A. Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson
Spend the day learning beginner cross-country ski techniques on the beautiful trails in Kananaskis. This 5-hour lesson will cover striding, gliding and turning on easy terrain. With plenty of practicetime, that will help you become comfortable moving on skis.
Prerequisite: none. Includes: instructor.
B. Basic Hills Cross-Country Ski Lesson
Gain confidence cross-country skiing on hilly trails this season. Join us on rolling terrain in Kananaskis and learn how to move uphill, turn, glide downhill and slow down. There will be plenty of time to practice your new skills in this 5-hour session. Prerequisite: A: Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson or equivalent experience. Includes: instructor.
C. Cross-Country Ski Skill Builder Series
Get out and enjoy Kananaskis Country while building your cross-country ski skills! This four-week series offers personalized instruction and plenty of practice time to improve your diagonal stride, poling skills, downhill technique and speed through various terrain.
Prerequisite: Cross-Country A and B courses or equivalent plus several days of experience. Includes: instructor.
Intro to Skate Skiing
Extend your cross-country ski season by learning this fast and fun technique that eliminates tricky kick-waxing, and is great for getting fit. In this series you'll be introduced to the basic balance and movement of skate skiing. Learn various strides for climbing hills and cruising on the flats in these lessons at Confederation Park Golf Course or West Bragg Creek. Prerequisite: previous cross-country ski experience. Includes: instructor, Foothills Nordic trail maintenance fees.
Cross-Country Ski Sampler
Discover the network of trails right in your backyard. This 2-hour introduction to cross-country skiing will teach you balance and basic movement on gentle terrain. Hosted at Confederation Park in the city, so no long drive. Choose a morning or afternoon lessons.
Prerequisite: none. Includes: instructor.
Bunnies Ski Series
Join us on Saturday mornings this winter for a fun-filled cross country skiing experience! Designed for the beautiful Kananaskis ski trails, our Bunnies program is perfect for children ages 4-6 and focuses on classic skiing techniques, outdoor adventures, and playful games. Kids will be grouped by age and ability to ensure the best experience. A caregiver must accompany each child during the lessons, and you're welcome to join in and learn alongside us!
Jackrabbits Plus Ski Series
Spend your Saturday mornings in Kananaskis enhancing your cross-country ski skills with our Jackrabbits Plus program. Designed for skiers ages 12-17 who have completed our Jackrabbits 3+4 program or already have a solid foundation in skiing, this program offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Participants will refine their technique through engaging games and drills before embarking on longer, faster ski outings, covering approximately 5-10 km in most lessons. While the program is tailored for ages 12-17, we're flexible if you feel it's a good match for your skill level.
Jackrabbits Ski Series
Join us on Saturday mornings for an exciting Jackrabbit cross-country skiing program in the beautiful Kananaskis ski trails, designed for kids ages 7-11. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance your skills, our program offers something for everyone. Participants will be grouped by ability, ensuring personalized instruction that focuses on refining classic skiing techniques through targeted drills, fun games, and scenic ski outings.
Private Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Take a private lesson with one of our CANSI-certified guides. Learn beginner skills in a focused environment or receive coaching on advanced classic or skate skills. We can customize the program to individuals, small groups and families (2-4) depending on your specific objectives. Lessons can be half- or full-day and offered in Calgary and the mountain trail systems depending on conditions.
Please contact us for a complete quote by emailing ocprograms@ucalgary.ca with your group size, preferred date(s)/location and goals.
Programs listed here are not open to the public. Please register only as directed, and contact us if you would like a private lesson of your own.
XC Van Transportation
Register for a ski lesson (module B, C or D) and at the same time, book your hassle-free transportation to Kananaskis Country. Our van departs from the Outdoor Centre at 8 am and returns at 5 pm. Note: service is available on select dates for cross-country course participants only.
Custom/School Cross-Country Ski Program
Want to give your students or custom group a fun outdoor experience this Winter? Customize a group booking through the Outdoor Centre. Our guides can teach your students the cross-country skiing and wilderness skills needed while on a single-day trip or week-long expedition. All gear can be provided by the Outdoor Centre. Fill out the
Outdoor Centre Custom Group Activities Booking form to learn more.
These programs are for custom groups only to register and not open to the public. If you are interested in booking a custom program yourself, please fill out the form or contact
ocprograms@ucalgary.ca
Outdoor Winter Break Camp
Spend the winter holiday having fun and playing in the snow! We plan to drive to Kananaskis for 2 days of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and building snow forts. The other 2 days will be spent bouldering and/or wall climbing, swimming, building snow forts and more!
Please Note: all activities are subject to change.
