Program Options & Application
The Whistler Nordic Development Centre (WNDC) offers high-performance training for Nordic athletes aiming to progress toward national team selection and international success.
Athletes train in a world-class environment at Olympic legacy venues in Whistler, British Columbia, supported by experienced coaches and a strong team culture. Athletes are expected to live in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor to fully benefit from training and team activities.
Program Options:
Full-Time Program (18+) – Daily high-performance training
- General and Specific Preparation (Mai 4th - November 10th )
- National Team Program, remote (November to March)
- Race program, on-site (November to March)
Part-Time Program – Daily high-performance training
- International Summer Experience (Summer, 17+) – On site training for international athletes (May to November)
- Next Gen Program (16+) – Weekly training and development camps (July to March)
Application deadline: March 31st, 2026
For any questions on the WNDC, please contact Etienne Letondeur by email, eletondeur@whistlersportlegacies.com or phone at 604-966-7207.
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 2026-27 programs are now open, deadline to submit applications is March 31st, 2026. 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 1st, 2026. Athletes may choose to join the program later/July 1st, 2026 (team fees same as for May 1st start).
Cost (Domestic Athletes; Inquire for International Pricing)
- Full time program Team fee: General and Specific Preparation (Mai 4th - November 10th )
$5500 for new athletes, $5,000 for returning athletes - Winter Preparation: National Team Program*: $1200, Race program: $3200
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 2026-27 programs are now open, deadline to submit applications is March 31st, 2026. 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)
WNDC
WNDC OFFERS FULL-TIME AND 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.
FULL TIME NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM - WINTER
- Individualized Training Plan
- Bi weekly follow up and remote support when traveling/racing.
- Video analysis 
- Full Training support when back home in Whistler (Up to 4 weeks through Winter)
- Race Support at Nationals
* Criteria for eligibility for National Team Program: 
- Qualify for IBU or WC before Christmas
- Have IBU or WC racing experience in 25/26 and/or 24/25
- Have done the General and Specific Prep with WNDC  
FULL TIME RACE PROGRAM - WINTER
- Individualized Training Plan
- Race support on selected races including selection races (Trials, Nationals) as well as prep races (regional events)
- Daily coached session (minimum 5 days/week)
- See full details below
INTERNATIONAL SUMMER 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
Depending on length of stay. Please contact head coach, Etienne Letondeur by email, eletondeur@whistlersportlegacies.com or phone at 604-966-7207.
REGISTRATION
Applications for the 2026-27 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 (eletondeur@whistlersportlegacies.com).
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 6, 2026 to end of March 2027
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
$200/month, 2 sessions a week. 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 2026-27 programs are now open, deadline to submit applications is March 31st, 2026. If you have questions about joining the WNDC, do not hesitate to get in touch with head coach Etienne Letondeur (eletondeur@whistlersportlegacies.com).