Volunteer | Whitehorse Nordic

Help Keep the Whitehorse Nordic Centre Thriving

The Whitehorse Nordic Centre is a non-profit organization powered by its community. Volunteers are essential to everything we do—from maintaining trails and coaching programs to hosting races and serving on our Board of Directors.

Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to get involved throughout the season, there's a volunteer opportunity for everyone. No previous experience is required for many roles, and new volunteers are always welcome.

Every contribution makes a difference.

Why Volunteer?

You can even make this an icon list.

Give back to the ski community.
Meet new people and make friends.
Learn new skills.
Support healthy, active recreation in Whitehorse.
Help create memorable experiences for skiers of all ages.

No Experience? No Problem.

Many volunteer roles require no previous experience. We'll provide the information, training, or orientation you need, and you'll be volunteering alongside experienced members. Whether you're an occasional skier, a lifelong volunteer, or completely new to the Nordic Centre, we'd love to have you join us.

Ways to Volunteer

Browse the opportunities below to learn how you can help, and follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Board & Committees

Help shape the future of the Nordic Centre by serving on the Board of Directors or joining one of our committees. Board of Directors: - President - Vice President - Treasurer - Secretary - Directors Committees: - Race and Competition Committee - Land Tenure Committee - READI (Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion - Climate Change Committee

Volunteer Officials at the finish line.jpg

Events & Races

Support local races and community events by helping with registration, course setup, timing, aid stations, announcer, marshall, poster distribution, etc. Race opportunities: - Holiday Heroes - Don Sumanik Weekend - Chasing the Light - Yukon Championships - Yukon Ski Marathon - Pierre Harvey Cup

Summer Trail Maintenance

Help maintain our 90 km trail network for winter. Choose a trail section, work at your own pace, and complete it for a chance to win a ski season pass.

Volunteer serving food at Yukon Ski Marathon.jpg

Community Events

Help during social events, volunteer appreciation nights, or special community gatherings. - Easy Like Sunday Host - Social Ski Event Leader - Waxing Clinic Animator - Food service at event - Set up & take down

Programs & Coaching

Assist with youth programs, introductory lessons, and club activities. Opportunities are available for certified coaches and enthusiastic helpers alike. - Leaders or Helpers for Youth programs - Volunteer Instructors for Adult - Volunteer Instructors at the Free Ski Day -

Easy Like Sunday Host

I've enjoyed this event in the past (and it was great incentive to get the kids out for a ski to be hut) so I wanted to contribute to hosting. It's also a great way to see friends and meet new people. And it was fun to co-host with another family and do some baking together.

Ready to Get Involved?

We'd love to hear from you! Complete our volunteer form or contact us to learn more about current opportunities.

Why becoming Board Member?

Board of Directors: Expression of Interest form

President (Board of Directors)

Provide leadership to the Board of Directors and help guide the strategic direction and governance of the Whitehorse Nordic Centre. The President works closely with the Board and Executive Director to support the organization's long-term success. Time commitment: Approximately 5–8 hours per month, including monthly Board meetings and regular meetings with staff during the operating season. Training: Board orientation is provided following the Annual General Meeting.

Vice-President (Board of Directors)

Support the President and help provide leadership to the Board of Directors. The Vice-President serves as the President's alternate when needed and contributes to the governance and strategic direction of the Whitehorse Nordic Centre. Time commitment: Monthly Board meeting plus regular meetings with staff during the operating season. Training: Board orientation is provided following the Annual General Meeting.

Treasurer (Board of Directors)

Help oversee the financial health of the Whitehorse Nordic Centre by working with staff, the bookkeeper, and the Board to support budgeting, financial planning, and sound financial management. Time commitment: Monthly Board meeting, plus occasional meetings with staff during budget preparation. Experience: Financial, accounting, or budgeting experience is an asset. (The club has a bookkeeper who manages day-to-day bookkeeping.) Training: Board orientation is provided following the Annual General Meeting

Secretary (Board of Directors)

Help keep the Board organized by coordinating meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring the Whitehorse Nordic Centre meets its governance and reporting requirements. Time commitment: Monthly Board meeting, plus occasional committee meetings as needed. Experience: Good organizational and note-taking skills are an asset. Training: Board orientation is provided following the Annual General Meeting. Time commitment: Monthly Board meeting, plus occasional meetings with staff during budget preparation. Experience: Financial, accounting, or budgeting experience is an asset. (The club has a bookkeeper who manages day-to-day bookkeeping.) Training: Board orientation is provided following the Annual General Meeting

Director (Board of Directors)

Help shape the future of the Whitehorse Nordic Centre by contributing to Board discussions, representing the interests of members, and supporting the club's strategic direction. Directors may also participate in committees or special projects. Time commitment: Monthly Board meeting, with occasional committee meetings as needed. Open positions: Up to six Directors. Training: Board orientation is provided following the Annual General Meeting.

Summer Trail Maintenance Crew

Help prepare our 90 km trail network for winter by trimming vegetation, clearing roots and rocks, spreading wood chips, and completing other light trail maintenance. Work is done with hand tools, and you can choose the trail section you'd like to maintain.

Time commitment: August 15 – September 30
Experience: Comfortable using basic hand tools. No power tools are required.
Tools: Hand tools are available to borrow from the Nordic Centre. We recommend working with a partner and carrying a cell phone and bear spray.
Bonus: Complete your section by the deadline to be entered into the draw for a free ski season pass.

→ Choose Your Trail Section & Register

Group Leader (Jackrabitt & Bunnies)

Lead a small group of young skiers through fun games and activities that build confidence and fundamental ski skills. With support from the Program Coordinator, you'll help create a positive, safe, and engaging experience for children ages 4–8.

Time commitment: Training before the season, plus 1 hour per week for 12 weeks (December–March).
Experience: Comfortable on beginner ski trails and enjoys working with young children. Coaching training is provided, and course fees are reimbursed by the club.
Perks: Free registration for one child in the program, equipment rental opportunities, and early registration for volunteering families.
Requirements: RCMP Criminal Record Check and First Aid certification.

Ready to help? Contact the Program Coordinator at jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca

Group Helper (Jackrabitt & Bunnies)

Support the Group Leader by assisting with games and activities, encouraging young skiers, and helping ensure everyone stays safe, warm, and engaged throughout each session.

Time commitment: Training before the season, plus 1 hour per week for 12 weeks (December–March).
Experience: Comfortable on skis and enjoys working with young children. Training requirements depend on the age group, and eligible course fees are reimbursed by the club.
Perks: Equipment rental opportunities, a chance to connect with other families, and early registration for volunteering families.
Requirements: RCMP Criminal Record Check (First Aid certification is an asset).

Ready to help? Contact the Program Coordinator at jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca for early registration access.

Rental Prep Volunteer (Jackrabbit & Bunnies)

Help get young skiers ready for their sessions by preparing and organizing rental equipment before each program. This is a great way for parents and volunteers to support the program without needing to be on skis.

Time commitment: Once per week for 12 weeks (December–March) — approximately 30 minutes before the session and 15 minutes after to organize equipment.
Experience: No ski or waxing experience required. Instructions are provided before the first session.
Skills: Organized, punctual, patient, and enthusiastic.
Perks: Equipment rental opportunities, a chance to connect with other families, and early registration for volunteering families.
Volunteers needed: 4 volunteers (one per weekly session).

Ready to help? Sign up as a volunteer when registering your child, or contact the Program Coordinator for more information.

Adult Program Instructor

Share your passion for cross-country skiing by helping adult skiers build confidence, improve their technique, and enjoy the sport in a supportive learning environment. Instructors lead beginner to intermediate sessions throughout the ski season, including classic and skate skiing programs.

Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week for a 3- or 5-week program, plus preparation time.
Experience: Strong classic and/or skate skiing skills, comfortable speaking with groups, and enthusiastic about helping others learn.
Training: Coaching certifications are an asset. Support and mentorship are provided, and CANSI course fees may be covered by the Nordic Centre for instructors who commit to teaching.
Responsibilities: Lead groups of up to 8 adult skiers, plan activities and drills, select appropriate terrain, and create a safe and positive learning environment.
Perks: Share your passion for skiing, meet new people, and help others discover the joy of cross-country skiing.
Requirements: RCMP Criminal Record Check.

Interested? Learn how to become an instructor.

→ Express Your Interest

Easy Like Sunday Host Team

Help create one of the Whitehorse Nordic Centre’s favourite winter traditions! Every Sunday afternoon, a volunteer host team welcomes skiers at Harvey’s Hut with hot chocolate, treats, a warm fire, and a friendly place to take a break.

Time commitment: Approximately 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., plus preparation time at home. (A snowmobile shuttle helps transport food and equipment to the hut.)
Experience: Comfortable skiing to Harvey’s Hut and spending time outdoors in winter conditions. A positive attitude and love of community are the most important requirements!
Responsibilities: Prepare food or treats, welcome skiers, manage the fire, help keep the hut and surrounding area clean, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Support provided: The Nordic Centre provides supplies (hot chocolate, cups, bowls, etc.) and reimburses up to $200 for approved food and preparation expenses.
Perks: Share a fun winter afternoon with friends or family, meet fellow skiers, and help build community at the Nordic Centre.
Weather: Events may be cancelled due to unsafe trail conditions or temperatures below -20°C.

Ready to host? Gather your friends or family, choose a Sunday that works for your group, and help make Easy Like Sunday a highlight of the ski season.

→ Choose Your Hosting Date & Register

Whitehorse Nordic Festival Volunteer

Help bring the Whitehorse Nordic Festival to life! This community celebration of Nordic sports and winter recreation welcomes people of all ages to try activities like cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowshoeing, fat biking, kick sledding, ice skating, Dene Games, and more.

Time commitment: Volunteer shifts available throughout the festival day.
Experience: No experience required.
Perks: Yukon Built toque, coffee and baked goods, and a free meal during your shift.

→ Sign Up to Volunteer

Youth Jamboree Organizer

Help celebrate the end of the youth ski season by organizing a fun and memorable year-end event for our young skiers. Join the organizing team and help create a special celebration for approximately 150 Bunny and Jackrabbit participants and their families.

Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours total, including planning, preparation, event day, setup, and cleanup.
Experience: Organized, enthusiastic, and comfortable working with a team to plan and run a community event.
Responsibilities: Help plan activities, coordinate food and snacks, and support event operations on the day of the Jamboree.
Training: Coaching courses are recommended to better understand children's needs in sport. Course fees are reimbursed by the club.
Perks: Be involved in your child's program, share your ideas, and connect with other members of the Nordic community.

Ready to help? Contact the Program Coordinator (jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca) to learn more about upcoming event volunteer opportunities.

Host a Waxing Clinic

Share your waxing knowledge with the Nordic community! Whether it's hot waxing, kick waxing, spring ski preparation, or another technique you've mastered, we'd love to help you organize a clinic for fellow skiers.

Time commitment: Flexible—we'll schedule a clinic based on your availability.
Experience: Confident with a waxing technique and comfortable sharing your knowledge.

Interested in leading a clinic? Let us know what you'd like to teach, and we'll help organize the event. Contact office@whitehorsenordic.ca