three skiers in open snowy field below rocky mountain

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.

skiers on groomed XC grid with forest and additional skiers in background

Cross-Country Ski Lessons

Our progressive 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.


Cross-Country Ski Sampler

Spend 2 hours (morning or afternoon) learning the basics of cross-country skiing on Calgary’s network of ski trails. This lesson will introduce basic movement and balance on gentle terrain and is a great way to try cross-country skiing for the first time without a longer drive.

View offerings and register for Cross-Country Ski Sampler

Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson

Spend the day learning beginner cross-country ski techniques on the beautiful trails of Kananaskis. This lesson will introduce striding, gliding, and turning on easy terrain, and the basics of going up and down small hills. Skill-building activities and plenty of practice will help you become comfortable moving on skis. 

View offerings and register for Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson

Intermediate Cross-Country Ski Lesson

Spend the day improving your ski technique on rolling trails in Kananaskis. This builds on the Beginner lesson and will help solidify skills for uphill, turning, downhill, and slowing down on rolling terrain. Skill-building activities and practice will help you become comfortable skiing all types of trails. 
Prerequisite: Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson or equivalent experience. 

View offerings and register for Intermediate Cross-Country Ski Lesson

Cross-Country Ski Van Transportation

Some cross-country ski lesson dates have optional transportation from Calgary available. Book van transportation along with your ski lesson to meet in Calgary and let us take care of the driving. Transportation is available only for participants of our instructional lessons on the same date.

View offerings and register for Van Transportation

Cross-Country Ski Skill Builder Series

Elevate your proficiency with our intensive 4-week series. Each full-day session will build your ski techniques to foster a strong foundation in movement, balance, and technique. Master efficient climbing and effortless gliding to be comfortable using a wide set of techniques to move over varied terrain.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Cross-Country Ski Lesson or equivalent plus several days of further ski experience. 

View offerings and register for Cross-Country Ski Skill Builder Series

Intro to Skate Skiing Series

Learn the basics and then elevate your skate skiing proficiency with our intensive 4-week course. Delve into the intricacies of cross-country skate skiing against the scenic backdrop of the Calgary's expansive ski trails.
Prerequisite: previous cross-country ski experience.

View offerings and register for Intro to Skate Skiing

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.

Fill out a Private Lesson Request form

No equipment? No worries! We rent cross-country skis, boots, and poles for a great trail experience. Book online

Questions? Contact:

Chris Chesham
Cross-Country Skiing Program Coordinator
ocprograms@ucalgary.ca