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. Skill-building activities and plenty of practice 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
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. This course has a low ratio of students to instructor. Prerequisite: Cross-Country A and B courses or equivalent plus several days of experience. Includes: instructor.
Loppet Evolution
Loppet Evolution builds upon the legacy of both the "Learn to Loppet" and "Train to Loppet" programs. This 21-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 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.
With increased instructor/participant contact time, you'll have the opportunity to establish clear goals and get motivated to enhance both classic technique and overall 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 dryland fitness training sessions to cover essential topics such as gear selection, clothing, and fundamental nutritional considerations.
As the snow conditions allow by late November or early December, your cross-country skiing adventure will commence. Building upon the foundation from dryland fitness training, this phase will introduce classic ski techniques to build your proficiency on snow.
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
FAMILY FRIENDLY 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 without the long drive. Choose morning or afternoon lessons, and depending on snow conditions, we'll either meet at Confederation Park Golf Course, Shaganappi Golf Course, or the West Bragg Creek ski trails . Prerequisite: none. Includes: instructor.
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
Bunnies Sampler
This half-day program is an introduction to the sport of cross-country skiing. It's designed to give kids a taste of the sport before committing to a full program.
Bunnies is ages 4–6 and Jackrabbits is ages 7–14, and guardians are encouraged to join in.
No experience necessary. Transportation and equipment rentals are not included.
Bunnies Ski Series
Spend Saturdays learning how to cross-country ski and developing your ski skills. Tailored specifically for the Kananaskis ski trails, this Bunnies program focuses on classic technique, going for skis and playing games. Depending on group size, kids are divided based on age and ability. A guardian must attend the first class with their child. Guardians are welcome to join in.
Other options are Jackrabbits (ages 7-14) and Jackrabbits Plus (ages 12-17) for skiers looking for longer and faster skis with a focus on technique.
We will spend most of our sessions in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park however, depending on snow conditions we hope to go to West Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Village, and even some Calgary Golf Courses.
No experience necessary. Transportation and equipment rentals are not included.
Please read descriptions for individual events for more information.
Jackrabbits Plus Ski Series
Spend Saturdays in Kananaskis developing your cross-country ski skills. This program is for skiers who have completed our Jackrabbits program or already know how to ski and are looking for a challenge. We'll spend time refining technique through games and drills, and then go on longer and faster skis. There will be about 5-10 km of skiing in most lessons. Jackrabbit Plus is for ages 12-17, however we're flexible if you feel this program is a good fit for your skill level. We have ski programs for all ages. Check out Bunnies and Jackrabbits for more options
We will spend most of our sessions in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park however, depending on snow conditions we hope to go to West Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Village, and even some Calgary Golf Courses (if we do go to a golf course we will choose one with a large trail system). Transportation and equipment rentals are not included. Includes: instructor.
Jackrabbits Sampler
This half-day program is an introduction to the sport of cross-country skiing. It's designed to give kids a taste of the sport before committing to a full program.
Bunnies is ages 4–6 and Jackrabbits is ages 7–14, and guardians are encouraged to join in.
No experience necessary. Transportation and equipment rentals are not included.
Jackrabbits Ski Series
Spend Saturdays learning how to or developing your cross-country ski skills. Tailored specifically for the Kananaskis ski trails, these Jackrabbit programs focus on classic technique, going for skis and playing games. There are four levels of Jackrabbits and they have been divided into two groups this year: Level 1 + 2 are grouped together and Level 3 + 4 are grouped together. These are seperate events listed below. Depending on group size, kids are divided based on age and ability. Jackrabbits is for ages 7-14. Please read descriptions for individual events for more information.
Other options are Bunnies for ages 4-6 and Jackrabbits Plus for skiers looking for longer and faster skis with a focus on technique.
We will spend most of our sessions in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park however, depending on snow conditions we hope to go to West Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Village, and even some Calgary Golf Courses.
No experience necessary depending on level. Transportation and equipment rentals are not included.
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.
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.
