Cross Country Ski Lessons
Whether you're new to cross-country skiing or looking to enhance your skills, our friendly and supportive environment welcomes all. Our experienced instructors are certified with the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) and are dedicated to helping you master the basics, refine your technique, and have fun doing it!
Drop-in to an evening group lesson or go the extra step for a one-on-one private lesson with your instructor. This is a great way to get started on the right foot and develop good ski habits so you can get out there on the trails.
Drop-in Cross Country Ski Lessons
Our weekly drop-in lessons are tailored for the beginner to intermediate level skier and cover the basics of classic skiing (traditional diagonal stride). Depending on the needs of the group you may learn how to get up when you've fallen down, the basic diagonal stride and how to glide on your skis, poling techniques, slowing down and stopping, going up and down hills, how to turn corners, correct movement patterns, and how to ski with greater speed and efficiency.
No pre-registration is required; simply show up to the lesson location with skis on ready to go. Please note equipment is not provided. Payment is required upon arrival at the lesson location; arrive 10 minutes early. Cash or etransfer accepted.
Cancellation: If conditions forecast at 5pm are -21C or colder (air temperature) or a wind chill of -25C or colder (Environment Canada) lesson will be cancelled.
Cost: $20/lesson
Thursday evenings 6:30 - 7:15 pm (Classic), 7:30 - 8:15 pm (Skate)
Dates (2024-25):
- December 5
- December 12 - CANCELLED - cold
- December 19 - CANCELLED - cold
- December 26 - NO LESSON
- January 2 - CANCELLED - cold
- January 9
- January 16
- January 23
- January 30 - NO LESSON (instructor away)
- February 6 - CLASSIC LESSON ONLY (conditions not favourable for skate)
- February 13 - CANCELLED - cold
- February 20
- February 27 - last lesson
Location: Kinsmen Park, Saskatoon. If the instruction grid is tracked we will meet in the ball diamond area (see star below). If not, we'll be creative! Park in the lot opposite the Nutrien Wonderhub and your instructor will be nearby. Look for someone wearing a red jacket.
Private Cross Country Ski Lessons
One of the best ways to improve your skiing is one-on-one time with an instructor. Private lessons are open to skiers of all levels, classic or skate. These are more in-depth lessons that determine what's working well for you and what areas require some practice. You can work with your instructor to target specific skills if you wish, or simply do an overhaul of your technique to find out where to focus. Video is often used as a tool to help you understand where you're at and where you want to go.
Cost for a private lesson is $50/hour. If you sign up as a couple or group it is $50 for the first person and $20 for each additional person (maximum 6). Payment can be made by etransfer, cheque or cash to your instructor.
If interested, please contact the store with your information. An instructor will get back to you to set up a time and location that works best for all.
Kayak Lessons
If you are in the market for kayak lessons we recommend Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayak Instructor Lauren Erickson. Lauren has experience teaching courses from the introductory level to more advanced skill development. Currently Lauren has no scheduled lessons but is happy to provide private sessions.
For more information email lauren.erickson306@gmail.com or call 306-202-9322.
Canoe Lessons
We are happy to partner with Outdoor Experience to offer canoe lessons and certification. Run by Paddle Canada certified instructors Kim Archibald, Howard Sproat and Bill Morris, Outdoor Experience has been teaching and certifying new and experienced paddlers for decades.
For more information email info@outdoorexperience.ca or call 306-371-4275.
Another source for paddling lessons is through the Saskatoon Canoe Club. They offer canoe and kayak clinics and courses to their membership.