The new association has seen 18 club members fitted out with a package of specially-designed sponsored kit made by Scandanavian company Haglöfs clothing.

Athletes have been provided with bright green jackets which show off the club's new logo, as well as over-trousers, fleece lined tops, training pants and base layers to complete the set.

The deal to provide the training gear has helped the club members save hundreds of pounds in the process.

The sponsorship comes after a summer-season that has seen the club go from strength to strength, with members winning four of the six national titles on offer in rollerskiing – the summer training method for Nordic skiing.

As a result, the club now has several members who are part of the British Nordic Ski Squad who will be training and racing on snow in Poland, Norway, Austria, Germany, Spain and Canada this winter.

The club will also be visiting the national championships in Germany at the end of January.

Alastair Dargie, co-founder of the club, said: "The new clothing package is a massive boost for the members and has been much appreciated, especially in the recent bad weather. Having a versatile clothing package ensures that the athletes stay warm and dry in what can be a harsh training environment. The fact that the clothing is windproof, waterproof, highly breathable and designed for our sport is ideal for the Cairngorms environment."

Rob Edmonds, owner of Mountain Spirit, initially approached the club with the idea of sponsorship. He said it was important local businesses continued to get behind the strath's up-and-coming sports stars.

"The Cairngorm National Park presents many opportunities for youngsters living in the valley, but access to the various activities can be difficult, mainly because there aren't many clubs around to allow them to participate in the sport, in a safe, fun, and controlled manner," he said.

"Due to the dedication of Alastair Dargie, Mike Dixon, and Rodger Homyer, they have given the kids the opportunity to take part in this great sport.

"This year alone has seen the club membership rise to 80 members, which is fantastic, and not only are these children achieving national success on a competition level, but also now on a international level with some of the club members now competing abroad."

Mr Edmonds added: "In my opinion it's all about supporting the positive things that go on in Strathspey, which in the long term can be successful for the businesses and community by putting the area on the international map.

"If even just one of these kids achieve the international success that many Olympians from the area have done, such as Craig MacLean, Alain Baxter, Noel Baxter, Mike Dixon and Lesley McKenna, it will more than justify the support of our business."

Maria Chilvers, from clothing firm Haglöfs, said: "Nordic skiing is one of the world's most demanding sports and the technical nature of our clothing is a superb match for the Cairngorm Biathlon and Nordic Ski Club.

"We are proud to support such a forward-thinking club and look forward to seeing the results that the club achieve at a national and international level."

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