National Team Head Coach

Skimo Canada is the national governing body for ski mountaineering racing in Canada. Skimo is one of the fastest-growing winter sports in the world and made its Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026. Here at home, our 2027 Canada Cup Series spans six races across Alberta, British Columbia and Québec, and our community of racers, clubs, volunteers and resort partners grows every season.

Following skimo’s Olympic integration, our primary mission is to build a world-class competitive pathway, from grassroots development to podium success on the international stage.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role for an expert, highly strategic coach who wants to shape the future of a sport on the rise. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead the Canadian National Ski Mountaineering Team, set national athlete development pathways, and design training strategies that elevate Canadian athletes in Sprint, Mixed Relay, Vertical, Individual and Team disciplines.

Performance leadership

• Design, execute and monitor the National Team’s multi-year training and competition strategy

• Lead national training camps and provide high-level on-snow technical coaching, tactical guidance and transition mastery across all racing formats

• Deliver elite coaching and race-day strategy at major winter events, including ISMF World Cups, Continental Championships and other world-tier events

Athlete pathway

• Continuously track elite and development athletes across Canada

• Assist with National Team selection criteria, athlete scouting and recruitment

Operations and compliance

• Report to the Executive Director on program operational needs, logistical planning and budget management for national coaching initiatives

• Maintain a safe, inclusive and ethical team environment in line with Safe Sport Canada mandates, WADA/CCES regulations and Skimo Canada policies

Required

• Proven track record coaching elite athletes in ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, trail running or related high-end endurance and mountain sports

• Deep technical expertise in ski mountaineering racing, including skinning technique, transitions, bootpacking, technical descents and advanced physiological training

• Completed NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) Safe Sport Training Module, NCCP MED training, and certified within the NCCP Competition-Development context, or an active willingness to complete certification. Applicants who do not meet certification requirements may be granted conditional approval from Sport Canada officials.

• Complete an Enhanced Police Information Center (E-PIC) check or a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSS, VSV, VSC) or equivalent and compliance with mandatory Safe Sport training

• Professional fluency in English

• Ability to travel extensively internationally, with a valid passport

Assets

• Bilingualism (English/French), a strong asset for engaging with athletes across the country

• Contract position, immediate start through March 31, 2027

• Full-time engagement during the contract term, including evenings and weekends during training camps and race season

• Remote / flexible (Canada), with extensive travel for training camps, the Canada Cup Series and international ISMF events

• Compensation: $6,500 to $7,000 per month, inclusive of all fees; contractor is responsible for their own taxes and benefits

• Travel: pre-approved travel budget, with approved travel expenses covered by Skimo Canada

• Reports to the Executive Director

Send a résumé, a coaching portfolio, and a cover letter describing your vision for Canadian ski mountaineering to nomination@smcc.ski with the subject line “Skimo Canada Head Coach”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is selected. We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Skimo Canada is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to an accessible hiring process. We welcome applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Please let us know if you need accommodation at any stage.