Nordic Learn to Ski: Classic or Skate

Location : 1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Getting there
Rails to Trails encouraged with Bus 7 from South Minneapolis. We will be leaving by bus around 830 AM from Minnehaha Ave. Call Carol Engelhart 612 437 8003 to take the bus and go with us. Otherwise, parking is free with most spots across the trailhead by the Natural Snow trails entrance.
Meet up at the entrance to Theodore Wirth Trail Head building by the map. Carol Engelhart will be there with a sign.
Fee: No parking fee, no lesson fee. You do need a trail pass and arrive early if you are renting skis.
Description: A class to either increase your skill techniques or for the beginner . Optional lunch afterwards.

This outing is for you to improve your technique or if you are new to cross country skiing. The goal is to learn and be comfortable with the basics of classic or skate skiing.

For both Skate and Classic: At the beginning we will practice how to position your skis and get up from a fall. At the end of Session 1, we will go over how to prep the bases of your skis with simple methods and products.

Skate Skiing: Learn the basics of cross country skate skiing. Will cover the body position, the weight transfer, glide, push off and beginning V1. At Session 2 we will cover V1 (video) hill climbing and snow plowing on skate skis. We will also cover double poling in the tracks on the flat area. During Session2 skiers will be offered to go up Jim’s Hill, the shortest three hill loop at Theodore Wirth Park. We will always have one coach who can stay on the flats with those who don’t want to ski the hills.

Classic Skiing:
Session 1: Athletic position, gliding and weight shifting Using poles correctly to get maximum use of the glide.
Session 2: Hill climbing and snowplowing will be added. Those who want to stay on the flats will have a coach with them.

Exercise rating:
Session 1: Moderate. On the flats, but some endurance, balance and strength required to learn cross country skate skiing.
Session 2: Moderate to Challenging : Will be going up hills and down with snowplow and tuck .

To join this outing, you need to have basic endurance and coordination to walk briskly for 2 to 3 miles, be going to a gym working out, or be able to bike 5 miles.

Gear needed:
You need warm waterproof gloves, a good winter exercise hat, a light down coat or other light weight fall coat with layers. Two tops like a wool blend or poly blend top. Another option is a fleece jacket with a polyester blend jacket and long sleeve t-shirt. A good pair of wool blend socks. Hand warmers if your hands get cold. Do not wear a long down parka. I have seen beginning skiers go out in this and it inhibits movement, and they get too warm. Remember you are going to be moving similar to a brisk hike and will become way too warm if you have a heavy down parka. You can get overheated in too much gear. It is a balance of having enough to stay warm but not too much. You can bring the down parka and other sweaters or fleece tops for after the ski. It is advisable to change your outer tops to something dry and warm. There is a cubical storage for outdoor boots and coats. I usually bring a canvas bag and hide my gear in the cubical.

Please share your phone number with us so that we can communicate with you as needed.

Maximum number of participants: 12