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 2024-25, 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+)
- International experience (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 2024-25 programs are now open, deadline to submit applications is April 3rd, 2024. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (contact below)!
WNDC Full-Time Program
HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES, AGES 18+
Athletes in the WNDC 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 National Youth/Junior team, or 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.
REGISTRATION
Applications for the 2024-25 programs are now open, deadline to submit applications is April 3rd, 2024. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur via email at: eletondeur@whistlersportlegacies.com.
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.
Start Date:
May 6th, 2024. Athletes may choose to join the program later/July 1st, 2024 (team fees same as for May 6th start).
Cost (Domestic Athletes; Inquire for International Pricing)
- $8,000 for returning athletes
- $8,500 for new athletes
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.
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.
Registration
Applications for the 2024-25 programs are now open, deadline to submit applications is April 3rd, 2024. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (contact above)!
Services
- Coaching (daily programming based on a yearly training plan)
- Coaching and coach travel to targeted/planned competitions
- Individualized training plans
- Individualized strength & conditioning plan
- Comprehensive testing: technical and physical
- Sport science services in partnership with the CSI Pacific: nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental performance, biomechanics analysis etc.
- Access to roller ski treadmill training & testing
- Race wax for selected events
- Support for equipment selection
- Facility access Whistler Sport Legacies/Whistler Olympic Park/summer access Whistler Blackcomb
- HUB Whistler training facility access for dryfire, dryland, core, strength and stretching sessions
- Team uniform
- Physiotherapy: Preferential rate and booking with The Movement Lab, and Back in Action
- Access to affordable accommodation at the Whistler Athletes' Centre ($550/month for a shared room/2 athletes/room, $1,100/month for single occupation)
International Experience Program & 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.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
The WNDC International experience Program offers intensive training through general preparation and specific preparation phase. The program is ideal for foreign 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. 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.
International experience Program athletes train alongside the WNDC Full-Time Team according to their needs and abilities.
WHERE
The WNDC International experience Program is based in Whistler. Athletes registered for the International experience program have access to affordable accommodation options at the Whistler Athletes’ Centre for the duration of the program (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-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
Open agreement with head coach
SERVICES
Coaching Training program design Individualized summer training plan Annual training plan at an additional cost Introductory performance services Sport-specific testing Facility access Whistler Sport Legacies/Whistler Olympic Park/summer access Whistler Blackcomb Access to affordable accommodation at the Whistler Athletes' Centre for the duration of the International experience program (depending on availability; additional cost, inquire for pricing)
Plus testing (extra cost)
COST
Contact head coach
REGISTRATION
Applications for the 2024-25 programs are now open, contact head coach at least 3 months prior to start date. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (contact above)!
NEXT GENERATION 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
July 3rd, 2024 to end of March 2025
SERVICES
Coaching (once a week throughout program period plus several multi-day camps) Training program design Individualized spring/summer training plan Annual training plan at an additional cost Introductory performance services Sport-specific testing
COST
$1000/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 2024-25 programs are now open, deadline to submit applications is April 3rd, 2023. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (eletondeur@whistlersportlegacies.com).