Can I race up in an older age category in 2026-27?

At Tier 1 events, "racing up" (entering an age category older than your own) is not permitted, with one exception: for the 2026/2027 season only, a second-year U18 athlete may race up to U20 at the Junior/U23 trials.

Nordiq Canada's youth sport development update for 2026-27 also says racing up is restricted to athletes in U20 and above categories, with specific exceptions for pathways such as World Junior Trials and NCAA eligibility requirements.

Under the Competition Model, athletes also cannot "race down" into a younger category.

Sources: Tier 1 package section 6.1 https://nordiqcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/Nordiq-Canada-Tier-1-Events-Technical-Package-260903B.pdf ; https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/supporting-stronger-youth-sport-development-pathways-across-canada/ ; Competition Model https://nordiqcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/Competition-Model-Oct-9-2020.pdf