top of page
Whitehorse Nordic Centre Adults Program.jpg

Adult Programs

Yukon_Kubota_total_trac_logos_page-0001-removebg-preview.png

This program is sponsor by

Learn, Improve, and Enjoy More Time on Snow​

​

Whether you're new to cross-country skiing or looking to refine your technique, our adult programs provide a fun and supportive environment to build skills, gain confidence, and connect with other skiers.

​

Lessons combine technique instruction, drills, and guided skiing on the Whitehorse Nordic Centre trail network. Programs are designed to help you improve balance, propulsion, and coordination while enjoying the social side of skiing.

​

Register early: many programs fill quickly! If your preferred group is full, join the waitlist. Additional groups may be added based on demand.

Good to Know

  • Maximum of 8 skiers per group

  • Led by qualified volunteer instructors

  • WNC season pass or day ticket required

  • Welcome email sent approximately 2 weeks before the program starts

  • Sessions usually meet at the main chalet or in the stadium; your instructor will confirm the exact location by email before the first session

  • Lessons build from week to week, so regular attendance and practice are encouraged

  • Sessions are held outdoors for the full duration of the program

  • Participants should arrive dressed for the weather, well hydrated, and ready to ski

  • Sessions are cancelled at -25°C or colder (see Cold Weather Guidelines)

Fees & Pass

Program Fee

2–3 Week Program: $100
5 Week Program: $150

Trail Access

Season Pass – Unlimited winter access
Lesson Day Pass – $10 on lesson days

Equipment Rental

$70 for the duration of the program

View Rental Details →

Get ready for winter with the right skills.

​

A great early-season program to refresh classic and skate skills and get ready for winter skiing.

Early Season Programs (Nov-Dec)

Technique / Level
Days
Time
Classic 1
TBD
11:00 - 12:30 PM
Classic 1
TBD
6:00-7:30PM
Classic 2
TBD
11:00 - 12:30PM
Classic 2
TBD
6:00-7:30 PM
Classic 3
TBD
11:00 - 12:30PM
Classic 3
TBD
6:00-7:30 PM
Classic 4
TBD
6:00-7:30 PM
Skate 1
TBD
6:00-7:30 PM
Skate 2
TBD
6:00-7:30 PM
Skate 3
TBD
6:00-7:30 PM
groomedtrail.jpg

Increase your enjoyment of winter with ski lessons.

​​

​

Whether you're learning the basics or refining advanced techniques, our winter programs help you become a more confident and efficient skier.

Winter Programs (Jan-Feb)

Technique / Level
Days
Time
Classic 1
TBD
11:00 - 12:30 PM
Classic 1
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Classic 1
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Classic 2
TBD
11:00 - 12:30 PM
Classic 2
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Classic 2
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Classic 3
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Classic 4
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Classic/Skate combo 3
TBD
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Classic/Skate combo 4
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
groomedtrail.jpg

Longer days, warmer temperatures, and perfect conditions for learning.

​

Spring is an excellent time to improve your skate skiing skills and enjoy the best of late-season skiing.

Spring Programs (Feb-Mar)

Technique / Level
Days
Time
Skate Level 1
TBD
11:00 - 12:30 PM
Skate Level 1
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Skate Level 1
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Skate Level 2
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Skate Level 2
TBD
11:00 - 12:30 PM
Skate Level 2
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Skate Level 3
TBD
6:00 - 7:30 PM
groomedtrail.jpg

🌟 Try-It Sessions Available!

One-time introductory lessons offered in French, Japanese, and for adults aged 55+. These sessions provide a welcoming and supportive space to discover cross-country skiing, build confidence, and connect with others in your community.

View the Events Calendar for upcoming dates →

Which Group Is Right for Me?

Programs are offered in both Classic and Skate skiing. Choose the level that best matches your current ability.

​

Classic Skiing

​

Level 1 — Beginner

Perfect for those who are new to cross-country skiing or have only skied a few times. Learn the fundamentals of classic skiing, including basic uphill and downhill skills, so you can confidently enjoy beginner (green) trails.

​

Recommended fitness: able to comfortably walk 2–3 km.

​

Level 2 — Developing

For skiers who are comfortable on beginner (green) trails and have at least one season of experience. You'll refine your technique and build confidence to explore intermediate (blue) terrain.

​

Level 3 — Intermediate

For skiers who are comfortable on intermediate (blue) trails. Focus on improving efficiency, confidence, and speed through better balance, propulsion, and coordination. New techniques such as kick double pole and step turns may be introduced.

 

Recommended stamina: 10+ km.

​

Level 4 — Advanced

For confident skiers who are comfortable on blue trails and can ski black trails. Continue refining technique, efficiency, rhythm, and advanced maneuvering skills.

Recommended stamina: 15+ km.​​​​​​

​​Skate Skiing

​

Level 1 — Beginner

For confident classic skiers who have little or no skate skiing experience. Learn the fundamentals of skate skiing through skill-building drills and guided practice.

​

Level 2 — Developing

For skiers who can comfortably skate ski on beginner (green) terrain. Continue developing core skate techniques, including one-skate, diagonal skate, and wedge turns. Offset will be introduced.

​

Level 3 — Intermediate

For skiers who are comfortable skate skiing on intermediate (blue) trails. Improve efficiency, balance, and propulsion while refining one-skate and offset techniques. Step turns and two-skate may be introduced.

​

Recommended stamina: 10+ km.

​

Level 4 — Advanced

For confident skiers who are comfortable on blue trails and can ski black terrain. Refine all major skate techniques and develop greater efficiency, rhythm, and confidence across varied terrain.

​

Recommended stamina: 15+ km.

​

Not Sure Which Level to Choose?

If you're unsure which group is the best fit, contact us (adultprograms@whitehorsenordic.ca) and we'll help you find the right program.

​

​

Before You Register

  • Please register only if you can attend most or all sessions. If you know you will miss multiple lessons, consider leaving the spot for someone who can participate in the full program.

  • Lessons build on skills learned in previous sessions, and participants are encouraged to practice between lessons to get the most from the program.

Cancellation & Refund

  • Program registrations are non-transferable.

​

  • Program fees are non-refundable, except in cases of injury or illness.

​

  • Refund requests due to injury or illness must be accompanied by a doctor's note. Approved refunds will be subject to a $20 administration fee and will be prorated based on the remaining portion of the program at the time the injury or illness is reported.

​

  • If a session is cancelled, the instructor will make every effort to schedule a make-up session, typically during the week following the final scheduled lesson.

​

  • If a session is cancelled due to weather, snow conditions, or other factors beyond the Whitehorse Nordic Centre's control, we will make every effort to schedule a make-up session. If the session cannot be rescheduled, a $30 refund will be issued for each session not delivered.

​

  • Lesson Day Passes purchased at registration are non-refundable. If a session cannot be rescheduled, the corresponding Lesson Day Pass may be used as a regular day pass on another day during the season.

Whitehorse Nordic Centre Classic Track.jpg

Cold Weather Guidelines

Temperatures are based on Environment Canada readings at the Whitehorse Airport (without wind chill).

​

  • -20°C or warmer: Regular sessions run as scheduled.

  • -21°C to -24.5°C: Sessions may be shortened to 60-40 minutes. Participants must wear appropriate cold-weather clothing.

  • -25°C or colder: Sessions are cancelled.

​

Participants should come prepared for the weather and use their judgment regarding personal comfort and safety. The Instructors may also cancel sessions due to factors such as wind, humidity, precipitation, or trail conditions.

​

Cancellation notices will be sent by email at least 1 hour before your scheduled session. Cancelled session will be rescheduled as much as possible.​

 

If you do not receive a cancellation email, the session is running as scheduled. Please dress for the weather!

Become a Volunteer XC Ski Instructor!

Whitehorse Nordic Adult Lesson.jpeg

Are you an intermediate or advanced classic and/or skate skier who enjoys sharing your passion for cross-country skiing? Do you like helping others build confidence and skills on the trails?

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteer instructors to support our Adult Programs at the Nordic Centre. Whether you have previous teaching experience or are simply eager to get involved, this is a great way to contribute to your ski community—especially as demand for beginner lessons continues to grow.

​​​​​​

Instructor Training & Support

Interested in becoming certified? The club will cover the cost of your CANSI (Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors) training course if you commit to teaching 8–10 lessons in the program (which may be completed over multiple seasons).

​

Already certified? Volunteer instructors receive a discount on their season pass.

​

Multilingual Instructors Welcome

We are also looking to expand program offerings in French, Japanese, Spanish or other languages. If you are comfortable teaching in another language, we would love to hear from you.

​​

​Help make cross-country skiing more accessible, welcoming, and fun for everyone. Join our instructor team!

​​

Want to get started? Contact us to learn more about becoming a volunteer instructor. Email adultprograms@whitehorsenordic.ca

bottom of page