A lack of snow in B.C.’s northern capital is a boon to the North Okanagan.
Nordiq Canada and the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials organizing committee have relocated the Canadian Olympic Cross-Country Skiing Trials from Prince George to Vernon’s Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre due to not enough snow in the Central Interior.
The Trials will determine Canada’s team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, Feb. 6 to 22.
The competitions, formats, and Olympic Team onboarding session will proceed as planned from Dec. 13 to 17.
Current snow conditions at Caledonia Nordic Ski Centre have made it impossible to guarantee the quality of courses required for an Olympic qualification event, despite the best efforts of volunteers, snowmaking crews, and organizing committee members who have worked tirelessly to prepare the venue.
With no flexibility in the competition timeline, and with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre having sufficient natural snow accumulation, the tough decision was made to move the Trials to Sovereign Lake.
“This decision was extremely difficult, and we are deeply grateful to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and the Prince George community for everything they put into preparing for this event,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada.
“Their commitment, professionalism, and passion reflect why Prince George is recognized as a world-class nordic venue. Unfortunately, weather is the one factor none of us can control.”
Nordiq Canada also extended its appreciation to Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre for stepping up on short notice.
“Sovereign Lake has a strong history of hosting high-quality competitions, and we are confident it will provide the conditions our athletes need as they compete for spots on the 2026 Olympic Team,” said Scott.