SIGN IN

support@cxcacademy.com

FREE TRIAL | SIGN UP

CXC Academy

Cross-Country Ski Training, Uncrunched.

CXC Academy

Welcome

Skiers or ski coaches, new to advanced. CXC Academy can help you improve skiing fitness, develop better ski technique, and get ready for the next ski event.

TrainingPeaks Integrated Training Plans
Training Plans for Everyone

Easy-to-follow workouts and TrainingPeaks™ integration provide for an easy progression towards goals.
Learn More

Video Library

Featuring monthly ski-specific strength workout videos, on-snow and roller ski technique videos, with new offerings published each month.

Our Coaches

The CXC Coaching Staff is certified, experienced, and ready to guide skiers of all ages and skill levels.
Meet the Coaches

Contact Us

CXC Academy is a project of Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC)
718 Post Road
Madison, WI 53713
USA

“This program is great! Not just for skiing, but for life. My results have brought me to unexpected levels.”

DAVID KERR - Whitehorse, Canada

Brian Gregg
Volunteer Mentor & Motivator

Brian Gregg

CXC Academy will host live video briefings to help skiers make sense of the month’s training and ideas every month.

Join this year’s CXC Academy volunteer mentor and motivator Brian Gregg for special subscriber-only live editions. Brian will be answering questions submitted by you and sharing a few tips of his own.

"As a professional skier for 12 years, my top focus was my athletic performance, then my family, then my work. Now my top priority is my family, my work, then my skiing. That being said, I love to race the fastest version of myself on any given day. I believe in preparing well and systematically, which requires strong planning and time management. I enjoy the pursuit of excellence and being creative to reach one's goals."

- Brian Gregg

Matt Clarke
Guest Coach & Advisor


CXC Academy has named Matthew Clarke, Team Birkie Assistant Coach, to its team of guest coaches and advisors.

Matt will offer training advice through training plans, monthly Zoom calls, and videos covering sport-specific training tips like race tactics and preparedness, ski selection, and technique.

"I think it is very important that we make sure training stays fun and doesn’t begin to seem like another job we must complete. My goal is to make this coming year a time when you can think of your training differently than you have before."

- Matt Clarke

Our Coaches

CXC Academy coaches, mentors, and advisors are certified, experienced, and ready to guide skiers of all ages and skill levels. Learn More

“I've had a tremendous year of training, with a PR Birkie, and age group award at the Great Bear Chase, and a lot of enjoyable hours being active outside, all despite a few injuries and other setbacks.”

JAKE MCGINNIS - South Bend, IN

“I recently achieved big goals by following CXC Academy training plans: I placed third at the 30k classic event of the Masters XC Skiing World Cup in Canmore about a month ago! I also place 5th at the 45k classic event of the same championships!”

ALEX BLAIS-MONTPETIT - REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, CAN

“I wanted to reach out again to thank Steve Myrland for leading the strength training plan this year. The exercise plans have been excellent, and have greatly improved my balance and my ability to transfer core strength into power while skiing.”

ERIC BURNS - BOULDER, CO

“I just wanted to say thanks to for the training plans. They taught me a lot about training and helped me focus on getting the most out of the hours I had available. I can’t wait to get back on the CXC plan this fall!”

JEREMIAH MENK - TWIN CITIES, MN

“Looking forward to see what I'll get from this training as I've been doing things on my own for a while now and feel like I'm stuck in my patterns.”

JEAN-FRANCOIS L’ECUYER - CANADA

“For me the CXC program has been really good. It has given an easy way to have a structured fitness and strength plan. The videos are very good and I’ve learnt a lot about all sorts of topics.”

MARK ELLIOTT - AUSTRALIA

“I found my core strength has improved, my balance is better, and I am running and skiing more fluidly.”

ROBERT PETERSON - BARRON, WI

“I appreciate the results that I have gotten, - I am skiing faster than ever. At the end of next triathlon season I will start again with your program.”

EDUARD BARCELO - GERONA, SPAIN

“I love the training platform. This is my second year and I feel like I'm learning how to ski for the first time after 25 years in the sport.”

JOHN BAHR - LA CROSSE, WI

“The knowledge on technique and training ideas was outstanding! See you next winter!”

MICHAEL KRAUSE - MILWAUKEE, WI

“This has been a great winter with a great season of your workouts. ”

ANDREW BERKOSKI - DILLINGHAM, AK

“First, thank you for the wonderful XC training programs that you've put together...they have been really fun to follow this summer and have kept me focused.”

KAREN APPLEBY - POCATELLO, ID

“I’ve followed many different kinds of plans before, and written some myself. Very much appreciate the way that the plan focuses on (to me) big blocks of times, and what is more or less important. Including rest! Thanks also for the help with questions I had while subscribing to XC Academy. The plans made for a very good training year, and I increased training hours to 400, which I would not have done otherwise.”

BOB LEVIN - BOULDER, CO

“I really value what you folks offer ... both as a masters skier and high school coach ... keep up the good work.”

CHRIS NAIMIE - BOW, NH

“Your guidance has helped me steadily move my Birkie wave start position upward!”

ALAN JOHNSON - SPOKANE, WA

“I am liking having your workouts to keep me interested and challenged. Thank you for the good plans and the extra ideas.”

ELLEN CHANDLER - NEW LONDON, NH

“I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from having access to all the video and training material. There was so much it was hard to keep up with it all. There is no question CXC understands XC skiing in its entirety, and the quality and communication of the information you provided was exceptional. Thank you so much for what you have done for me and everyone else with an interest in this sport.”

ROSS DAMROW

“I have appreciated all the great info and the training plans have been invaluable! It’s definitely helped keep my training on track. I feel that both my technique on skies, and my knowledge of training have both improved greatly over the last season. Thanks for all the help!""

ARIC BISHOP - NELSON, B.C. CANADA

“I’ve enjoyed the membership and got into awesome shape and my skiing improved by 30 seconds per kilometer.”

BARBARA JONES - BUENA VISTA, CO

“The Steve Myrland weight room exercises are fun and fascinating. They are sneaky hard and use muscles in ways I never would have thought of.”

KARL LARSON - MINOCQUA, WI

“The program taught me how to train correctly over the past year! Thanks for improving my skiing and getting me into much better shape.”

SAM KNAPP - Toivola, MI

"My wife and kids age 9-24 all nordic ski and your site is very helpful and motivating. The great videos and training information helped me have a fun and successful racing season."

WADE SMITH - Highlands Ranch, CO

“Thanks again for laying another great foundation as I train for all the racing in January and February. It’s been an awesome winter and your training plans have me feeling good for the Birkie.”

RYAN SPORTEL - Inver Grove Heights, MN

“I've been following your CXC training plan for the last 10 months and am really enjoying it. I'm definitely skiing faster.”

KRISTIN MADSEN - Winnipeg, Canada

“I like your "Performance Plan" and feel I am training smarter this year. Thanks very much your program! As a 70 year old citizen racer I have found the plans valuable and convenient to use.”

ERIC PETERSON, - Basalt, CO

"We're a small team in a tough section, yet our results have steadily improved. Besides the results I feel that the training plan is very easy to follow and it stresses skiers the right amount and gives them the rest that they need."

DAVE JOHNSON - Duluth , MN

“I'm really enjoying the training and for sure this is going to take me to the next level.”

CARY MARTIN - Salt Lake City, UT

“Thanks to CXC and Training Peaks, I set 2 personal bests after 20 years of citizen race skiing.”

KARL LARSON - Oshkosh, WI

"Just wanted to give you guys a big shout out after a great ski season. I started XC skiing 4 years ago and I have loved every minute of it. After participating in a couple roller ski clinics with CXC, I decided to join CXC online and started the Peak Performance Program in November. I have no doubt that the training program you provided allowed me to reach and exceed my skiing goals - in particular to make the 1st Wave at the Birkie."

TODD BROWN - Groton, CT

"I appreciate the periodization the program is offering both in the total training volume week to week/month to month but in particular the progression of the intensity sessions. Planning out intensity sessions that will progress you from spring to winter is challenging when you are doing it on your own. Much appreciated that CXC did this for me. So far, so good."

MICHAEL BUSS - Canmore, Canada

"While some find weekly workout structure to be the reason to join CXC Academy, I find the videos of dryland strength and mobility to be outstanding.

I'll see you in the park doing funny walks. Thanks."

CHRIS MAGERL - Salt Lake City, UT

"I manage a women's Nordic program that ranges from beginner to elite Birkie skiers and from the late 20's in age to almost 80 years old. I use the Academy information to get various training ideas, volume, intensities, strength information, etc. during dryland training in the fall as well as in the winter."

MUFFY RITZ, Two-Time American Birkebeiner Winner

Membership Plans

We offer monthly and annual subscriptions. Sign up for full access to CXC Academy’s training plans and video resources.

Hands On

Get the latest in sport science testing at our Performance Lab.

CXC Center Of Excellence
718 Post Rd
Madison (WI)

Improve Technique

We work with people just beginning to ski, seasoned skiers looking to improve, and all levels in between.

Expert Coaching

Now offering training services to the average skier, weekend warrior racer or someone who is chasing their dream to move up a wave in the Birkie.

Get Support

We’re happy to brainstorm with you, and ask the professionals we work with to find something that works for you. Send us your questions.

CXC Academy Training Period #12 Release

Most of the competition season is behind us. But we’re still having some targeted events.
Keep Reading

Training and Racing in March

CXC Academy and TrainingPeaks™

Enabling smart and effective endurance training through training plan integration with TrainingPeaks™.
Keep Reading

CXC Academy Training Period #11 Release

For the most part, this period is not about last-minute training to catch up for the lost time. As the farmers say, “The hay is in the barn”. Keep Reading

Training and Racing in February

CXC Academy Training Period #10 Release

Feel free to adjust your schedule by moving weeks around and selecting ski races that will best prepare you for your target event. Keep Reading

Training in January

Ski Trips with Endurance Adventures

Join CXC Academy coach Brian Gregg and Kim Rudd for thrilling ski excursions across the United States!
Explore

CXC Academy Training Period #9 Release

During the next four weeks, we will transition into the racing season. Enjoy the holidays and get fired up for winter!
Keep Reading

Training in December

CXC Academy Training Period #8 Release

This is our last 4 weeks of the "fall" base-building period. We are likely still in shoulder season. Thus, ski specificity needs flexibility.
Keep Reading

Training in November

CXC Academy Training Period #7 Release

While we cut back some, we are still training quite hard. We are also approaching the “shoulder season”.
Keep Reading

Training in October & November

CXC Academy Training Period #6 Release

The upcoming four weeks mark our final intensive phase of high-volume dryland training.
Keep Reading

Training in September & October

CXC Academy Training Period #5 Release

We're looking at more Level 4 and ski-specific intensity. This is the time to do the hard work that will lead to better performances in the winter. Keep Reading

Training in August & September

CXC Academy Training Period #4 Release

We’re doing more intensity work that’s becoming more ski-specific — still keeping it into the threshold, with a little Level 4 introduction. Keep Reading

Training in July & August

CXC Academy Training Period #3 Release

We are transitioning from the foundational base period to a phase that combines increased volume and intensity.
Keep Reading

Training in June & July

CXC Academy Training Period #2 Release

We will work some ski specificity and intensity in, but just to work up to next month which will start a period of getting after it.
Keep Reading

Training in June

CXC Academy Training Period #1 Release

Welcome to the 2023-2024 training year. In the cross-country ski world, we like to start the year with the week that contains May 1.
Keep Reading

Training in May

CXC Academy Names Coaches & Mentors

Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC) has announced a lineup of new and returning coaches for its CXC Academy program. Keep Reading

Brian Gregg
Volunteer Mentor & Motivator

Brian Gregg

CXC Academy will host live video briefings to help skiers make sense of the month’s training and ideas every month.

Join this year’s CXC Academy volunteer mentor and motivator Brian Gregg for special subscriber-only live editions. Brian will be answering questions submitted by you and sharing a few tips of his own.

Do you have a question to share? Let us know what you’ve been up to! Submit it here, and it may become a part of the program.

Matt Clarke
Guest Coach & Advisor


CXC Academy has named Matthew Clarke, Team Birkie Assistant Coach, to its team of guest coaches and advisors.

Matt will offer training advice through training plans, monthly Zoom calls, and videos covering sport-specific training tips like race tactics and preparedness, ski selection, and technique.

It’s your chance to connect, ask questions, and meet the team behind CXC Academy, face-to-face for events that will inform, inspire, and entertain in equal measure!