Adult Ski Lessons

NSAA is excited to offer Adult Lessons for the 2026-27 season!

A full schedule and details will be released in November.  Stay tuned!

In 2025-26, we offered a variety of lessons, and we plan to do the same in 2026-27.  Starting in January, we will be offering small group classes in both classic and skate techniques for everyone- from those brand new to the sport to advanced beginners!  Sign up for one or multiple to ensure a smooth progression.  This is a fantastic opportunity to embrace a healthy activity and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.  Join our coaches for a fun and engaging four-week lesson series focused on the fundamentals.

We will also continue offering private lessons, starting when the snow and allows and continuing throughout the ski season.  Private lessons can serve all ski levels, from beginner to a full customizable advanced lesson.  For skiers progressing beyond the Advanced Beginner level, instruction will focus on refining the “gears of Nordic skiing,” learning to read trail terrain and conditions to determine the gear to use, and can even provide personalized racing tips.

All skiers will need to dress for the weather and provide their own equipment- skis, boots, and poles.  Please note, there are different equipment requirements for classic vs. skating.  Make sure you have the correct equipment for your class, can take them on/off, and stand comfortably on your skis.

Let’s go skiing!!

*To participate in NSAA Adult Ski Lessons, you must have an active 2025-26 NSAA Membership. Any level of membership, starting at $60, is acceptable. Your membership directly supports the trails you ski during lessons, and helps NSAA continue to offer skiing opportunities for all Alaskans.

Questions?  Email the Program Manager at program@anchoragenordicski.com

Group Lessons

Group Lessons group skiers by technique and ability and are capped at 10 people per class.  We offer two four-week sessions, one in January and one in February, with 1.5hr classes each week, for a total of 6 hours of instruction per session.  Sessions are offered at a variety of locations, times and skill levels to accommodate different schedules and abilities.

Group Lessons are $130* for a series of 4 x 1.5hr classes. You are responsible for your own gear, and please dress for the weather.  (*price subject to change)

If snowpack allows, we’ll offer a bonus session in December!

The detailed 2026-27 Group Lessons schedule will be released in November.  Stay tuned!

Private Lessons

Private lessons are scheduled upon request on a rolling basis.  Beginning in November, you will use a registration link to let us know your requested discipline (classic or skate), goals, and availability.  We will connect you with one of our NSAA Coaches to finalize the details.  Lessons can begin as soon as the snowpack allows!

Private Lessons are $80* for 1 hour for 1 person.  You are responsible for your own gear, and please dress for the weather. (*price subject to change)

If you would like to bring a friend (max group size is 4), it is an additional $25 per person.

The Private Lesson Request link will go live in November.  Stay tuned!

What Skill Level am I?

To help you determine which skill level you are, here are our descriptions for each:

BEGINNERS:  For skiers who are brand new to cross-country skiing, or not yet comfortable leaving the flat and easy terrain.  

     For both classic and skate, we will focus on:

  • Proper body position
  • Transferring our weight completely from ski to ski
  • Using our poles less for stability and more for a source of propulsion
  • Learning to control our speed and stop
  • Learning proper technique for climbing hills and descending the other side

ADVANCED BEGINNERS: For skiers comfortable beyond flat and easy terrain, but still developing skills for intermediate terrain. 

     Classic focus areas: 

  • Striding without poles on flats and gentle uphills
  • Defining when to herringbone, stride, or double pole
  • Increasing downhill confidence- when to snowplow, step turn, or ride the tracks.
  • Working on transitions between techniques to move you across intermediate terrain efficiently

     Skate focus areas: 

  • Skating without poles up gentle uphills
  • Defining when to V1, V2 alt, or herringbone skate
  • Introduce V2 if appropriate
  • Maximizing glide with a flat ski
  • Increasing downhill confidence- when to snowplow, step turn, or ride the tracks
  • Working on transitions between techniques to efficiently move you across intermediate terrain

Thank you, Coaches!

Thank you to our incredible Adult Lesson coaching staff for generously sharing their passion and knowledge of Nordic skiing with our community. Your enthusiasm, patience, and dedication inspire skiers of all levels to get out on the trails, build confidence, and experience the joy of winter in motion. We are truly grateful for the time and heart you invest in helping others discover and grow their love for Nordic skiing.

Art Harmon, Bridget McBride, Carol Howarth, Dave Ward, Elizabeth Lee, Gino Graziano, Philip Bunge, Sam Cason, Sara Miller, and Travis Rector.

Other Opportunities

Lessons for Adults

Muni Masters

Adult Lessons (Chugiak Eagle River Nordic Ski Club)

Lessons for Kids Ages 6-14

Junior Nordic

Lessons for Kids Ages 4-5

Municipality of Anchorage Little Nordic Program