BIG NATURE
RADMUMS X BIG NATURE
Cross-Country Ski sessions
JANUARY 25, 2025 | FEBRUARY 15, 2025 | MARCH 8, 2025
Are you ready to find your new winter passion and explore the stunning trails of the Rocky Mountains? Join our 2-part cross-country ski series to build skills, gain confidence, and connect with like-minded people while exploring some of Alberta's best trail networks for classic cross-country skiing.
Spots are available on a first-come-first served basis - spots are guaranteed by payment.
We’ll start with gear basics and fundamental techniques, then gradually progress to more challenging terrain where you’ll learn how to climb and descend hills and strengthen your stride.
Join us for both sessions or choose the ones that match your current skill level. Pricing includes transportation from our Northwest Calgary meeting point, professional instruction and park fees (where applicable) to ensure you feel supported every step of the way!
Break the doldrums of winter and create memories in one the world's most beautiful places with Radmums and Big Nature!
January 25, 2025: Flat Terrain Session
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
This session has been cancelled/postponed to be combined with the February Session
An introduction or refresher of flat terrain skills. This Session will focus on the fundamentals of classic style cross country skiing, and will give you the confidence to move onto our hill Session! We will cover basic movement on skis, balance, weight transfer and glide, culminating in the perfect diagonal stride. After a break for lunch, we’ll cover double polling, then touch on basic hill skills before hitting the trails for a ski in the afternoon!
Location: West Bragg Creek or Kananaskis Village or Peter Lougheed (dependent on conditions)
February 15, 2025:
Flat Terrain Session & Hill Terrain Session
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
An introduction or refresher of flat terrain skills. This Session will go over the fundamentals of classic style cross country skiing We will cover basic movement on skis, balance, weight transfer and glide, culminating in the perfect diagonal stride.
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We’ll cover everything from energy efficient climbing techniques to controlled descent techniques. In the afternoon we’ll test your newly acquired skills on the hills and go for a ski on the surrounding trails.
Location: West Bragg Creek or Kananaskis Village or Peter Lougheed (dependent on conditions)
March 8, 2025: Full Day Ski Tour
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Test your new ski skills on a full-day adventure designed for intermediate/advanced skiers or graduates of the first 2 Sessions. Tackle advanced trails and enjoy the rush of skiing through pristine backcountry, all while surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountains. You will receive coaching from our expert instructor throughout the day, but the main focus will be enjoying a fabulous winter day on the trails with new friends!
Location: Kananaskis Village or Peter Lougheed (dependent on conditions)
Price:
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1 Session: $100.00
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2 Sessions: $190.00
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Entire Series: $280.00
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Optional gear rental (Skis, boots, poles): $30.00 per session
Group Size Per Date:
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Minimum: 5 participants
- Maximum: 13 participants
MORE DETAILS
- Transportation included for every session
- This program is designed for adults but teens (13-17) accompanied by their parent(s) are welcome.
CLOTHING LIST
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Wool or synthetic insulating base layers (avoid cotton fabrics which absorb water and stay cold)
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Insulating mid layer (fleece or wool sweater)
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Warm jacket (down or synthetic fill)
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Shell jacket (to break the wind)
- Warm pants (water resistant is ideal)
- Gloves or mitts (water resistant is ideal)
- Toque and neck gaiter (Buff)
- Warm wool socks
GEAR LIST
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Backpack (that fits all of your equipment)
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF
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Lunch and snacks
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1-2 litres of water or hot drinks
- *Classic-style no-wax cross-country skis (optional)
- *Cross-country ski boots (optional)
- *Cross-country ski poles (optional)
OPTIONAL ITEMS
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Extra warm layers and spare socks, toque/mitts
- Spare warm clothing to change into after the session
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Hand and toe warmers
*Cross country skis, boots and poles must be fit to your height, weight and shoe size.*
Having the right equipment makes all the difference in your experience and enjoyment on the trails. While borrowing skis or using old gear from a family member might seem like an easy way to save money, it can actually hold you back and even make your experience unsafe. If you are unsure if your gear is adequate please consider renting or getting your gear tested at a reputable ski shop such as The Norseman/U of C Outdoor Center. High quality rentals are also available through Big Nature.
Weather Policy:
We’re Here for Your Safety and Enjoyment!
We’re committed to offering a fun and safe skiing experience, no matter the weather! We’ll ski in most conditions, but in the rare event of extreme weather that could impact safety—such as very cold temperatures, high winds, or hazardous road conditions—we may need to adjust the plan. This could include temperatures below -25°C (including windchill), severe wind, or travel advisories.
If conditions are challenging, we’ll do our best to relocate to a more suitable spot, adjust the itinerary with extra breaks, or, in some cases, cancel the session if there’s no safe alternative. We’ll always keep you informed of any changes or cancellations ahead of time, so if you haven’t heard from us, you can assume the program is going ahead as planned.
To stay in the loop, please make sure we have your current contact information, including a phone number where you can be reached the day before or the morning of the session, in case we need to reach you.
Be sure to check mountain forecasts before the session, as conditions in the mountains can differ from the city. Dress accordingly, and we’ll see you on the trails—come rain, snow, or sunshine!
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change! If you need to cancel your participation the cross country ski program, here’s our cancellation policy:
- Cancellations made up to 7 days before your scheduled session will be fully refunded, minus a small booking fee to cover administrative costs.
- Cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled session are non-refundable.
Please note:
We recommend letting us know as early as possible if you need to cancel, so we can try to accommodate others who may want to join. We appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to skiing with you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This program is designed for adults who want to embrace winter and learn or improve their cross-country skiing skills in a supportive environment. Teens aged 13-17 are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Each session includes:
- Professional instruction from a CANSI-certified instructor.
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass for the day(s) we are in K-country
- Transportation to and from meeting point in Calgary (McDonald's in NW Calgary - 2320 16th Ave NW)
Please note: Ski rentals are not included in the base price. You are welcome to add rental gear to your booking in advance, and we will have them for you on the day of the program (yes, we’ll pick them up and drop them off for you!). Rentals are available for a $30.00 fee, all we need is your most accurate height and weight and shoe size.
January 25, 2025: Flat Terrain Session Learn the fundamentals of classic cross-country skiing, including balance, weight transfer, and glide, culminating in the diagonal stride. This session also introduces double poling and basic hill skills.
February 15, 2025: Hill Terrain Session Build confidence on hill terrain by learning energy-efficient climbing techniques and controlled descents. Test your skills on surrounding trails in the afternoon.
March 8, 2025: Full Day Ski Tour Enjoy a full-day backcountry adventure, perfect for intermediate/advanced skiers or graduates of the first two Sessions. Receive coaching while exploring advanced trails.
- 1 Session: $100
- 2 Sessions: $190
- 3 Sessions: $280
Optional Gear Rental: $25 per Session (skis, boots, and poles).
Sessions are held at West Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Village, or Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, depending on snow and weather conditions. Final locations will be confirmed closer to the session dates.
Please meet us in the morning at the McDonald's in NW Calgary 8235 Bowridge Crescent NW, Calgary, AB Map Here at 7:30AM. Parking is available in the McDonald’s lot and the street adjacent.
- Clothing: Wool or synthetic layers, shell jacket/pants, gloves/mitts, toque, and neck warmer.
- Gear: Classic-style no-wax cross-country skis, boots, poles, and a backpack.
- Extras: Packable insulating jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and 1-2 liters of water or hot drinks.
- Lunch and Snacks!
Recommended: Spare warm layers and clothing for after the session.
Yes! You can choose to join individual sessions based on your skill level and availability.
Each session requires a minimum of 5 participants and accommodates a maximum of 13 participants.
We’ll ski in most weather conditions. However, sessions may be relocated, adjusted, or canceled in the event of extreme weather, such as temperatures below -25°C (including windchill), high winds, or hazardous road conditions. We’ll notify participants in advance of any changes.
Cancellations made up to 7 days before the session will receive a full refund (minus a small booking fee).
Cancellations within 7 days of the session are non-refundable.
Yes, optional gear rental is available for $30 per session. This includes skis, boots, and poles. Please reserve rentals in advance by providing your weight and shoe size within the above registration form.
Register online with the form on this webpage, or contact us directly. Early registration is recommended as spaces are limited. Spots are available on a first-come-first served basis - spots are guaranteed by payment.
We encourage renting gear that fits your size and skill level. Properly fitted equipment enhances your performance, comfort, and safety.
Teens aged 13-17 can participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Both must have appropriate equipment.
- Review the provided checklist to ensure you have the right gear and clothing.
- Beginners may benefit from light fitness exercises to build endurance.
- Check mountain weather forecasts before heading out and dress accordingly.
For additional questions, feel free to contact us at