Adult Lessons

Edmonton Nordic offers lessons to all skill levels, throughout the winter. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned vet planning a new PB at the Canadian Birkebeiner, proper technique is an always evolving process. Easy to start, but a lifetime to master!

ENSC offers lessons at all levels over two winter sessions, a five-week pre-Christmas session, snow conditions permitting, and a six-week post-Christmas session. Pre-Christmas courses commence when the snow conditions are suitable.  If this occurs very late some of the New Year courses may be delayed until instructors have finished teaching the previous course. We will send out emails when an exact start date is made.

ENSC also offers specialised classes, which run all season. All program fees are for instruction only, and all class participants MUST become members of ENSC - More Information on Membership

All lessons are taught at Gold Bar Park, 50th street and approx. 109 Ave. (South Side of the river)

Students need to have their own equipment.  Some of the specialty stores where you can find this are: Campers Village, Fast Trax Run and X-Country Ski Shop, Pedalhead Bicycle Works, Totem Outdoor Outfitters ( new and used equipment) and Track  ‘n Trail.   If you are already an ENSC member you can ask for a discount at some of these stores.  Have your membership receipt with you!

Instructors (back to top)

All ENSC instructors are club members, and are trained & certified by the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI).

Classes are held at Gold Bar Park.  Enter from 50th Street and just north of 109A Avenue.  Continue past the sewage treatment plant to the car park.  From here you walk east towards the lake to the pavilion where we meet.

Class Descriptions (back to top)

Classic 1: This program is designed for the novice to intermediate X-C skier.  The skiers will be taught the basic elements of moving efficiently over the snow in a fun way!
The lessons follow a gradual progression and skiers progress at their own rate. There will also be an introduction to basic ski waxing, selection of ski equipment and dressing for varied temperatures.

Classic 2: This program is the follow-up course to Classic 1 and is designed for the intermediate to advanced skier.  Skiers will be taught the advanced form of the basic elements of classic skiing with an emphasis on balance in motion, using core muscles and developing more power in the various techniques.  Skiers will also have hands-on experience with performance waxing.

Skate 1: This program is designed for the novice to intermediate skier.  The lessons will follow a gradual progression whereby skiers will learn how to skate on the flats and up and down very gradual terrain.  Pre-requisite for this course is Classic 1.

Skate 2: A class for the intermediate to advanced skier.  Participants will be taught the advanced form of the basic elements of ski skating with an emphasis on varied terrain skiing.

Birkie Prep:  10+ weeks long.   Cost $100
Participants should be very comfortable with the fundamentals of classical technique and ideally have been skiing for a few years. Emphasis will be on technique and endurance. Some longer Saturday ski outings may be included.  Participants can join in with Masters dryland training (see below) if they wish to ensure they are ready even if the snow arrives late.

Adult Masters Training: Session1 is 12 weeks before Xmas.  Session2 is 12 weeks in the New Year.  Cost  $100 per session.
Offered at two levels. The first session starts with dryland training and continues on snow. Both classic and skate techniques are taught.

Adult Masters Training 1: This 12-week program will focus on technique development for the advanced skier with a format that combines skill improvement with fitness and coaching. The early season will focus on strong technique fundamentals. Support is available for skiers interested in longer day tours, loppets and racing.
 
Adult Masters Training 2: This group is intended for skiers with an excellent base of technique and who wish to join with others for a more rigorous training session.  Expect a challenging workout in this group as most participants are competing at a recreational level.

Wax Clinics: Fast Trax Run & Ski Shop and Track ‘n Trail hold several wax clinics, for both beginners and advanced skiers, throughout the year.

Schedule (back to top)

All courses run out of Gold Bar Park Pavilion.

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact
Iris Barrington Leigh, 

Registration Information (back to top)

Adult Lesson Registration Form:

• You can now also register online for all courses! Help us keep paper usage down - Online Registration
  
  
• Please also download the Adult Registration Form for your personal and medical information.  This form should be given directly to your instructor on the first class - Adobe Acrobat Format

Reminder: Registration in any lesson requires Edmonton Nordic Ski Club memebership - More Information

All Classes subject to availability and are on a first come first serve basis.