Connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
Ski Lessons: Group, Private, and Family
Nordic Ski Lessons
Whether you’re new to Nordic skiing or looking to take your skills to the next level, The Loppet Ski School offers lessons to help you build confidence, improve your technique, and enjoy more time on the trails. Our experienced instructors are passionate about skiing and excited to help you discover the fun and rewards of Nordic skiing.
Lessons are available in both classic and skate skiing, with options for individuals, families, and groups.
Contact
For more information contact lessons@loppet.org. For registration questions, email registration@loppet.org.
Ski Lessons: Group Classes
Learn alongside other skiers in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our group lessons offer an opportunity to develop your skills, build confidence, and enjoy the camaraderie of learning together. With options for a range of experience levels, you can find a class that matches your abilities and helps you take the next step in your skiing journey.
Group lessons are generally offered Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. Both classic and skate styles are available. Each lesson is 90 minutes long and taught by experienced Nordic ski instructors who love the sport and are excited to share their knowledge and passion for skiing.
Group lessons are open to skiers ages 14 and older. For skiers ages 7-13, check out the Loppet’s TRAIL KIDS Program.
Single Session Group Lessons
Choose the lesson that best matches your Nordic skiing experience. Both classic and skate skiing are available at each level.
First-Time Skiers – Classic or Skate
No experience necessary! Learn how to put on ski equipment, develop fundamental ski movements, and become comfortable skiing on relatively flat terrain.
Skill-Building Skiers – Classic or Skate
Have you cross-country skied a few times before? This class is for skiers ready to build on their experience and develop foundational skills. Learn the movements of common ski techniques and how to safely ski up and down gentle hills.
Progressing Skiers – Classic or Skate
Have you skied six or more times on your own? You’re ready to take the next step! Fine-tune your ski movements, learn to transition between techniques and terrain, and build confidence skiing up and down steeper hills with curves.
Multi-Session Group Lessons
3-Session Ski Lessons – Classic or Skate
Ready to make a bigger commitment to learning Nordic skiing? Our three-session lessons provide more time to develop skills, build confidence, and become comfortable on your skis. These lessons are designed to guide you from the First-Time Skiers level through the Skill-Building Skiers level, giving you the opportunity to build a strong foundation and make progress over multiple sessions.
Classes are limited per session on a first-come, first-served basis.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Please choose your date and time carefully, as no refunds are allowed. You can switch to another group lesson time, pending availability, by following the instructions here. Any lesson changes must be made more than 72 hours ahead of your scheduled lesson time.
All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.
Ski Lessons: Private & Family
For those looking for a more personalized experience, private and family lessons provide individualized instruction tailored to your skills, goals, and interests. Whether you’re learning for the first time, refining your technique, or sharing the experience with family and friends, our instructors will help you make the most of your time on skis.
Family Lessons
Family lessons are a great way to learn and improve together. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate in a family lesson.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available every day of the week at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. Each lesson is 90 minutes long and led by an experienced instructor who will tailor the lesson to your experience and aspirations. Lessons are available in either classic or skate skiing and focus on improving your skill, efficiency, and enjoyment of the sport.
Private lessons also include video feedback, allowing you and your instructor to analyze body position, fundamental skills, and timing to help identify opportunities for improvement.
Private Lesson Pricing
Pricing is based on the number of participants in your lesson.
| Participants | Price |
| 1 person | $110 |
| 2 people | $140 |
| 3 people | $174 |
| 4 people | $200 |
| 5 people | $225 |
| 6 people | $252 |
For groups of 7 or more, please contact us at lessons@loppet.org for large-group pricing.
All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.
Helpful Information
Meeting Your Instructor
Meet your instructor at the front entrance of The Trailhead. There will be an orange Lesson flag marking the meeting spot.
Please arrive 30 minutes before your lesson to allow time for parking, changing into your ski boots and meeting your instructor. If you are renting equipment from The Trailhead, please arrive one hour before your lesson to allow time for the rental process.
Be Prepared
Before your lesson, make sure your skis and poles are in good working order.
What to Wear
Comfortable clothing and light layers are best for cross-country skiing. You’ll warm up as you move, so dress in layers that are easy to add or remove.
We recommend bringing:
- Light base layers and socks made of wool or polyester
- A lightweight, windproof jacket
- A neck warmer or buff
- A stocking hat or headband
- Wind- and water-resistant gloves or mittens that fit comfortably inside your ski pole straps
After Your Lesson
You’ll appreciate having a few extra items to help you stay warm and comfortable after skiing:
- A thermos with a hot beverage, such as hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. You can also purchase a warm beverage at Aki’s BreadHaus inside The Trailhead
- A warm winter jacket for before and after your lesson
- Extra dry clothing, including a hat, pullover, socks, and gloves
Wet clothing can quickly make you cold, so having dry clothes to change into after your lesson is a great way to stay comfortable.
Refunds
All Loppet Ski School lessons are non-refundable. You can adjust your group lesson date and time, pending availability, more than three days ahead of your lesson.
Join the Community
Support The Loppet Foundation
The Loppet depends on our community to support our mission through donations, membership and volunteering.
Support our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
Membership at the Loppet directly supports our mission and gets you added benefits to enjoy!
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