Cross Country Lessons

We have something for everyone from ages 5-105, beginner skiers and up. Cross country skiing is a sport that all ages and abilities can take part in. The Calgary Ski Club invites you, your family and friends to get out and enjoy our cross country skiing programs this winter. Don’t forget, cross country skiing is one of the most cost-effective winter sports – there are no expensive lift tickets!

Please Note: Costs for programs do not include Calgary Ski Club Membership, ski equipment rentals, or ski hill tickets. You must be a Calgary Ski Club Member to sign up for Cross Country Ski Lessons.

Jackrabbit Program

The Calgary Ski Club 2011/2012 Jackrabbit Program is now open for registration.

Our Jackrabbit Program focuses on the classic technique and is aimed at children 5 - 10 years old.

Focuses on classic cross country skiing only. Participants will be divided into groups depending on age and ability. If your child has never skied before, Jackrabbits I is a excellent way to introduce them to cross country skiing.

Dates: Saturday, January 14, 21 & 28, February 11 & 18, and March 3, 10 & 17, 2012 (8 Weeks) + Family Fun Day on March 24th.

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Lessons Cost: $60

Location: Various locations in Calgary and in Kananaskis.  In-city locations include Shaganappi Golf Course, Confederation Golf Course, Canada Olympic Park (COP).  COP ticket prices are separate.  Out-of-the-city locations include West Bragg Creek and the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Loaner Equipment: The CSC is pleased to offer a free loaner program of cross country ski equipment (skis, boots, and poles) and ski jackets to the Jackrabbits registered in CSC’s program.  If you require loaner equipment please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  after you register your Jackrabbit with their first name, height, and shoe size. You must provide a deposit cheque for the replacement value of the equipment in case of loss or damage, and you must attend a waxing clinic provided by the CSC to learn proper maintenance.

Adult Programs

The Calgary Ski Club Adults’ Programs are open for registration.

Adults' beginner lessons (January program)

Adults' beginner lessons (February program)

This program is targeted at beginner cross country skiers (have never skied or ski at a beginner level) to teach them the basics of classic cross country skiing. Basic application of grip wax will also be covered.

Dates: January session dates: 
     Every Wednesday, January 4 - 25, 2012 (4 weeks)

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Lessons Cost: $80

Location: Canada Olympic Park (COP).  COP ticket prices are separate.

Dates: February session dates:
     Every Wednesday, February 1 - 22, 2012 (4 Weeks)

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Lessons Cost: $80

Location: Canada Olympic Park (COP).  COP ticket prices are separate.

Meeting Spots & Trail Passes

CSC lessons may be held at a variety of locations. Please select one of the following links for a map to find your meeting point. 

• Canada Olympic Park (COP) - Canada Olympic Park is located in west Calgary just off the Trans Canada Highway at Bowfort Road SW (the last intersection on the Trans Canada Highway heading west out of the city). Our classes will meet by the warming huts in the northeast corner of the main parking lot.  Click for a Google map of our COP meeting spot.  Click on the marker for additional directions and instructions. COP weather report  For lessons or recreational skiing at COP, you need to purchase a day pass or a season pass directly from COP.
  •  COP season pass - purchase online -OR- phone COP Guest Services at 403-247-5452 -OR- purchase on-site at the Guest Services desk at the COP Day Lodge.
  •  COP day pass - view prices and purchase at the Guest Services desk at the COP Day Lodge.  There are often long line-ups, so please arrive there early.

• Shaganappi Golf Course – located in central Calgary just off Bow Trail SW. Our classes will meet at the north end of the main parking lot. Click for a Google map of our Shaganappi meeting spot. No trail fees.
• Confederation Golf Course - located in NW Calgary within Confederation Park just west of 14th Street. Our classes will meet at the park gate on Collingwood Drive just east of 19th Street. Click for a Google map of our Confederation meeting spot. No trail fees.
• West Bragg Creek - located west of Bragg Creek at the end of Township Road 232. We will meet at the park gate. Click for a Google map of our West Bragg Creek meeting spot. No trail fees.
• Pocaterra - located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country just west of Hwy 40 at the intersection of Kananaskis Lakes Trail and Spray Trail. Click for a Google map of Pocaterra meeting spot. No trail fees.
• Canmore Nordic Centre - located on the western edge of Canmore along the Smith Dorrien Spray Trail. Click for a Google map of Canmore Nordic Centre. Trail fees: adults (18 & older) $10, seniors & juniors $7.50, children $6.

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Downhill Lessons

In order to truly enjoy your first Downhill Experience without making a large financial commitment, the following lessons are recommended (offered by COP or any resort close to Calgary):

1. Enroll in the Discover Skiing or Snowboarding Lesson (includes lesson, lift and equipment rentals)
2. Follow up shortly afterwards with the Next Step Lesson (includes lesson, lift and equipment rentals)
3. Enroll in a group lesson to further develop your skills

We would encourage new skiers to try out a few different types or rental equipment before purchasing their own equipment. The New and Used Ski Sale would be an excellent opportunity to purchase equipment in the future.

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Do you have any more questions about our programs?  For cross country skiing-specific programs, please email our Cross Country Skiing Director at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  For all general inquiries, please contact our office at either 403-282-4122 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .