Adult Activities

Ski Training Sessions for Adults

skier tarah

Adult Lessons are available in progressive group, private, semi-private and private small group formats for the 2021/22 winter season.

5 Week Classic Beginner Group Lessons (January 4 – February 1)

This group is for skiers that are comfortable on classic skis, but would like to improve their technique in varying terrain to gain skill and confidence. We will begin by improving balance and coordination on skis and progress to proper poling, flat, uphill, downhill and cornering technique skills. 

What: 5 weeks of progressive classic technique instruction
When: Tuesday mornings (9:30am-10:30am) beginning January 4th
Cost: $150

Contact: Coach Tarah

5 Week Skate Beginner Group Lessons (January 4 – February 1)

If you have been on skate skis before but find yourself using the same technique for uphills and flats, this is the group for you. We will begin by improving balance and coordination on skis and progress to proper poling, flat, uphill, downhill and cornering technique skills.

What: 5 weeks of progressive skate technique instruction
When: Tuesday mornings (11am-12pm) beginning January 4th
Cost: $150

Contact: Coach Tarah

8 Week Masters Training Group with Drop-In Option (December 8 – February 9)

This group is for skiers that are looking to fine tune their skate and/or classic techniques to improve speed and efficiency on all types of terrain. The lessons will be mostly technique focused in the staging area, but we will also be skiing to different terrain on the trails to practice specific skills from time to time. A headlamp and an adventurous spirit required! 

This year a drop-in option has been added to accommodate those that may have inconsistent availability or feel they only need instruction on certain techniques. Please note that the sessions are designed for progressing through the techniques as specific skills are acquired. If you choose the drop-in option, you may miss out on important aspects of the skate or classic techniques. If we fill the group sessions with regulars, the option to drop-in will not be available. The technique focus of each session will be as follows:

Skate Sessions

  • December 8 – Free skate
  • December 15 – One skate 
  • January 5 – Offset
  • January 12 – Two skate (only recommended for drop-in if you are already proficient at one skate)

Classic Sessions

  • January 19 – Diagonal stride
  • January 26 – Double pole 
  • February 2 – Uphill diagonal stride
  • February 9 – Downhill control and cornering (*classic or skate) 

What: 8 weeks of skate and/or classic technique instruction
When: Wednesday evenings (6pm-7:30pm) beginning December 8th
Cost: 8 weeks – $240, 4 weeks (skate or classic) – $120, Drop-in – $40 per session 

Contact: Coach Tarah

* Please note we need a minimum of 6 participants to run these groups and the group size will be capped at 10. Additional group lessons may be offered depending on interest.

Progressive group lessons not the right timing or format for you? Please contact Tarah to book private lessons or for more information.

Lesson Location

All lessons will take place at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre. Meet in the staging area outside the Warming Hut.

Preparedness

  • You will need to sign the online waiver (LINK) to confirm that you have read and understood the FNS COVID-19 protocols BEFORE you have your lesson. A proof of vaccination is not required.
  • Payment for your lesson must be made BEFORE your lesson starts.
  • Please come prepared for all types of weather (cold, wet, snowy, windy, sunny, etc) as your comfort is your responsibility and we will not have access to the hut to warm up cold toes. Lessons may be rescheduled in the event of extreme weather.
  • Please make sure you have the right equipment properly sized for your weight/ability. We do not have rentals. Contact Tarah for questions about equipment and rentals BEFORE your lesson.
  • Please ensure that you have a day pass or club membership at the time of your lesson. Day passes are available online HERE.

Make your online payment

Once your lesson has been confirmed, you will be requested to make an online payment:

Option 1: send an e-transfer to info@fernienordic.com

Option 2: pay by credit card using the Payment button below

Your Instructors

tarah leggottemily de freitas
Tarah Leggott
CANSI Level 2		Emily de Freitas
CANSI Level 1
Tarah Leggott is a CANSI Level 2 instructor that is passionate about cross country skiing as a lifelong, family-oriented sport that can be pursued competitively or as recreation in our beautiful, little corner of BC.Emily has been cross country skiing for over 20 years. She grew up as a competitive racer for Foothills Nordic in Calgary. She has coached in adult and youth programs in both Calgary and Whistler. I’m looking forward to connecting with the Fernie ski community and helping you reach your nordic goals! 
Contact Tarah
Any questions? Get in touch with Tarah

Mellow Mountain Rangers 50+ Training

on our second hike

In the mean time, what about some pre-ski physical training to get you ready for the trails as soon as the snow flies?

second hike of the season
Participants on a hike

Visit our photo pages HERE

This program has restarted for the 2021-2022 season. If you are interested to join our group, please contact us today! Make sure you also subscribe to our email list.

WINTER 2021 – 2022 UPDATE – Physical Training Program for Adults aged 50+

The 2018 – 2019 nordic season was an exciting one for the Fernie Nordic Society as it was the first season offering the 50+ Training Group. Unfortunately it was put on hold during the 2020-2021 season. But we are BACK!!

Primary focus

The main goal of the 50+ Training Group is to stay active and provide skills to increase skiing efficiency in a social group setting. The training program encourages group participation to help motivate people through a social and friendly setting. We also encourage the members to enter some fun races in the Kootenays as a way to motivate your training participation. While it is encouraged, it is not mandatory to attend any races.

Training Program

This season several participants are also doing some weekly physical training under the supervision of trainer Blair Crosby of Fernie Fitness.

Also planned are ski lessons on snow when the season starts. More details to come later as planning gets confirmed.

Any questions? Get in touch with a volunteer.

A Virtual Adventure in Fernie

matthieu home , ,
canadian ski marathon fernie
canadian ski marathon fernie

Saturday February 6 will be the start of a virtual adventure for the many cross-country ski enthusiasts who have registered for the 55th edition of the Canadian Ski Marathon – read the press release. This year, the Canadian Ski Marathon is being held exclusively in virtual mode and with more than 1,200 people registered to date. There is still time to register, as this year skiers can do so until the last day of the virtual event, March 7, 2021.

The Elk Valley Nordic Centre in Fernie has been picked as one of the recommended sites for the virtual event.

The organizing committee has created a virtual event that allows participants to meet their challenge close to home, allowing everyone to participate in our event, which is meant to be a celebration of winter. Despite the health restrictions,  with the financial support of our partners, skiers and all levels of government, we have worked hard to make this virtual event a reality and keep the legend alive.

Several options have been put in place to facilitate participation, improve the skier experience and make the event even more accessible to everyone.

Categories include distances of 15 km and up. Affordable registration fees apply. For more information, visit the official site at https://skimarathon.ca/register/fees/