The Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials will represent the culmination of a decade-long partnership between Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) and the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.
Since 2013, NDIT has invested more than $1 million across 14 projects which have elevated the Ski Club from a regional facility to one of Canada’s premier Nordic destinations, capable of hosting world-class events.
According to both organizations, the cornerstone piece has been the development of one of Canada’s most advanced Nordic snowmaking systems.
This was done through three phases of expansion totalling roughly $675,000.
“The snowmaking system fundamentally changed what was possible for our club and our community,” said Event Chair of the 2026 Olympic Trials and former Caledonia Nordic Ski Club Board President Kevin Pettersen.
“Northern Development’s vision and investment gave us the ability to guarantee snow for major competitions, which opened doors to hosting world-class events that have brought international recognition to Prince George.”
NDIT’s support extended beyond snowmaking to include facility improvements that included investments in many components of the club, including LED trail lighting, paved trails for year-round training, and a new grooming machine.
The investments have also helped drive membership growth, with the Club up to approximately 2,500 members.
The two organizations say events hosted at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club have generated millions of dollars in economic activity, including an estimated $7.2 million from the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and Para Nordic World Cup Finals alone.
“Having Canada’s first-ever standalone Olympic Trials take place at Caledonia Nordic is a pinnacle achievement for every person that has been involved with the Club over its lifetime,” said NDIT CEO Ben Campbell.
“It is admirable and inspiring to see the vision that the Board and staff had more than a decade ago come to fruition after the successful completion of an intentional and aspirational 10-year plan. Northern Development exists to stimulate transformative development and what the team at CNSC has achieved is the epitome of this.”
The Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Trials will take place on December 13-16, as the country’s top cross-country skiers compete for a chance to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
