Para Nordic
Ontario’s Para Nordic Program supports youth and adults with a wide range of physical disabilities by providing inclusive opportunities to participate in cross-country skiing for both recreation and competitive development.
Para Nordic Program
Ontario’s Para Nordic Program serves athletes in sit and standing categories, including those with vision impairment, and is designed to support long-term athlete development at all stages of the pathway.
Guided by the XCSO 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, Para Nordic prioritizes accessibility, quality programming, and community connection. In addition to direct athlete programming, the Para Nordic Program works closely with XCSO member clubs to support the development, growth, and sustainability of local para nordic programming across Ontario. As the sport continues to evolve, Ontario’s Para Nordic Program remains responsive and innovative, adapting to meet the changing needs of athletes, clubs, and the broader Nordic community.
Get Started in Para Nordic
Interested in Para Nordic? XCSO’s Para Nordic Program supports both member clubs and individual athletes in connecting with inclusive Para Nordic opportunities across Ontario. Whether you’re a club looking to develop or grow para programming, or an athlete exploring recreational or competitive pathways, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Connect with XCSO Para Nordic Lead Jennifer Nieson ([email protected])
Clubs With Active Para Programs / Ability to Support Para Nordic Skiers
Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club
Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club
Blind River Cross Country Ski Club
Skinouk Ontario
Nakkertok Nordic
Kivi-Nordic
Lappe Nordic Ski Club
XCzone
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre
Midland Ski Club
Big Thunder Nordic
Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club
Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club
Kanata Cross Country Ski Club
Para Nordic Committee
Para Nordic programming is led by XCSO Para Nordic Lead Jennifer Nieson and shaped through the valuable guidance and expertise of the Para Nordic Committee. Together, they provide collaborative leadership to support the growth, accessibility, and ongoing development of high-quality Para Nordic opportunities across the province.
Jen Nieson (Staff)
PN Lead
Cross Country Ski OntarioJohn Cowan
Chair
Cross Country Ski OntarioPerry Sakki
SOD Representative
Cross Country Ski Ontariovacant
LSSD Representative
Cross Country Ski OntarioNathalie Mousseau
NCD Representative
Cross Country Ski OntarioFaith Goudie
NOD Representative
Cross Country Ski OntarioMaddie Mullin
Athlete Representative
Cross Country Ski OntarioAndrew Pittman
Veteran Liaison
Cross Country Ski Ontariovacant
OUA/OFSAA Rep/Liaison
Cross Country Ski OntarioProgramming Opportunities
For Clubs:
Try it days, Equipment Rental, Eagle PN SDP
For Athletes:
Resources & Links
Funding Partners
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our funding partners, whose contributions make it possible for more athletes to discover and participate in cross-country skiing. Through their investment in accessible, inclusive sport, youth and adults of all abilities can access equipment, coaching, training opportunities, and meaningful competitive experiences within our Para Nordic and Nordic programs.
Together, these partnerships help build stronger communities by ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to get active, develop confidence, and experience the joy of skiing.
Classification Information
Para Nordic skiing uses a sport classification system to group athletes with similar functional abilities together for fair and meaningful competition. These classes are based on how an athlete’s impairment impacts the specific movements required for cross-country skiing.
There are three main categories:
- Sit Skiing (LW10–LW12)
These classes are for athletes who ski using a sit ski and poles. Athletes typically have impairments affecting both legs and use their upper body and core to generate power and control.
- Lower numbers (e.g., LW10) generally indicate less trunk control and balance.
- Higher numbers (e.g., LW12) indicate greater trunk stability and functional reach.
- Standing Skiing (LW2–LW9)
These classes are for athletes who ski in a standing position and may have impairments in one or both legs, one or both arms, or coordination impairments.
Examples include:
- Single leg amputations or significant leg weakness (e.g., LW2–LW4)
- Double leg impairments (e.g., LW5/7)
- Single arm impairments (e.g., LW6, LW8)
- Combined arm and leg impairments or coordination limitations (e.g., LW9)
Athletes compete using standard skis and poles, sometimes with adaptive equipment such as outriggers or modified pole grips.
- Visually Impaired (NS1–NS3)
These classes are for athletes with vision impairments who ski with a guide.
- NS1: Very limited or no functional vision
- NS2: Severe visual impairment
- NS3: Moderate visual impairment
The guide skis ahead or behind the athlete and provides verbal directions for pacing, terrain changes, and turns.
In competition, results are adjusted using a percentage system so that athletes from different classes can compete against each other within their category (sit, stand, or visually impaired).
More detailed classification information can be found on the FIS Para Cross Counrty site. (link it?)
For Community and regional competitions assignment of a Sport Class is not necessary. If you are an athlete interested in participating in Provincial, National or International competition. Please see the XCSO Para Nordic Competition Development Pathway and the Steps to international classification.
Provincial athletes can attend a National Classification event (NC Website) to be allocated a Sport Class for Provincial and National competition.
Disclaimer:
This summary is provided for general informational purposes only. Official athlete classification and competition rules are governed by the applicable International Competition Rules (ICR) and classification standards set by the sport’s international federation. In all cases, the ICR and official classification decisions take precedence.
Partners / Sponsors
