Canadian Skiing Podcast

In June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. A time to recognize the rich history, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.  

 To celebrate, we had the privilege of speaking with Sharon Firth. She graciously shared her journey, highlighting the significance of Indigenous representation in sport. 

 A member of the Gwich’in First Nation, Sharon Firth was born in Aklavik Northwest Territories in 1953. Sharon and her twin sister Shirley competed in four Olympic Games and three World Ski Championships. They won a combined 79 Nationals medals and were named to the National Ski Team for 17 consecutive years. Sharon was inducted into the order of Canada, Canada Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, and was awarded the John Semmelink Memorial Award, the Commissioner’s Award from the government of the Northwest Territories, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. 

 In the interview we discuss growing up in Aklavic NWT, surviving residential schools, the Territorial Experimental Ski Training program, representing Canada and the Indigenous community, giving back, and life after competitive skiing.  

In today's episode, we chat with National Ski Team athlete and University of New Hampshire graduate Jasmine Lyons. Pursuing an education while competing in high-performance sports isn't easy, but it is possible as we learn from Jasmine. 

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca.  

In today's episode, we talk about one of three programs run through the winter by Nordiq Canada funded by Sport Canada's Community Sport for All Initiative. 

This episode is sponsored by Salomon! Salomon’s goal is to drive change within our communities by creating more inclusive outdoor experiences. At the same time, they are committed to conducting their business responsibly while delivering high-performing products with the most innovative designs. Together we must unleash the best version of ourselves and collectively become agents of change.

 Check out Salomon’s full line of skis, boots, clothing, and accessories at Salomon.com

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca.  

In this episode, we chat about Team Canada's top moments from the 2023-24 winter season. 

Do you know someone who should be recognized for their impact on Canadian skiing? For over 30 years these awards have provided national recognition to Canada’s most impactful people in our cross-country ski community. Nominate them here: https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/call-for-nominations-nordiq-canada-awards/

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca

In today's episode, we recap the Para Nordic World Championships in Prince George BC, the final World Cup's of the season, and the 2024 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Nakkertok QC. 

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca

In this episode, Jesse and Nathaniel recap the World Cup from Lahti, Finland, Nathaniel reports from the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships in Prince George, BC, and Jesse interviews Graham Ritchie to get an update on the recovery from his December ankle injury and previews the final two weekends of World Cup action.


Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca

In this episode, Mark Arendz talks about the upcoming 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and Para Nordic World Cup Finals in Prince George, BC. 

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca

In today's episode, we chat with Liliane Gagnon, Derek Deuling, Max Hollmann, and Jasmine Drolet about their gold medal at the 2024 Nordic U23 World Ski Championships. 

We also recap the Para nordic World Cup's in Italy, the FIS World Cup's in Canmore and Minneapolis, and the 2024 Nordic World Junior Ski Championships in Planica Slovenia. 

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca

In today's episode we preview this week's much anticipated World Cup racing in Canmore, AB. We also talk with Nordiq Canada's NextGen Coach, Eric de Nys, about the World Junior and U23 Championships in Planica, SLO. 

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca

In today's episode we talk with Liliane Gagnon about her breakout performance in Gomes Switzerland. We also recap the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games and Para nordic World Cup season opener in Toblach Italy.

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca.