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 go further and ski faster. For inquiries on the instruction program/registration, please contact the Adult Instruction Coordinator, Bruce Simms at 306-220-6967, email: brucesimms@sasktel.net. All fees are $90/course. Fee levels are set as a service to club members. Participants must provide their own equipment. Be aware that lessons must sometimes be postponed and re-scheduled due to either frigid weather or inadequate snow to groom trails. All lessons taught by Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) certified instructors.
2023-2024 Schedule
Course 1: Learn to Classic Ski – December 11, 13, 18 at 7-9pm Rob
Course 2: Learn to Skate Ski – December 12, 14, 19 at 7-9pm Bruce
Course 3: Learn to Classic Ski – January 12, 17, 24 at 7-9pm Bruce
Course 4: Learn to Classic Ski – January 9, 11, 16 at 1-3pm Cliff
Course 5: Downhill Skills – January 25, 30 at 7-9pm and February 3 at 1-3pm (May include a trip to River Ridge) Bruce
Course 6: Skate Ski Improvement – February 6, 8, 14 at 7-9pm Bruce
Course 7: Intermediate Classic – January 11, 13, 14 (Thursday 7-9pm and Saturday + Sunday 1-3pm) Cliff
Each Class has a maximum of 8 participants. Sign up early! All courses at Gordie Howe Sports Complex.
Lessons
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. Suitable for those who have never skied before or have had no formal instruction. 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 a fun and fast new way around the ski trails.
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 aspects of downhill. Depending on participant progress, the third session may take 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 confidence improves.
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.
Intermediate Skate Ski Technique
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.
Private Lessons
Private instruction may be preferable for some individuals and small groups as lessons are tailored to your schedule and needs. A lot can be accomplished in these typically shorter and more focused sessions. Contact the instructors below to inquire about private lessons.
Bruce Simms: 306-220-6967
Cliff Speer: 306-653-5693
Rob Howse: 306-664-6888