Whether you’re training for your first Birkebeiner or aiming for a personal best, Nordic Ski Lab has a plan to get you ready for America’s largest ski race.
Plans include customizable workout options for key sessions, video-guided strength training, supplemental technique, balance and mobility work, and more!
Watch the video to see inside a typical training plan.
Watch the video to see inside a typical training plan.
You're training for your first Birkie.
You exercise 1-3+ times per week.
You're building endurance for your big race.
You want a moderate training load.
You're training for your first Birkie.
You exercise 1-3+ times per week.
You're building endurance for your big race.
You want a moderate training load.
You already train regularly (3+ times per week)
You're targeting a specific finish time.
You're comfortable with higher training volumes.
You have good baseline fitness.
You already train regularly (3+ times per week)
You're targeting a specific finish time..
You're comfortable with higher training volumes.
You have good baseline fitness.
You’ll work with Dasha Atkins, an Olympian turned master’s ski coach, to refine your technique, getting targeted feedback to help you improve efficiently.
You’ll connect with other dedicated skiers, sharing your achievements and challenges along the way.
Our head coach Dasha, along with Alex, a certified physiologist who crafts our training plans, will help you optimize your training, ensuring you’re working smart to meet your goals.
With regular check-ins and adjustments, you’ll always be on track.
The Training Club isn’t about quick fixes or empty promises. It’s about putting in the work, consistently, with the right guidance and support.
Join other Birkie-bound skiers in our Training Club community. Share experiences, get expert racing advice from Coach Dasha, and prepare together for the big day in February.
If you’re ready to commit to your progress and see how far you can go, the Training Club is here to help you make it a reality.
| FEATURE | STANDALONE PLAN | TRAINING CLUB |
|---|---|---|
| PRICE | $69 - $99 | $75/month |
| Expert-designed training plan |  |
|
| Workout choices | |
|
| Supplemental workouts (balance, mobility, strength) | |
|
| Free TrainingPeaks Premium subscription | |
|
| Extra technique instruction and video analysis | |
|
| Personalized coaching support and guidance | |
|
| Access Nordic Ski Lab video libraries | |
|
| Accountability through progress tracking, rewards, and community | |
|
| Long term health and fitness benefits | |
You’ll work with Dasha Atkins, an Olympian turned master’s ski coach, to refine your technique, getting targeted feedback to help you improve efficiently.
You’ll connect with other dedicated skiers, sharing your achievements and challenges along the way.
Our head coach Dasha, along with Alex, a certified physiologist who crafts our training plans, will help you optimize your training, ensuring you’re working smart to meet your goals.
With regular check-ins and adjustments, you’ll always be on track.
The Training Club isn’t about quick fixes or empty promises. It’s about putting in the work, consistently, with the right guidance and support.
Join other Birkie-bound skiers in our Training Club community. Share experiences, get expert racing advice from Coach Dasha, and prepare together for the big day in February.
If you’re ready to commit to your progress and see how far you can go, the Training Club is here to help you make it a reality.
Pick Beginner/Intermediate if:
Pick Intermediate/Advanced if:
Then choose your duration:
8 weeks: If your race is coming up soon
12 weeks: Standard preparation time
16 weeks: Ideal for major goals or if you want a longer build-up
Am I healthy enough to train?
Great question! The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) is an great place to start. Use the PAR-Q form to assess yourself and follow up with your doctor. If you have any doubts or concerns, please see your doctor.
Do I have to [run], [have snow] etc?
No – one of the best features of these plans is their flexibility with workout modes. Here’s what you can do for workouts:
Main workouts can be done as:
The plan provides multiple workout options for each training session, so you can choose what works best based on:
The only requirement is that you follow the prescribed intensity/effort levels for each workout, regardless of which mode you choose.
Do I need equipment?
The strength workouts require equipment. If you have a well equipped home gym or gym membership, you should be fine. The equipment required for the workout is noted in the description of each strength workout.
Do I need an internet connection to watch the exercise and drill videos?
Yes.
Do I need an internet connection to see the workouts?
If you download the TrainingPeaks app to your phone, you will not need internet to view your workouts.
Who are these plans for?
The training plan is designed for masters level skiers of any age or fitness level. Key workouts have options to accommodate differing needs and abilities. You simply delete the workouts that you don’t need.
Will the workouts synch with my fitness watch/wearable?
TrainingPeaks is compatible with hundreds of devices, mobile apps, and 3rd party Software. Please refer to the TP Help Centre for information on how the app works with your device or any other issues you may have with the app.
Can I use the plan on a different training app?
No. The plans are sold and delivered through TrainingPeaks.
Is there an extra cost to use the TrainingPeaks app?
TrainingPeaks App Options:
Your choices:
The bottom line: You can use the free version, but Premium makes the plan much easier to customize to your schedule. If you’re considering Premium, it’s worth looking at the Training Club – you’ll get all the benefits of Premium plus personalized coaching to help you make the most of your plan.
If you don’t already have a TrainingPeaks account, the app will help you set one up when you buy the plan. A Basic Athlete account is free and that’s all you need. After purchase you will have the option to apply the plan to your account right away, on a specific date, or do it later. The plan is always available in your account. To access your plan:
Plans are sold through TrainingPeaks and subject to the TrainingPeaks refund policy. We have no control over refunds and cannot issue refunds ourselves. Get more information >>
Pick Beginner/Intermediate if:
Pick Intermediate/Advanced if:
Then choose your duration:
8 weeks: If your race is coming up soon
12 weeks: Standard preparation time
16 weeks: Ideal for major goals or if you want a longer build-up
Am I healthy enough to train?
Great question! The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) is an great place to start. Use the PAR-Q form to assess yourself and follow up with your doctor. If you have any doubts or concerns, please see your doctor.
Do I have to [run], [have snow] etc?
No – one of the best features of these plans is their flexibility with workout modes. Here’s what you can do for workouts:
Main workouts can be done as:
The plan provides multiple workout options for each training session, so you can choose what works best based on:
The only requirement is that you follow the prescribed intensity/effort levels for each workout, regardless of which mode you choose.
Do I need equipment?
The strength workouts require equipment. If you have a well equipped home gym or gym membership, you should be fine. The equipment required for the workout is noted in the description of each strength workout.
Do I need an internet connection to watch the exercise and drill videos?
Yes.
Do I need an internet connection to see the workouts?
If you download the TrainingPeaks app to your phone, you will not need internet to view your workouts.
Who are these plans for?
The training plan is designed for masters level skiers of any age or fitness level. Key workouts have options to accommodate differing needs and abilities. You simply delete the workouts that you don’t need.
Will the workouts synch with my fitness watch/wearable?
TrainingPeaks is compatible with hundreds of devices, mobile apps, and 3rd party Software. Please refer to the TP Help Centre for information on how the app works with your device or any other issues you may have with the app.
Can I use the plan on a different training app?
No. The plans are sold and delivered through TrainingPeaks.
Is there an extra cost to use the TrainingPeaks app?
TrainingPeaks App Options:
Your choices:
The bottom line: You can use the free version, but Premium makes the plan much easier to customize to your schedule. If you’re considering Premium, it’s worth looking at the Training Club – you’ll get all the benefits of Premium plus personalized coaching to help you make the most of your plan.
If you don’t already have a TrainingPeaks account, the app will help you set one up when you buy the plan. A Basic Athlete account is free and that’s all you need. After purchase you will have the option to apply the plan to your account right away, on a specific date, or do it later. The plan is always available in your account. To access your plan:
Plans are sold through TrainingPeaks and subject to the TrainingPeaks refund policy. We have no control over refunds and cannot issue refunds ourselves. Get more information >>
Nordic Ski Lab is a member-supported online platform and global community for skate and classic cross-country skiing enthusiasts and coaches.
