XC BRAGG CREEK SKI AND BIKE SOCIETY
Meet the Board Members and Explore Our Thriving Programs
XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society (XCBC) is a vibrant community organization that has been a beacon for outdoor families for years. Throughout the seasons, whether the Bragg Creek area is a biking paradise or a winter wonderland, the society remains committed to offering youth from Bragg Creek and surrounding areas fun and active mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and biathlon programs suitable for all levels.
The club offers a wide range of youth mountain biking programs suitable for kids from ages 6 to 16. From novices looking to get their wheels dirty for the first time to thrill-seeking experienced riders, there’s something for everyone. The society’s Youth Recreational Mountain Biking Program introduces children to the joys of mountain biking. With volunteer coaches and age-appropriate trails, kids can develop their biking skills in a safe and fun environment. If your child is a more advanced biker between the ages of 11 and 16 and looking for some competition in a team environment, The Performance Team – Competitive Mountain Biking Program is a great fit. Both the recreational and performance programs run through the spring and fall from the West Bragg Creek Trailhead.
This coming January, the Performance Team will be hosting a fat bike fundraiser for the biking program at the West Bragg Creek trails. Stay tuned for more details to come in the following months. We look forward to seeing our returning young biking enthusiasts and greeting new members next spring.
As the days get shorter and the leaves start to fall from the trees, XCBC’s bike programs wrap up their fall sessions and make way for winter fun. When snow blankets the Bragg Creek area, XCBC transitions into the cross-country ski season, offering comprehensive youth programs for skiers of all levels.
Similar to the biking program, XCBC offers both recreational skiing opportunities and a competitive program. The programs are organized and supported by a Nordiq Alberta’s 2023 Coach of the Year with over 20 years of coaching experience at Club and international level to ensure ongoing athlete development and a smooth transition from the recreational program to the competitive program. Athletes in the competitive program compete in cross- country ski races around the province.
This season XCBC, will host the 11th annual Alberta Youth Championships (AYC) for athletes from Western Canada. AYC will take advantage of the amazing trail network at West Bragg Creek hosting over 100 skiers aged 10 – 13. It involves 3 races over 2 days, classic, skate and a relay. This year the championships will be on March 2nd & 3rd 2024.
The biathlon program at XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society combines the discipline of cross-country skiing with the precision of marksmanship. XCBC’s Biathlon program introduces children to this exciting sport, with the use of eco-aim photo-guns. No prior biathlon experience is necessary. Shooting sessions are held on Wednesday evenings at the West Bragg Day Use Area. Ski skills are developed through the Trail Ninja program (Monday and Saturday) providing technical and tactical development in a challenging and fun environment.
XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society is not just an outdoor organization; it’s a community of passionate individuals who share a love for the great outdoors. This year, the society welcomes several new members to the board, each bringing their unique skills and passion for outdoor activities.
Meet the New XCBC Board of Directors:
- Graham Thomson (President)
- Sebastian Fallu (Treasurer)
- Desmond Bliek (Secretary)
- Nick Forbes (board member)
- Noland Krush (board member)
- Chunlee Jackson (board member)
- Janet Summerscales (board member)
With this dynamic and dedicated team at the helm, XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society is poised for an exciting future of reaching new heights and continuing its mission of promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Whether your child is a mountain biking enthusiast, a cross-country skiing aficionado, or an athlete looking to explore the unique world of biathlon, XCBC has something for everyone. If you are interested in registering your child for one of the programs or would like to join our coaching team, please check out XCBraggCreek.ca for details.
Left to right: Evelyn Pepperkorn, Max Van Vliet, Andrew Thompson, Allison McArdle (head coach), Logan Rostoker, Avery Balbanida, Ian Thomson, Isla Borycki, Hugo Borycki. Kneeling in front is Avery Thompson. The dog is Sonny.
