Nordic Ski School

Runs January – March (Applications open in November)

A perfect day at Teacup.

Nordic 2027 Info Night

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 three types of cross-country skiing classes: Classic, Nordic Backcountry, and Skate Skiing. 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.

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:

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.
If you have downhill skiing or snowboarding experience, but want to learn the basics of Nordic skiing, a level 2 class is probably appropriate for you.

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

Introduction to Nordic Skate Skiing

Ready to try skate skiing or expand your Nordic skiing skills? Join us for an introduction to Nordic skate skiing! This class welcomes classic Nordic skiers who want to learn a new technique and skiers who are comfortable on snow but have never tried skate skiing before.

We’ll focus on the fundamentals of skate skiing, including body position, balance, weight transfer, gliding, basic skating strides, and pole coordination. Through demonstrations, drills, and hands-on practice, participants will develop more efficient movement and build confidence on groomed Nordic trails.

Prerequisites

Participants must have basic balance and control on snow, including the ability to slow down and stop safely on both flat terrain and hills. Previous classic Nordic skiing experience is welcome but not required.

Learning Objectives

Understand basic skate skiing technique and equipment.
Practice balance, gliding, and weight transfer.
Learn fundamental skating strides and pole timing.
Develop confidence and efficiency on groomed Nordic trails.

What to Bring

Skate skis, skate boots, and skate poles
Weather-appropriate winter clothing and gloves
Sunglasses or ski goggles
Water and snacks

Come ready to learn, practice, and enjoy a new way to explore the snow!

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. 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).

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.

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

Rottefella Xplore, 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.

Nordic Ski School 2027

Nordic Ski School 2027

Applications open 11/6/2026

Nordic Ski School 2027

Course Details

Info Night

November 5 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.

Click here for more information.

Schedule

All-Program Dates

Thursday 11/5/2026 7-8pm Nordic Info Night (Zoom)
Student applications open 11/6/2026 and close 12/10/2026

January 2027 Session Dates

Student orientation: Thursday 1/7/27 6:30-8:30pm, in person at MMC
Saturday field sessions: 1/23, 1/30, 2/6
Sunday field sessions: 1/24, 1/31, 2/7

February 2027 Session Dates

Student orientation: Thursday 2/4/27 6:30-8:30pm, in person at MMC
Saturday field sessions: 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
Sunday field sessions: 2/21, 2/28, 3/7

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 $250 for members and $350 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 70 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.

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!