The Para-Nordic National Ski Team (PNST) is the pinnacle of Cross Country Canada's Para-Nordic program. Although the PNST program is smaller than the able bodied National Ski Team (NST) it similarly brings together the best athletes in the country in a training environment that provides access to the best available support in terms of coaching, technical support, sport science & sport medicine and financial resources.
The PNST program provides the tools and support to allow athletes to compete at the highest levels and achieve excellence with the ultimate goal of placing athletes on the podium at World Para Nordic Skiing World Cups, World Ski Championships and Paralympics.
There are two National Teams - The
Para-Nordic National World Cup Team which includes athletes at the highest level with proven ability to place highly in international competitions and the
Para-Nordic National Development Team which includes athletes who are at an earlier stage in their development but who have shown the potential to excel at the highest level. There is also a group consisting of supported NextGen athletes called the Prospects Team. The Pospects Team is not considered a National Team but rather a supported group of athletes developing towards the PNST.
PNST selection
Athletes are selected to the National Teams or Prospect Team each spring on the basis of criteria established for the previous winter. This entitles the selected athletes to the level of support that is established for their respective team. Irrespective of team composition, throughout the next competitive season additional athletes may be selected for competitions on the basis of separate criteria. Para-Nordic specific selection criteria are integrated into overall CCC selection criteria policies and documents. For more information on PNST selection criteria please go to our main
Selection Criteria page.
Additional PNST information
Athlete assistance
PNST athletes who meet eligibility criteria are able to receive financial assistance through the Sport Canada Athlete Assistance Program (AAP). For more information please go to our CCC
Athlete Assistance page.
Athlete handbook
The Athlete handbook contains key information for all PNST and NST athletes to know and follow and can be found on our CCC
Athlete Handbook page
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June 4, 2018
Canadian flag-bearer makes a trip home to the Maritimes to visit the children’s hospital » More
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December 18, 2017
16-year old Paranordic National Ski Team member recognized for her strength and perseverance » More
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June 15, 2017
Canadian Para Nordic skier hoping for more success after winning bronze at Worlds. » More
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October 26, 2016
With 500 days until the next Winter Paralympics, Canada’s Emily Young looks ahead to the new Nordic skiing season. » More
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July 11, 2016
Para-Nordic Training Camp in Bend, OR » More
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April 17, 2014
[Video] Athletes from Canmore received a BIG welcome home from CIBC and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. » More
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April 9, 2014
The athletes were honoured at the Alberta Olympic, Paralympic & 2013 Athlete of the Year Salute which took place in Calgary on April 3. » More
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April 1, 2014
Canada’s most decorated Winter Paralympian discusses losing his vision, racing with a guide—and the crowds in Sochi.
» More
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March 7, 2014
Margarita Gorbounova, with guide Andrea Bundon, has qualified for four events in Sochi. » More
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February 27, 2014
Andrea Bundon will be at the Sochi 2014 Paralympics and graduating with a PhD from UBC a few weeks later. » More