Adult Nordic Ski Lessons and Clinics

Offering adult cross-country lessons, clinics, and training for every level—whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills.

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  • Adult Cross-Country Ski Lessons

    Learn classic kick-and-glide or freestyle skate skiing in classes of up to 5 participants at GPRA or Archangel Road, depending on snow conditions. Lessons run from early January through the end of February. A women’s 4-pack Classic clinic is offered in February for up to 10 first-time skiers.

    Cost: $35 per lesson, capped at 5 participants; $50 for 4-pack women’s clinic, capped at 10 participants

    When: Lessons for Classic technique are offered on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons; Skate technique is offered on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons throughout January and February.

    How do I book a lesson?
    Lesson bookings are an MSSC member benefit. With a current Individual or Family membership, you can access the calendar to book your lessons through your Member Dashboard beginning December 15.

    If you have any questions, email us at info@matsuski.org — we’re happy to help!

    *In the event of poor conditions, we will attempt to reschedule your lesson.

  • Ski 101 In-Store

    The first of two free Ski 101 clinics is perfect for anyone new to cross-country (Nordic) skiing and ready to learn the basics before hitting the snow. Join us for this indoor, 1-hour session at Backcountry Bike & Ski in Palmer.

    Our Adult Lesson Coaches will walk you through ski gear, ski care, and how to layer for warmth and comfort—and they’re always happy to answer your questions.

    Backcountry Bike & Ski in Palmer — Wednesday, Jaunary 14th at 6:30pm

    No Mat-Su Ski Club membership required. No registration needed. All are welcome!

  • Ski 101 On-Snow

    This free clinic is the second of two sessions for beginner adult skiers. Participants will focus on the basics: putting on skis, stepping onto the snow, learning to fall and get up, turning, and a few essential techniques to start gliding confidently.

    The on-snow session takes place at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) when groomed snow is available, typically in late November or early December.

    Please dress for the weather and bring your own ski gear, or rent equipment if needed.

    Rental gear is available at Backcountry Bike and Ski (Palmer) or Play It Again Sports (Wasilla)

    Date and Time:Due to icy conditions at GPRA, we regret the cancellation of Ski 101 on Saturday, January 17th.

    We recommend new skiers book an Adult Ski Lesson for individualized learning.

  • Mat-Su Nordic Masters

    The MSN Masters program is a fantastic opportunity for any and nearly all adults.  Some consider their current skill as undeserving of the ‘Master’ term, but I can assure you, your current skill is not important.  It is the essence of pursuing mastering yourself that is key.  As we grow older, acting young becomes the magic.  Never stop striving, never stop learning new tricks.

    Click here for a free one-week trial

    Questions? Contact Coach Eric Strabel at eric.strabel@matsuski.org

A person cross-country skiing on a snow-covered trail in a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky.

Nordic (cross-country) ski Techniques & Equipment

Techniques

Classic Nordic Skiing:

This is the centuries-old original kick-and-glide, or diagonal stride, technique. Classic tracks are groomed for this type of skiing. When classic skiing the skis are parallel. The skier “kicks” downwards onto their gliding ski in front, making that ski stationary and gripped onto the snow for just an eye-blink while swinging the other leg forward and propelling a glide forward on that leg’s ski, until it is time in turn to kick down onto that gliding ski.

Group of four people skiing on snow-covered ground near a rural building and a mountain in the background.

Skate (Freestyle) Nordic Skiing

This technique is not new, but only became a separate competition discipline in the 1980’s. A wide, flat “skate deck” is groomed for this type of skiing. Skate skiing mimics the motion of ice-skating – the skis are in a V-shape as the skier alternatively pushes to the side with one gliding ski while transferring weight to and continuing gliding on the other ski. Both skis are always moving forwards – the glide never ends.

Any Nordic ski can be used for either technique, but ease and fun are allowed by proper gear.

Classic skis use a grip zone on the bottom of the ski to help you push (or “kick”) forward. This grip can come from wax, a fish-scale pattern, or a fabric skin. Classic skis have double camber, meaning the ski is springy and slightly arched so the grip zone stays off the snow while you glide, touching the snow only when you kick.
Classic ski boots are soft and flexible, making them comfortable for walking-like motion. Classic poles are shorter than skate poles.

Skate skis do not use grip at all. They have single camber and no grip zone—just glide wax along the entire base for maximum speed. Skate boots have stiff soles and higher ankle support to help with balance and power. Skate poles are much longer than classic poles.

Combi skis and boots are made to work for both classic and skate skiing, but they are a compromise and don’t perform as well as technique-specific gear. They are commonly used by growing kids or beginners. Pole length and boot stiffness often fall somewhere in between classic and skate, which can feel inconsistent.

Ski wax comes in two main types:

  • Glide wax helps the ski slide smoothly on the snow

  • Grip wax (used only for classic skiing) helps the ski grip the snow during the kick

Equipment