Youth Training Programs
Last updated: July 21, 2026
2026 Fall MTB Enduro/XC Intensive Program – Registration Now Open!
August 12 - September 16, 2026 | Ages U15, U17
Program Fees: $250/$280 (+ lift tickets)
Cycling Association Yukon is thrilled to announce the launch of our 2026 Fall MTB Enduro/XC Intensive Program, running mid-August to mid-September 2026. This is a focused fall training opportunity supporting younger riders who are interested in developing mountain bike technique with an emphasis on downhill technique and all-around endurance. The program is also a preview for the more extended training opportunity CAY hopes to offer in Spring/Summer 2027.
The program will feature structured Monday and Wednesday practices, three lift-assisted downhill riding nights at Mount Sima, and culminate in the Yukon MTB/Enduro Championships. Other MTB downhill/XC racing opportunities will be available during the program timeframe.
All eligible youth athletes are welcome to register.
Who Can Register
- U15: born 2012–2013
- U17: born 2010–2011
Key Dates
- Registration deadline: Sunday, August 9
- Practices Begin: Wednesday, August 12th (at Mount Sima)
- Practices End: Wednesday, September 16th (Greystoke MTB/enduro race)
Program Features
- Twice-weekly training (Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm at either Grey Mountain or Mount Mac) focused on skills and endurance including:
- Full program - First 3 Wednesday sessions at Mount Sima (downhill skills) - timing may change depending on program numbers
- Partial program (no Sima nights)
- Yukon MTB/Enduro Championships (September 16)
- Local partner events including Sima Slamfest, GRMB gravel/MTB race (costs are additional)
FAQs
Are adult participants (19+) allowed in training sessions?
Yes. Adult riders (19+) are welcome to join as sweeps and safety riders during Team Yukon group training sessions. You’ll help support youth development while still getting an excellent workout. A separate call-out for adult participants will be coming soon.
What does the registration fee cover?
- All coached training sessions
- Yukon MTB/Enduro Championships registration
Sima lift tickets will be an additional cost for Full Program participants. For participants who do not have a Mount Sima pass already, CAY will purchase bulk purchase lift passes and pass on the discount to participants. We’ll ask you to indicate whether you need this at the time of registration. Participants should budget an additional $100 for the three nights of lift tickets (this is a 17% discount). CAY will request that lift ticket funds be e-transferred after we confirm program registration.
What is the difference between cross-country (XC) and enduro mountain biking, and why is this program doing both?
To put it simply, enduro is the blending of downhill and cross-country mountain biking (BikeMag.com). Cross-country (XC) mountain biking and enduro share many similarities in that athletes negotiate technical terrain and obstacles on their bikes. The key difference is that in enduro competition, only downhill sections are timed (in XC, where both uphills and downhills are timed). Enduro and XC bikes are similar but the performance choices (e.g., tires, suspension, etc.) will be biased towards faster descending (versus faster climbing) on an enduro bike.
Modern high-level XC races are becoming increasingly technical and enduro competitions are increasingly competitive, with top riders often having very high levels of all-around physical fitness and capacity. Races such as the British Columbia school-aged enduro series combine XC and enduro.
The skills required for XC and enduro are highly transferable and mutually supportive. Riders inclined towards the enduro format benefit from XC-oriented training and fitness, and XC-oriented riders benefit from the technical skills and speed emphasized in DH/enduro training. Whitehorse is a good training ground for both disciplines.
What is the difference between enduro and downhill mountain biking?
Downhill (DH) mountain biking usually involves a shuttle or lift assistance to the top of a descent, whereas the enduro format typically involves riders accessing the top of a descent under their own power (e.g., riding or pushing up). DH racing typically uses one course, whereas an enduro race may involve multiple different timed descents. Enduro and DH bikes can look quite similar, with enduro bikes almost rivaling DH bikes in pure descending capability but still being suitable for pedaling uphill.
Do I need specific equipment to train with Team Yukon?
Yes! While we want our programs to be as accessible as possible, mountain biking is an inherently risky sport and athlete safety is our top priority. Read on:
Mandatory - both full and partial programs
- Bike helmet
- Bike gloves
- Sunglasses/eye protection
- Flat or SPD pedals designed for MTB use
- MTB shoes (designed to grip flat pedals or compatible with SPD cleats)
- Spare MTB tubes sized for athlete’s bike
Mandatory - full/Sima program
- Dual suspension mountain bike in good operating condition
Recommended (but not mandatory - full/Sima program)
- Full face helmet/goggles
- Chest armour
- Elbow and knee pads
Strongly recommended (but not mandatory - partial program)
- Dual suspension mountain bike
Can I ride at Sima on my own on training nights?
Absolutely! The lift opens at 4 pm and runs until 9 pm, leaving about 2.5 - 3 hours of time outside of Team Yukon training. We strongly encourage athletes to make the most of Sima nights by showing up early, riding with teammates, and putting the skills they’ve learned the previous week into practice. Bear in mind that any lift privileges negotiated for Team Yukon will not apply to athletes outside of training time, however AND you MUST be at the team meeting spot for the start of practice. The team waits for no one!
Do I need to have a high level of fitness to do this program?
Not really! That said, you’ll enjoy the program much more if you have a good level of fitness. “Good” means that you can pedal your bike comfortably for up to 2 hours (including short breaks) and can ride uphill at a moderate speed without needing to stop and catch your breath. The enduro format still involves climbing, after all!
Do I have to race?
Racing, whether it’s the downhill race as part of Sima Slamfest or the Yukon Champs in mid-September, is not mandatory. CAY is always thinking ahead to developing athletes who can compete at major events like the Canada Summer Games, and the hope is to offer out-of-territory competitive opportunities in 2027. Racing is not only a sure-fire way to improve fitness, it teaches resilience and self-reliance. We encourage program participants to try at least one race, but understand that not everyone will want to.
Ready to Ride?
Registration opens July 20 and closes August 9.
- Full program - $280 (lift tickets will cost an additional $100 if CAY purchases in bulk)
- Partial program - $250
CAY reserves the right to cancel the program if the minimum registration of 8 athletes is not reached. We will refund all program registrations in full in the event of cancellation. There will be no pro-rating of course fees in the event of athlete absences, illnesses or similar scenarios.
