation exercises starting at 6:00, strength circuits, and recovery rolling. During the practice, you will receive instruction and individual supervision. The training goals will be to build joint strength, specific ski strength, and avoid injury. Bring your water bottle, snacks, dry clothes for after, your towel, and dress for weight training.
Thu Strength – Sep 17 to Dec 10, 2026
- Time: 6:15 pm
- Participants: Min 8 / Max 12
- Price: $375 Register directly through the Evolve website
- 13 weeks
Focus on endurance, aerobic and anaerobic intervals, strength, flexibility, and ski-specific fitness. Members are divided into groups based on fitness level, including a low-impact option for those recovering from injury or looking for a less demanding workout. Sessions are adapted to meet individual goals and abilities.
Oct 3rd's session will be at Lac-Ste-Marie (fall camp)
If early snow arrives, some sessions may move to on-snow training
Training includes a dynamic warm-up, strength exercises, easy distance and interval training, a cool-down, and stretching.
Sat Dryland – Sep 12 to Dec 12, 2026
(INCLUDING A LOW-IMPACT GROUP)8:30 am – 11:30 am, in Gatineau Park (Except Oct 3th at Lac-Ste-Marie)
$240 for 14 weeks
Roller Ski Clinic 1 – Sun, Sep 20, 2026 – Beginner (opens below under clinics)
Roller Ski Clinic 2 – Sun, Sep 27, 2026 – Refresher (opens below under clinics)
The camp is held at Mont Ste-Marie ski resort. Participants may choose to stay overnight or commute each day. The weekend combines dryland training, technique development, low-intensity endurance activities, and lots of social time. MSM is a beautiful place, and it is the perfect weekend to improve your skills, build fitness, and enjoy great company before heading home.
Accommodation: One chalet pre-booked.
Tentative Schedule
- Saturday morning: Regular dryland training session.
- Sunday afternoon: Choice of roller skiing (Blue Sea), road cycling, or dynamic hiking. The day wraps up with a potluck dinner for camp members and other Saturday participants if they wish to join.
- Sunday morning: Fun orienteering event. Final group lunch at a local restaurant.
Fall Training Camp – Oct 3 to 4, 2026
- Location: Lac-Ste-Marie, Quebec
- 9:30 am – 12:30 am Oct 3. Regular Saturday morning practice
- 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Oct 3. Rollerskiing, cycling, or hiking
- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Oct 4. Orienteering
- 1 chalet will be pre-booked for XCCM for those staying overnight
Join XCCM coaches for five days of early-season skiing at SilverStar, one of Canada's premier Nordic ski destinations. The camp focuses on technique development, video analysis, and skill refinement in the mornings. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few days early to acclimatise to the altitude and maximize their training experience. Book flights and accommodations early for the best prices and availability.
Morning activities include classic and skate skiing, video analysis. Afternoons are left open for easy distance skiing, recovery sessions, or exploring the extensive trail network.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodation and food as well as trail passes.
Winter Camp – Dec 7 to 11, 2026
- Location: SilverStar, British ColumbiaTime
- Time: Coached sessions Monday to Friday 9:00 am to Noon.
Afternoons and evenings are self organized. - Participants: Max 24
To give an idea of the winter programs we run these are the programs from last year (except the new Thursday daytime program). They will go on sale later in the fall.
This training program for skiers who want to improve their technique, fitness, and confidence throughout the ski season. The program welcomes members who enjoy challenging themselves while training in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Sessions alternate weekly between skate and classic skiing (subject to snow and trail conditions) and include technique instruction, video analysis, endurance training, and ski-specific fitness work. The first two months focus on building fitness and training intensity, while the final month emphasizes technical refinement and performance. Special end-of-season activities may include crust skiing or ski orienteering.
This program usually sells out. Priority is given to returning participants. It can be difficult to get into.
Saturday Spartans
- Jan 3 to Mar 21 (except Feb 14)
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am in Gatineau Park
Spartans, it’s Tough and It’s Friendly
French Roast is designed for intermediate and advanced skiers looking for a challenging evening workout. Sessions focus on cardio, intensity, and movement, with minimal technique instruction to help participants stay warm and keep moving on cold winter evenings.
Training alternates weekly between skate and classic and follows courses that keep the group together, ensuring everyone enjoys the workout regardless of pace.
French Roast
- Jan 6 to Mar 24
- 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm in Gatineau Park
French Roast, It’s Dark and It’s Intense
For intermediate to advanced skiers only. Must be at ease with classic skiing on narrow, windy backcountry trails.
Focus on technique and agility improvement, on-snow strength work, and finishing off with an enjoyably paced ski. Some video analysis of ski techniques.
Mostly classic skiing on secondary single-track trails. Experience backcountry skiing in lesser-known areas of the Park. Coffee afterwards at Les Saisons, XCCM unofficial Clubhouse in Chelsea.
Nordic Nomads
- Jan 7 to Mar 25
- 10:00 am - 12:30 pm in Gatineau Park
Nomads, It’s Adventurous and It’s Challenging
This new week-day timeslot offers a training program for skiers who want to improve their technique, fitness, and confidence throughout the ski season. The Thursday program welcomes members who enjoy challenging themselves while training in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Sessions alternate weekly between skate and classic skiing (subject to snow and trail conditions) and include technique instruction, video analysis, endurance training, and ski-specific fitness work.
Thursday Espresso
- Jan 7 to Mar 25
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in Gatineau Park
Espresso, a fun jolt to the system
Members self-organized ski outings on Sunday mornings. No formal structure other than the organizer posting on Facebook details about the outings, including at least the time and place of the gathering, and preferably proposed route options and ski technique. Typically, 2- to 4-hour Long Steady Distance skis following a good Saturday practice, excellent for endurance training.
These outings are not part of the club-sanctioned official programming. The club encourages GOOFS as beneficial to members' enjoyment of xc skiing.
No registration, no cost.
Usually on Sunday morning in Gatineau Park
GOOFS, It’s Great Organic Outings For Sundays.
Winter Clinics: Three Skate Clinics, one XC-Downhill, one Classic
Rollerskiing is an excellent way to prepare for the winter season and make the transition to early snow skiing easier. These clinics are designed to help skiers develop confidence and improve their rollerski technique.
The Beginner Clinic introduces basic rollerski skills, balance, and safe movement techniques.
Rollerski Clinic 1 – Sep 20 2026
Session 1: Beginner- Time: 9 am to 11 am
- Participants: Min 4 / Max 10
- Price: $50
Rollerskiing is an excellent way to prepare for the winter season and make the transition to early snow skiing easier. These clinics are designed to help skiers develop confidence and improve their rollerski technique.
The Refresher Clinic builds on those skills and focuses on skate skiing techniques such as double poling, one skate, and offset.
Rollerski Clinic 2 – Sep 27 2026
Session 2: Beginner/Intermediate- Time: 9 am to 11 am
- Participants: Min 4 / Max 10
- Price: $50
You will be able to buy the following 5 on snow cliincs togeather as a mini-program (at a discount), or buy individual clinics. Below are example of the winter clinics from last year.
Registering to the full series will allow for better integration and mastery of skate techniques early on in the ski season. Participants are encouraged to practice on their own right after the clinic.
Clinic instructors will provide more details to participants before each clinic.
Skate Clinic 1
Sunday, Jan 11, 9:00 am – 10:30 am in Gatineau ParkThis clinic is part of a series of 3 clinics about skate technique. There will be a progression in the level of technique skills and exercises over the series.
Registering to the full series will allow for better integration and mastery of skate techniques early on in the ski season. Participants are encouraged to practice on their own right after the clinic.
Clinic instructors will provide more details to participants before each clinic.
Skate Clinic 2
Sunday, Jan 18, 9:00 am – 10:30 am in Gatineau ParkThis clinic is part of a series of 3 clinics about skate technique. There will be a progression in the level of technique skills and exercises over the series.
Registering to the full series will allow for better integration and mastery of skate techniques early on in the ski season. Participants are encouraged to practice on their own right after the clinic.
Clinic instructors will provide more details to participants before each clinic.
Skate Clinic 3
Sunday, Jan 25, 9:00 am – 10:30 am in Gatineau ParkThis clinic is part of a series of 3 clinics about skate technique. There will be a progression in the level of technique skills and exercises over the series.
This clinic is for strong novices and intermediate-skilled classic skiers who wish to improve their classic ski technique.
Classic Ski Clinic
Sunday, Feb 109:00 am – 10:30 am in Gatineau Park
A great way to practice and gain more confidence when going downhill. Participants must be at least strong novices able to ride most Gatineau Park hills. The clinic will cover key skills to control speed, including snowplow and parallel skidding, stopping, emergency stopping, cornering, step turns, lane changes, and parallel turns.
Gaining Confidence Downhill Clinic
Sunday, Feb 909:00 am – 10:30 am in Gatineau Park
If you want private ski lessons, the following coaches offer them. Contact them directly to make arrangements.
Dan Mallett – DRYLAND, ROLLERSKI, AND SKI COACH
Dan is a Chelsea resident, who has been involved in cross-country skiing for over 30 years as an athlete, coach and sports administrator. In the 70s he grew up in the Muskoka Lakes region of Ontario and competed for the Southern Ontario Team, where he was a member of the relay team which won gold at the nationals. In the 80s he raced internationally in Cross Country Skiing and represented Canada in Biathlon at 3 world championships and several world cups. Since then he has coached 100s of athletes in the national capital region where some have attained Olympic and Paralympic results. In addition, he has either lead or participated on teams as a coach at national championships, the Canada Winter Games and World Cups. As a volunteer sports administrator, he has contributed in several roles in club, provincial and national sports organizations. Employed as a project manager and engineer he has combined his skills with his passion to work at both the Vancouver Winter and London Summer Olympic games. Currently Dan can be found skiing in Gatineau Park and providing instruction to all levels of skiers.
Contact: danielmallett57@gmail.com
Jamie Kallio – DRYLAND, ROLLERSKI, SKI COACH, & ATHLETIC COORDINATOR
Jamie grew up in the Northern Ontario city of Timmins where he developed an appreciation for outdoor winter sports at an early age. Skiing, skating, snowshoeing during the winter and biking, running and eventually roller skiing began at an early age and were routine by age 14. Racing at the provincial and national level for the Porcupine Ski Runner club in Timmins became a year-round commitment for seven years. After that, the sport of Biathlon with the National Training Squad became the focus for 3 years in the mid-1980s. This led to a berth on the 1987 World Championship Team and eventually a spot on the Canadian team for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Since then Jamie has been giving lessons in skiing and coaching from the club to the international level in biathlon and cross-country skiing. He also has an NCCP Level 3 Certification in both Cross-country skiing and Biathlon. Currently, racing is less of a priority; with the goal now of getting a permanent bib at the CSM.
Contact: jamiekallio1@gmail.com
Peter Lloyd – DRYLAND, ROLLERSKI AND SKI COACH
Peter has been cross country ski racing for over 30 years. He has a BSc degree in Bio-Physical Education (Kinesiology) from Concordia University, has completed his Level 3 NCCP and is working on his Level 4 coaching certification. Peter coached with XCCM since 2011 and has previously with Nakkertok where he helped lead the Nakkertok juniors to a Team victory at the National Championships. Many of the athletes that Peter has worked with are now racing on the Junior National team or with National Training Centres. In 2005, he coached the Outaouais Divisional team at the Jeux Du Quebec. He enjoys seeing the athletes having fun, and continuing to improve in all aspects of their performance. Peter has also competed and coached Triathlon racing and holds a Level 1 Technical certification in that sport. In addition to coaching, Peter is also a member of the Board of Directors of Cross Country Canada.
Contact: plloydchelsea@gmail.com
Raylan Stroud – DRYLAND, ROLLERSKI, and SKI COACH
Raylan grew up in Northern Ontario exploring the woods; canoe tripping, hiking, and skiing with her outdoor enthusiastic parents. In grade 6 her family moved to Huntsville, Ontario where she joined the Arrowhead Ski Program as a Jackrabbit and subsequently the Huntsville High School Cross Country Ski Team. Thanks to some amazing teammates and coaches Raylan’s love for cross country skiing was developed. She continued to race at the provincial and national level with the University of Guelph Varsity Ski Team. After university her athletic focus changed slightly, and she spent a few years racing triathlons nationally and internationally with the Ontario Development Team. An eager young athlete, Raylan was not only a cross country skier but a competitive dancer, soccer player, alpine ski racer, cross country runner, and triathlete. This diverse background allows her to coach in a very comprehensive style. In 2019, Raylan moved to Ottawa, drawn in by the biking/triathlon and skiing community. She began coaching Jackrabbits with Kanata Nordic and downhill skiing at Camp Fortune. Raylan is planning to attend teacher’s college next, but for now you can find her spending every free moment cycling (road, gravel, mountain or cross), trail running, or skiing in Gatineau Park!
Contact: raylan.jamison@gmail.com
Karen Nesbitt – SKI COACH
Karen is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys sharing her passion with others to help improve their experience, and create opportunities to explore new endeavours. She’s been living in Chelsea near the Gatineau Park for over 40 years and takes advantage of the beauty, and variety of the trails in every season. Karen grew up skiing in the Laurentians from a very early age, and has been involved with teaching and coaching both downhill and cross country skiing for over 25 years. She is a CANSI Certified instructor, and NCCP coach and has taught privately as well as with Chelsea Nordique, Mooney’s Bay, Nakkertok, new immigrants to Canada, and various Ski for Schools programs in the Ottawa/Gatineau area.
Contact: karen.m.nesbitt@gmail.com