Adult Lessons

We offer a wide variety of lessons for adults of most skills and abilities. Everyone can benefit from ski lessons. While cross country skiing can appear deceptively simple, instruction makes skiing less effort and more fun, enabling you to ski further and faster with more confidence. For inquiries on the instruction program/registration, please contact the Adult Instruction Coordinator, Bruce Simms at 306-220-6967, email: [email protected]. All fees are $100/course. Courses are a service to club members.  Participants must provide their own equipment.  The club doesn’t have rental equipment. We highly recommend going to a full service Nordic ski shop such as Eb’s Source for  Adventure or Escape Sports for your equipment needs.  Be aware that lessons must sometimes be postponed and re-scheduled due to either frigid weather or inadequate snow to groom trails.   All courses taught by Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) certified instructors who are club members.

 

Rescheduling and Refunds

  • Minimum registration requirements are 3-4 students.  Max is 8. If min isn’t met the course will be cancelled and full refunds issued.
  • Refunds will be issued if the course is cancelled or the student cannot attend the course due to illness or injury.
  • Re-scheduling of classes will occur if temp without windchill is below -20C or blow -25 with windchill.
  • If a lesson must be re-scheduled, individuals who cannot make the re-scheduled session will not be re-funded. The instructor will do his best to consider student availability when re-scheduling.
  • The decision on refunds is on an individual basis at the discretion of the Adult Instruction Coordinator.
Register for Adult Lessons

2024-2025 Schedule

Course 1: Learn to Classic Ski –  December 9, 11 & 16  7-9pm   Rob

Course 2: Learn to Skate Ski – January  7, 9 & 14 7-9pm  Bruce

Course 3: Learn to Classic Ski – January 7, 9 & 14  1-3pm Cliff

Course 4: Downhill Skills – January 21, 23 at 7-9pm and Jan 25 at 1.30-3.30 pm (Sat Jan 25 is at River Ridge Nordic)  Bruce

Course 5: Skate Ski Skills Improvement – February 4, 6 & 11 at 7-9pm  Bruce

Course 6: Intermediate Classic – January 10, 13, 14 (Weds 7-9pm and Saturday + Sunday 1-3pm)  Cliff

 

Lessons

Sign up early to avoid disappointment as max number of students per course is 8.  Lessons take place at the xcountry ski area in the Gordie Howe Sports Complex in the SW part of the city.  Adjacent to Holiday Park golf course.

 Learn to Classic Ski

Each classic course covers identical content – waxing theory, equipment and clothing, basic diagonal stride techniques, including balance and weight transfer, double poling, herringbone, and snowplow, turning and stopping. Ideal for those who have never skied before or have had no formal instruction and want an understanding of fundamentals. You provide your own ski equipment.    

Learn to Skate Ski

A course for those new to skate skiing or those wanting an understanding of the skate fundamentals. Covers equipment, basic skate techniques – free skate, one skate, two skate and offset. You will need your own skate ski equipment for this course.  Your instructor will guide your step-by-step progress to an exciting and fast new way around the ski trails. More techniques = more ski fun!   We usually recommend some experience in classic before learning skate skiing.

XC Downhill Skills Clinic

Would you like to be more knowledgeable and confident with downhill maneuvers? Could we help you ski a wider variety of trails? If so, this course may be for you. The first two sessions will take place at the Gordie Howe practice hill. It will cover the fundamental skills and mental and safety aspects of downhill. Depending on participant progress, the third session takes place on a Saturday at Langham (River Ridge) ski trails, built on the slope of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. As these trails aren’t part of SNSC, a small donation for use is appreciated. Expect to be incrementally challenged and rewarded throughout the course as your skills and confidence improves. This course isn’t suitable for a complete beginner, they should take learn to classic ski first.

Intermediate Classic Ski Technique

Skill improvement for skiers interested in understanding and applying the principles of efficient motion on skis. Course includes waxing theory, review of basic technique and practice on areas needing improvement, plus adding more advanced techniques such as kick double-pole. Longer daylight for this course will permit using the Holiday Park Golf Course slopes for tuning your hill skills. Previous beginner instruction would be an asset, but equivalent experience and feeling comfortable on your skis will help you progress in skill development.

Skate Ski Technique Improvement

Let us help you take your one skate, two skate and offset techniques to the next level with drills, instruction and feedback that focuses on timing, balance, and coordination of movement. Your technical know-how will improve as we break down complete techniques into phases for practice. Expect this course to both challenge and reward you. You’ll soon be rocketing around the trails!

Private Lessons

Private instruction may be preferable for some individuals and small groups as lessons are tailored to your schedule, pace of learning and goals. A lot can be accomplished in these shorter and individually focused sessions. Contact the instructors below to inquire about private lessons in both classic and skate.

Bruce Simms: 306-220-6967
Cliff Speer: 306-653-5693
Rob Howse: 306-664-6888