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2026 Nordic Info Night
The recording of the 2026 Mazama Nordic Info Night will be available soon.
Questions? Email nordic@mazamas.org.
The Mazama Nordic Ski School strives to meet students at their current skill level and take them up a notch or two. Whether you've never strapped into a ski binding, are an alpine skier who wants a new challenge, or a nordic skier who is ready for the next level—this class is for you!
The Mazama Nordic Ski School offers two types of cross-country skiing classes: Classic and Nordic Backcountry. Backcountry Ski Touring (formerly Ski Mountaineering) is taught as a separate program.
Course Format
The Nordic Ski School program consists of one mandatory, in person “Meet Your Instructor” Orientation followed by 2 class sessions on consecutive weeks. A third class session is reserved for a make-up class if weather or snow conditions cause class 1 or 2 to be canceled, or for an optional ski tour.
After being accepted into the course, students will be placed in groups based on their skill levels and stay with those groups throughout the course. Classes are held in late January/early February.
CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Matching students’ skills to the appropriate class helps to ensure a safe and fun learning experience. When choosing which class to take, you should consider your current skill level - including endurance, how balanced you feel on skis, number of miles you can ski, and the terrain you are able to ski comfortably. See skill level criteria below:
If you have downhill skiing and endurance, but want to learn the basics of Nordic skiing, a Level 2 or Level 3 class is probably appropriate for you.
Skill Level Criteria
Classic Level 1
- Have not skied before
- Skiing on gentle hills feels out of control
- Unable to demonstrate step turn, snow plow, and/or diagonal stride
- Unable to ski 2 miles on easy varied terrain without falling numerous times
Classic Level 2
- Took the Classic Level 1 class (formerly Beginner) in the last few years or returning to Cross Country after several years
- Able to demonstrate, but not yet mastered step turn, snow plow, and diagonal stride
- Able to ski 2 miles on easy varied terrain without falling numerous times.
Classic Level 3
- Able to comfortably ski at least 3 miles on varied easy terrain without falling
- Mastered diagonal stride
- Mastered step turn, snow plow on non-icy, low grade slopes
- Comfort with basic poling techniques
- Desire to increase skills and efficiency, including step turn, balance, weight transfer
- Desire to go on ski tours longer than 5 miles
NORDIC BACKCOUNTRY
For those who want to develop the skills and confidence to get off the beaten path. This class will emphasize winter backcountry navigation and negotiating difficult terrain with safety and comfort. Intermediate to advanced cross-country skills are required. Intermediate navigation (map/compass) is recommended.
- Essential prerequisite cross-country skills: efficient kick and glide, snowplow, step turn and kick turn.
- Fitness: outings are 4-6 hours, 7-10 miles, 1000-2000 ft of elevation gain, plus skill practice.
- Learning outcomes: backcountry navigation, safely skiing through dense trees, skiing steeper slopes, speed control on packed trails and introduction to advanced turning techniques.
- Flexibility on dates is required. Skiing the backcountry is condition-dependent. Expect that class sessions might switch between Saturday and Sunday or be postponed to another weekend.
This is Nordic backcountry not alpine (AT) backcountry, meaning: We will be skiing away from groomed tracks, roads, and trails, but limited to areas without avy exposure and we will be on Nordic BC equipment not AT. See equipment requirements below. Ski Mountaineering skills will not be covered (i.e. no avalanche training).
Backcountry Recommended Equipment
Ski
Single camber or camber and a half by 78–98 mm wide with metal edges and patterned bases. No AT skis.
Bindings
NNN-BC or three-pin backcountry. Telemark bindings optional, but heavier than needed. No AT bindings.
Poles
Adjustable length (extendable to shoulder height) with cross-country style tips.
Skins
Kicker (preferred) or full length.
Course Details
Info Night
October 29 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This presentation will provide information about the upcoming Nordic Ski class and answer any questions that you have about the class.
Schedule
- There is one in-person Student Orientation at the MMC on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7 p.m.
- Groups meet three consecutive weekends, either on Saturdays or Sundays. Applicants are asked to be flexible and available both days. 2026 weekends: Jan 24-25, Jan 31-Feb 1, Feb 7-8
- There is also one Level 2 team that holds fields sessions on Wednesdays, January 28, February 4, and February 11.
Time Commitment/Duration
Low—Nordic Ski School requires a minimal time commitment on weekends.
Short—Nordic Ski School takes place over a 3–4 week period.
Tuition
Tuition is $240 for members and $340 for nonmembers.
*lift tickets and trail passes are not included
Location
Orientation takes place at the Mazama Mountaineering Center in SE Portland. Classes are held in the Mt. Hood area.
Content
The actual class content and location may vary at the discretion of each instructor because of snow conditions or the particular needs of the students.
Travel
Carpooling with other students in your group is encouraged and is the customary way to get up to the mountain.
Class Size
The entire Nordic Ski School accepts appx. 60–75 people each year. This group is then split into cohorts of appx. 8–10 based on skill level.
Scholarship Opportunities
We are offering a limited number of scholarships to allow students to participate who will not be able to do so without financial assistance and whose participation can help expand the Mazama membership base beyond current cultural, economic, and ethnic demographics.
A scholarship is for course tuition ONLY. The Mazamas may cover the cost of your course up to 90 percent of the course tuition based on factors listed above. Other costs associated with the course may apply. Please see course home page for associated costs and logistics. All scholarship awardees will qualify for select course gear at a discounted rate.
Applications for scholarships will be part of of the class application. The Mazamas will contact you with the status of your scholarship application before course acceptance.
Required Equipment
The Mazamas do NOT provide equipment for this class. Skis, boots and poles may be rented from most local shops. Gear rental costs are around $80 for a month-long rental package.
Instructors
The Nordic Ski School instructors are Nordic skiing enthusiasts and volunteer to teach Nordic skiing simply for the love of the sport. They have First Aid and CPR certification and receive professional instructor training (Wy’East Nordic), guidelines, and support from the Mazamas. Each class also has at least one assistant instructor.
If you are interested in teaching or assisting with a Mazama Nordic Ski School class, please email nordic@mazamas.org. We would love to have you!
Nordic Schedule
This list contains the upcoming Nordic activities. Click on the button to get the full Nordic schedule.
