Nancy Greene Ski League
The Nancy Greene Ski League (NGSL) is a grass roots program of many ski clubs in Canada. While national in scope, it is operated by provincial associations and the many affiliated ski clubs across the country. Each club offers the type of program that fits their situation while following the guidelines set out by their provincial body and keeping in mind the national philosophy.
The Nancy Greene Ski League was conceived during the winter of 1968. Nancy Greene’s World Cup victory the previous spring had inspired hundreds of youngsters to want to start ski racing, but there was no easy way to get started. The NGSL was the solution – an introduction to ski racing in a team format. Nancy agreed to be the Honourary Chairman, a position she still holds.
Nancy’s philosophy, that children’s competition should promote participation and fun and de-emphasize winning, has stood the test of time.
From the beginning, the Canadian Ski Association (now Alpine Canada Alpin) realized that ski conditions and ski clubs differ widely across Canada. Because of this, NGSL ‘rules’ have always been flexible, and ski clubs and provinces are encouraged to develop their own modifications and to involve as many youngsters as possible in their programs.
The first NGSL teams included boys and girls aged 8 to 13 ranging from beginner racers to more experienced ones. Coaching was mostly done by volunteers. As ski clubs became more organized, the ability level of young skiers improved dramatically. It became evident that the age range needed changing, and that the older, more experienced skiers were ready for individual racing. At the same time coaching certification was developed and now the program includes leadership by certified coaches. Each division is now encouraged to set their own age limits and race formats – what works in the Laurentians might not work in northern British Columbia or in Manitoba.
Today most club programs provide training in ability groups, however racing for the beginning levels is always done in a team format. A prime concern is to avoid too much pressure on novice racers. ‘Ski racing for the fun of it!’ will always be the slogan of the Nancy Greene Ski League.
Over the years, the NGSL programs have evolved in various parts of Canada, and today there are more youngsters than ever enrolled and the quality of the programs has never been higher.
Alpine Canada Alpin is the governing body of ski racing in Canada. Go to the website below to contact the ski racing association in your province where you can find the name of a ski club in your area. Most clubs provide information on their programs on their websites. You must join a ski club affiliated with Alpine Canada Alpin to take part in the Nancy Greene Ski League.
Alpine Canada Alpin: https://alpinecanada.org/find-a-club
A message from Nancy
Greetings from Sun Peaks!
I hope you are all getting ready for a great ski season, and looking forward to having a good time in the Nancy Greene Ski League…