The Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials have secured a major boost with Canadian Tire Prince George coming on board as presenting sponsor for the pivotal December competition that will determine which cross-country skiers represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The trials, taking place December 13-16, 2025 at the world-class Otway Nordic Centre, represent a critical milestone for Canada’s top cross-country skiers as they compete for the honour of wearing the maple leaf on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The Road to 2026 Begins in Prince George
“Supporting this event is about much more than sponsorship. It’s about investing in the dreams of Canadian athletes and the future of the sport,” said Selen Alpay, Associate Dealer at Canadian Tire Prince George. “Our store has always been committed to building a stronger community through sport, and these Olympic Trials represent everything we believe in: dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. We’re honoured to play a role in these athletes’ journeys to the 2026 Olympics.”
Alpay, a tireless community supporter known for championing local sports initiatives, sees the Olympic Trials as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes while supporting those currently striving for their Olympic dreams.
A Legacy of Olympic Excellence
Prince George’s Olympic Nordic skiing legacy extends back more than five decades. Rolf B. Pettersen became the first Olympic competitor from the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, followed by Ed Day at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics. Day later served as an executive, race organizer, and coach helping build the foundation that supports today’s athletes.
Tony Fiala, who represented Canada in biathlon at the 1992 Albertville Olympics and continues to give back to the sport as a wax technician for the Canadian national team and guest coach for regional biathlon camps, emphasizes the crucial role sponsors play in an athlete’s journey.
“The financial support from businesses like Canadian Tire makes a tangible difference,” said Fiala. “This sponsorship sends a powerful message that our community believes in these athletes.”
Tuppy Hoehn (née Collard), who competed in biathlon at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, now serves as cross-country ski coach with the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.
“We can look back at events that we’ve hosted and see the impact they had on young athletes,” said Hoehn, who runs a sports equipment store in Prince George with her husband. “The little kids who cheered at the 2015 Canada Winter Games are now the senior athletes in our race programs at Caledonia Nordic.”
Sarah Beaudry, who competed in biathlon at both the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, as well as the inaugural 2012 Youth Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria, represents the current generation of Prince George athletes continuing this legacy. Beaudry was coached by Shayne Hoehn during her development years and now coaches his and Tuppy’s daughters, exemplifying how the sport’s mentorship continues through generations.
“Watching the 2005 Ski Nationals at Otway was one of my first exposures to high-level racing,” said Beaudry. “It gave me a spark of inspiration and a glimpse of what it would take to pursue an Olympic dream. The 2026 Olympic Trials will not only be a major event for the country’s top skiers as they chase their Olympic aspirations, but also a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of Prince George athletes to dream big, just as the 2005 Nationals did for me.”
Prince George’s Olympic tradition also includes Megan Tandy, a three-time Olympian who competed in 2010 Vancouver, 2014 Sochi, and 2018 PyeongChang, and Emily Dickson of Burns Lake, who represented Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Both athletes developed their skills through the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, further demonstrating the club’s remarkable track record of producing world-class competitors.
Prince George: A Premier Nordic Competition Destination
Prince George’s selection as host for the 2026 Olympic Trials reflects the city’s proven track record of hosting major Nordic competitions.
“Prince George has repeatedly proven itself as an Organizing Committee and community that rises to the occasion when hosting Canada’s premier Nordic skiing events,” said Beckie Scott, Nordiq Canada’s CEO. “Their dedication, passion for sport, and commitment to excellence make them the perfect host for the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials. We’re looking forward to the event and are confident it will be a great success.”
The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and Otway Nordic Centre have established an impressive history of staging national and international events, including:
- 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and Para Nordic World Cup Finals
- 2023 Nordiq Canada Selection Trials and Nordiq Cup
- 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships
- 2015 Canada Winter Games
- Multiple Canadian National Championships dating back to 1966
The facility’s world-class infrastructure including a 30-target biathlon range, snowmaking capabilities covering seven kilometres, more than 60 kilometres of trails, newly completed three-kilometre roller ski/roller biathlon paved competition trails, and proximity to Prince George Airport has positioned the city as a premier destination for Nordic skiing competitions.
The December 13-16 Olympic Trials will bring Canada’s top cross-country skiers to Prince George as they vie for spots on the national team representing Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.