Adult Programs

The Red Deer Nordic Ski Club welcomes all adults to enjoy the beauty and splendor of our great winter wonderland in the company of experienced, well-trained, and like-minded folks. The Club was formed by outdoor enthusiasts in 1972 and has ever since seen its membership enjoy back country tours in our scenic Rockies, adult ski lessons held right here in Red Deer, and the numerous day tours to the many great cross country skiing sites in Central Alberta.

Adult Learn to Ski

Adult Beginner/Intermediate Cross Country Ski Lessons

Improve your technique and comfort on skis in the company of expert coaches and like-minded folks! There will be 4 adult learn-to-ski evenings throughout the winter.

Join in on fun lessons to enable you to learn or hone your basic ski skills. The course will cover classic ski technique and an introduction to skate skiing.

Thursdays 6:30pm - 8:00pm

January 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 2025

Back up date in case of a cancellation will be February 13

Cost $80 - Limit of 12 participants

These lessons will take place at River Bend Golf and Recreation Area

Prerequisite: none - equipment is available for rent at River Bend

Participants must supply their own equipment (this can be via ski and boot rentals at River Bend).

Masters Lessons

This class is for adults who want to improve their ski skills, find companions with whom to ski and a sound preparation for the season. If you are considering the Birkie or other loppets and races this year, come prepare with us!

Wednesdays 6:30pm-8:00pm

October 16th until March

Cost $150.00 for the season.

Prerequisite: the ability to do moderate exercise for 1 hour or more so that you can get the most out of the session.

Mountain Ski Tours

This year we will be taking members to many beautiful trails and hostels in the mountains. Some tours require Avalanche Safety Training Level One (AST1). If you do not have this training, please select one of the tours without that as a prerequisite.

Contact Kelly Bogle at rkbogle@telusplanet.net with questions about any of the trips, equipment or training required.

See full Calendar and descriptions of Mountain Tour Dates here.

register here

More on Mountain Tours...

The Red Deer Nordic Ski Club welcomes all adults to enjoy the beauty and splendor of our great winter wonderland in the company of experienced, well-trained, and like-minded folks. The Club was formed by outdoor enthusiasts in 1972 and has ever since seen its membership enjoy back country tours in our scenic Rockies, adult ski lessons held right here in Red Deer, and the numerous day tours to the many great cross country skiing sites in Central Alberta.

Parkland Cross Country Ski Club takes safety in the back country seriously has a policy that all tourers on back country trips with AST1 required carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe and have a minimum of Avalanche Safety Level 1 (AST1) training. If you need avalanche safety equipment, we have some for rent at the following rates:

Transceivers $10/weekend $5/extra day
Probes $2/weekend $1/extra day
Hoe Shovels no charge – we encourage all tourers to use hoe shovels!

Day Tours

While most Day Tours are planned in advance, they may also be organized on quite short notice due to changing snow conditions and weather. Check back frequently!

Day tours are for both club members and non members are welcome to try one out as well. If you are not a members you will be required to sign a waiver. Please call the Contact if you are interested in attending a tour, as tours may be cancelled if no interest is shown prior to one week in advance. Please watch for any changes or additions to the schedule.

Avalanche Rescue Training

There are trips on the schedule that require a certification in avalanche safety training. Those trips are identified on the schedule of tours.

The certification required for some trips can be any level of the Avalanche Skills Training (AST) beyond Companion Rescue. The Yamnuska Centre and the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre both operate excellent programs if the club is not running one itself.

The two day AST1 course will give you an understanding of avalanches and avalanche terrain to help you assess your position and provide the rescue skills required to participate and contribute to your touring companions’ safety. The AST2 course is generally 4 days, requiring AST1 as a prerequisite, and will provide opportunities to enhance and deepen your knowledge and practice of the skills.