Adult Ski For Fitness
Adult Ski For Fitness
This friendly, non-competitive class is for recreational skiers or aspiring racers who want to improve skills and fitness at their own pace and level. Choose instruction in Classic, Skate, or both. You’ll also meet other skiers and have fun! Great review of technique from basics to more advanced.
Beginners who have never skied or are returning to skiing after a long absence may be more interested in the classic Thursday Nordic Newbies Program.
In January, Beginners can learn to Skate Ski on Tuesdays, and Classic on Thursdays. This will give them the ability to refine their skills in February by taking the regular Skate Ski program on Tuesdays and the regular Classic program on Thursdays.
The minimum requirement for beginner classes is that you can get yourself up off the snow on your own. Instructors will help you navigate the trails at Arrowhead so you can gain confidence to ski on your own and continue to improve your fitness.
Each program runs for 4 sessions and all lessons are 2 hours long.
Fee: $60 for each group of 4 lessons plus (one-time) $31 club membership fee*
Saturday Lessons
Skill Development-Classic : January 2, 9, 16, 23 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Skill Development -Skate : January 30, February 6, 20, 27,
(no lesson on Family Day weekend)
Saturday instructor is Steve Jones
Mid-Week Lessons
Are you interested in getting some exercise, learning new skills, and meeting new people this winter? The mid-week adult lessons might be just right for you. There are five different classes, each with a specific focus. The lead instructors are Catherine Smith (classic) and Anne Lindsay(skate), with backup from Denise Jordan, Eva Black, Sue Sedgwick and Kim Brophy.
Classic Ski Lessons - Thursdays
Nordic Newbies - (Thursday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1 pm to 3 pm)
This program is intended for people who are new to skiing and who want to learn basic skills. Focus will be on comfortable movement on skis, learning how to stop, turn, and glide. Classic equipment is needed; no wax skis are recommended. There is access to rental equipment at an extra cost. Click here for more information.
Skill Development Classic 1 -(Thursday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1 pm to 3 pm)
This program is for people who can already ski but would like to improve. The focus in this class is to learn and finely tune technique that will allow you to kick and glide with a proper weight transfer and maximum efficiency, while also getting a fantastic workout.
Skill Development, Classic 2 - (Thursday Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1 pm to 3 pm)
This class is a continuation for participants from both Nordic Newbies and Skill Development 1. We will work on honing skills as you develop more confidence on snow.
Skate Ski Lessons - Tuesdays
Unlike classic skiing, learning to skate ski is not intuitive, and instruction will help you build the necessary skills and confidence. It can take a few lessons to learn the basics and you will love the feeling when the technique comes together, and you feel like you are flying on the snow. You need to have skate skis and poles. (see below )
Beginner Skate Ski (Tuesday, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26 from 1 pm to 3 pm)
Have you always wanted to learn how to skate ski? Your instructor will take you through the progressions from basic push and glide and poling to managing hills and turns, setting you up for success to be able to head off on the trails by yourself.
Skill Development - Skate (Tuesday Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, from 1 pm to 3 pm)
This class will extend your basic skate skiing skills, focusing on techniques for flats, hills, turns, etc. You will get a great workout as you glide through the park, experiencing the exhilarating sensation that skate skiing can provide. The instructors are focused on fine-tuning your skills, taking you to the next level of ability.
* Club Membership includes a mandatory membership to our governing bodies, Nordiq Canada and Cross Country Ontario. This is necessary for insurance purposes and to ensure qualification standards of coaches as well as proper safety protocols. Members also receive discounts at local stores and are entitled to participate in club social events. The fee is charged once per season. (If you sign up for multiple programs, you only pay the membership fee once.)
Program Fees do NOT include Arrowhead Provincial Park Vehicle Pass. This must be purchased separately from Ontario Parks. ($60 for the winter - or $100 for the year allows you day-use access to any provincial park in Ontario.)
Preparing for Your Lesson
Equipment:
Make sure that your equipment fits well and is up to date. Click here for information on quality nordic equipment.
You can rent equipment from Arrowhead Provincial Park, or from Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville.Clothing: Nordic skiing is a very aerobic sport and you get HOT! Click here to find out how to dress in layers to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
Accessing Arrowhead Provincial Park - A Day-use Vehicle Permit must be purchased from Ontario Parks:
Single Day-use Vehicle Permit : $21 for everyone in the vehicle - purchase it when obtaining a reservation.
Seasonal Day-use Vehicle Permit: $60 for an winter pass; $99 for an annual pass (great deal as is good for ALL provincial parks all year!!!)Seasonal Permit holders must also register for a Daily Vehicle Reservation with Ontario Parks for Arrowhead Provincial Park . You will need to have your vehicle license # AND your season pass number to register online. You may reserve up to 5 days in advance of your visit. The park fills up so it is important you apply early (especially Family Day weekend - registration opens at 7:00 am)!