| ACADEMY DESCRIPTION |
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| Information | The Nordic Snow Sports Academy is in partnership with the SD22 online school vLearn. The Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre offers a high-performance Cross Country ski program for grades 8 to 12. This program caters to athletes with a commitment to academic and athletic excellence within the common high school timetable. Dryland training Sept/October includes roller skiing, running, hiking, biking, strength training, biathlon shooting. Nov-Jan On Snow training includes strength and running maintenance, biathlon shooting, race events (BC cups, Westerns, and National Championships). Snowsports Academy provides a pathway to BC team squads/teams, National level racing, CIS or NCAA ski teams, and international competition. Mental training, Nutrition training, goal setting, team dynamics, physiology, life skills, technical skills, and tactical skills are introduced by experts in the field.
Highlights
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| Academy Goals | The main objective of the Sport Development course is to provide a formal training program, within the school timetable, committed to academic and athletic excellence. This program is designed to create increased sport-specific training and educational opportunities for students committed to excel in their Snowsport. The teachers and coaches involved in this program support student athletes to reach for their personal best by providing them with the opportunity to develop their individual and collective potentials within a competitive environment that fosters skills and fitness improvements, self-esteem, teamwork, and enthusiasm for competition and life.
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| Academy Grades | Grades 8 - 12 |
| Academy Location | Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Silver Star Provincial Park Physical address: 250 Sovereign Lake Rd, Vernon, BC V1B 3M6 Mailing address: PO Box 1231, Vernon, BC V1T 6N6 Phone number: 250 558-3036 General email: info@sovereignlake.com Head coach email: headcoach@sovereignlake.com |
| Academy Schedule | Semester 1 | Block A/B |
| Coaches Credentials | Head Coach – Cross Country and/or Biathlon NCCP coaching certification at a minimum of Competition Introduction Assistant Coaches – Cross Country and/or Biathlon NCCP coaching training at a minimum of Learning to Compete. Supervising Teacher – preferred background and education in sport-related field, and competency in online delivery. Currently, all coaches are at or exceeding minimum certifications. |
| Academic Credits | Grade 8/9
Grade 10 - 12
The academy courses are supported through our online school vLearn. |
| Student On-boarding | All students will undergo an initial onboarding procedure to cover health and safety considerations in the beginning of the academy program. Academy mentors will do regular site visits to support onboarding procedures. |
| Parent Communication | Parents will receive communication on student progress following the regular district reporting schedule. Please contact the vLearn office for any additional inquiries. |
| Insurance Coverage | Sovereign Lake Programs has insurance coverage through Nordiq Canada (CCBC) and Biathlon Canada. |
| STUDENT REGISTRATION & SELECTION PROCESS |
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| Information | Maximum 20 skiers and 20 biathletes (with a full-time XC and Biathlon coach).
Program Information Session: Date: January 14, 2026 Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Location: Fulton Secondary (2301 Fulton Rd, Vernon, BC) See attached flyer for full information: SD22 Academy Information Night 2026.27 |
| Selection Process | Current grade 8-12 enrolment. Must be currently registered in the Sovereign Lake JD Program (Academy Fee includes JD Club programming). Consultation and approval to register for this program must be given by XC Ski Academy Coach Darren (XC) or Coach Eric (Biathlon) and Snow Sports Nordic Academy teacher Glen Stiven before registering. This is to ensure that the Academy is a good “fit” for student athletes and that they are aware of and appropriately prepared for the demands of Academy training and academic study. |
| Link to Expression of Interest | Expression of Interest Form for the 2026/27 school year (2026.27 EOI opens January 14, 2026) Expressions of Interest are due March 27th. Any expressions received after this date will be waitlisted and admitted as space permits. As needed, the Teacher/Coach of the academy will contact you upon receiving this expression of interest to follow up with any further registration information, required parent(s)/guardian signatures and to answer any questions you may have. Please note that the completion of this form signifies your interest in the Academy but does not guarantee your acceptance. |
| FEES |
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| Information | Cross Country: $2,800.00 – 3,000.00 Biathlon: $3,200.00 – $3,400.00 Fees above do not include equipment, race fees, transportation, accommodation, or food for competition weekends. Please note these will be additional charges. Payment options can be arranged as needed on an individual basis.
Breakdown of Fees  |
| Financial Hardship | Skiers who require financial assistance to join Academy can apply to the Jess 4 Kids scholarship fund. Apply for a scholarship HERE |
| TRANSPORTATION |
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| Information | Transportation will be the responsibility of the student and their family. At times a team van is available when applicable. |
| CONTACT INFO |
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| Information | Darren Derochie Nordic Skiing Academy Contact, XC Head Coach Email: xccoach@sovereignlake.com Nordic Skiing Academy Contact, Biathlon Head Coach Email: biathloncoach@sovereignlake.com
Corinne McWhinney Principal of vLearn, Career Programs & Academies Email: cmcwhinney@sd22.bc.ca Phone: 250-542-0249
International Students should contact our International Department for full details on SD22 Secondary School Admissions and possible Academy participation. |