Cross-Country Skiing
Experience the Thrill of Cross-Country Skiing
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the pristine landscapes of Alberta with our premier cross-country ski programs. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a novice eager to explore, our expertly-crafted adventures cater to all skill levels and ages. Choose from Sampler programs offered inside the city for low-barrier access, or full-day courses on Kananaskis trail networks, for beginners or experience skiers.
Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Our A-B-C program is the ideal way to grow your XC skills, starting with a beginner lesson and offering two more next steps after some practice days.
Not sure? Take a Sampler first to give it a try.
Ready for more? Take up skate skiing in our intro series.
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 introduce striding, gliding, and turning on easy terrain. With plenty of practice time, this will help you become comfortable moving on skis. Prerequisite: none.
View offerings and register for Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson
B. Basic Hills Cross-Country Ski Lesson
Immerse yourself in a day of adventure and skill-building on the stunning rolling trails of Kananaskis. Our comprehensive 5-hour lesson covers essential techniques such as moving uphill, mastering turns, gliding downhill, and controlling your speed on varied terrain. Through engaging activities and ample practice, you'll gain the confidence to navigate hills with ease and enjoyment. Prerequisite: A: Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson or equivalent experience.
View offerings and register for Basic Hills Cross-Country Ski Lesson
C. Ski Skills Builder (1-Day)
This single day is focused on building your ski techniques on the beautiful trails in Kananaskis. This 5-hour lesson will improve on diagonal striding and poling skills, while building downhill techniques and learning how to maintain speed on all terrain. Skill-building activities and plenty of practice will help you become more efficient and comfortable moving over varied terrain using a wide set of ski techniques.
C. Ski Skills Builder (Series)
In this immersive 4-week program, the full-day sessions will break down fundamental principles of skiing, build on your existing skills, and foster a strong foundation in movement, balance, and technique. This series will improve on diagonal striding and poling skills while building downhill techniques to enhance your efficiency and confidence in a variety of terrain. Through hands-on activities and extensive practice with our expert coaches, you'll enjoy exploring the beautiful trails of Kananaskis.
Prerequisite: Cross-Country A and B courses or equivalent plus several days of experience.
Cross-Country Ski Sampler
Discover the network of trails right in your backyard. This 2-hour lesson (morning or afternoon) at Confederation Park will introduce basic movement and balance on gentle terrain without the longer drive. Prerequisite: none.
Intro to Skate Skiing
Elevate your skate skiing proficiency with our intensive 4-week course against the scenic backdrop of the city's expansive ski trails. In this immersive program, four 2-hour sessions will introduce you to the principles of skate skiing, fostering a strong foundation in movement, balance, and technique. Guided by our expert coaches, you'll master basic strides for efficient climbing and effortlessly gliding on the flat grooming at Confederation Park.
Prerequisite: previous cross-country ski experience. Includes: Foothills Nordic trail maintenance fees.
Private Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Take a private lesson with one of our CANSI-certified instructors. Learn beginner skills in a focused environment or receive coaching on advanced classic or skate skills. We can customize the program to individuals, families, or small groups (2-4 participants) 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 your group size, preferred date(s)/location, and goals.
No equipment? No worries! We rent cross-country skis, boots, and poles for a great trail experience. Book online
Grooming Reports
Check current trail conditions on cross-country ski networks in Calgary, Kananaskis, and other parts of Alberta