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.  

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.

Get out and enjoy Kananaskis Country while building your cross-country ski skills! This full-day session will review and improve your diagonal stride, double poling skills and introduce one step double pole. We will also work on downhill technique and learn how to keep your speed up on varied terrain. 
Prerequisite: Cross-Country A and B courses or equivalent plus several days of experience. Includes: instructor.

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.

The Loppet Foundation program builds upon; on snow ski skills, techniques and basic ski fitness. This 11-week program has been meticulously redesigned to allow beginners, alumni of the Learn/Train to Loppet programs, or those with other cross country ski experience to register for this program and build skills and ski endurance.

The core emphasis of the program will be on enhancing classic ski techniques in order to elevate your skills, amplify your performance, and fuel your passion for cross-country skiing, all the while fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.
Through interaction time between instructors and participants, you'll have the opportunity to establish clear goals and get motivated to enhance both classic technique and overall ski fitness. This preparation is designed to equip you to not only participate in but also successfully complete the Lake Louise Loppet.

The Outdoor Centre's ski coaches will guide engaging discussions during training sessions to cover essential topics such as gear selection, clothing, and fundamental basic nutritional considerations.
As the snow conditions allow, by early December, your cross-country skiing adventure will commence. The ski sessions will introduce and develop your classic ski techniques to build proficiency on snow.


 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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