Ski Lessons
MadNorSki has the mission to share the passion of cross country skiing with others – “Cross Country Skiing for Everyone!” During the winter and now the summer, club members volunteer to give lessons to our community. We also have linked below some helpful videos for you to watch as well!

Rollerski Try It! Adult Group Lessons (Summer 2023)
One hour introduction to skate or classic rollerskiing group lessons for adults will be offered again this summer! Skiers need to have their own nnn binding ski boots and may borrow rollerskis from the club. These lessons are free and sign up links will open to the public on the Tuesday morning the week before the lesson. When you sign up, you will need to pick what type of lesson you are interested in: intro classic or intro skate. Lessons are dependent on weather conditions and may need to be cancelled. Any cancelation will be done 6 hours before lesson. Please check here for updates. Please only sign up if you are confident you will be able to attend. We look forward to skiing with you! Must be a Madnorski member to register for these classes.
Monday, June 12, 2023 — Intro Classic Rollerski and Intro Skate Rollerski
- Where: William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, 4330 Libby Rd, Madison, WI 53711
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm. (Please arrive 20-30 minutes early to get your rollerskis if you are borrowing from the club)
- Date: Monday, June 12, 2023
- Cost: Free (Current Madnorski members only)
- Class Full
Monday, June 26, 2023 — Intro Classic Rollerski and Intro Skate Rollerski
- Where: William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, 4330 Libby Rd, Madison, WI 53711
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm. (Please arrive 20-30 minutes early to get your rollerskis if you are borrowing from the club)
- Date: Monday, June 26, 2023
- Cost: Free (Current Madnorski members only)
- Class Full
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 — Intro Classic Rollerski and Intro Skate Rollerski
- Where: William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, 4330 Libby Rd, Madison, WI 53711
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm. (Please arrive 20-30 minutes early to get your rollerskis if you are borrowing from the club)
- Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2023
- Cost: Free (Current Madnorski members only)
- Register Here
Rollerski rentals: Summer season rental is $50! Classic or Skate with NNN bindings. Madnorski members only. The lesson groups will likely stay on the Lower Yahara River Trail that does not require a pass. For use of the Capital City Trail and the Military Ridge Trail a State Trail Pass is required for all people 16 and older and may be purchased online. Thanks!
Please be sure to bring your ski boots, poles, and a bike helmet to the lesson. A pair of lightweight bike gloves with fingers, and knee pads can be helpful when you are starting. We will have some pairs of knee pads available. For rollerskiing on pavement long term, you will want to purchase a set of rollerski ferrules. Asphalt will tear apart snow baskets in a short time!! You may purchase ferrules online at EnjoyWinter or Pioneer Midwest. Here is a video on how to take off your snow baskets and put on the ferrules: Switch out snow baskets
Winter Adult Group Lessons (Winter 2022-23)
One hour group lessons for adults will be offered during January and February on the dates below at Elver Park. Skiers need to have their own cross country ski equipment or rent equipment for the lesson. These lessons are free and sign up links will open a day or two before the lesson.
When you sign up, you will need to pick what type of lesson you are interested in: beginner classic, intermediate classic, beginner skate, or intermediate skate. Lessons are dependent on good snow conditions and may need to be cancelled. Any cancelation will be done 24 hours before lesson. Please check here for updates. Please only sign up if you are confident you will be able to attend. We look forward to skiing with you!
Adult lessons are free, however adult skiers need to have a day or season trail pass to be on the trails. And if you are able to contribute, we encourage a $10 per lesson donation to help MadNorSki support cross country skiing in the area through grooming, snow making, social events, youth programs and more.
Thursday, Jan 5, 2023 Lesson: beginner classic, intermediate classic, beginner skate, or intermediate skate
- Where: CXC Outdoor Recreation Center (Snow Loop) in Middleton, 4355 Schwartz Road
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm
- Dates: Thursday, January 5
- Cost: Free*
- FULL
Thursday, Jan 12, 2023 Lesson: beginner classic, intermediate classic, beginner skate, or intermediate skate
- Where: CXC Outdoor Recreation Center (Snow Loop) in Middleton, 4355 Schwartz Road
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm
- Dates: Thursday, January 12
- Cost: Free*
- FULL
Thursday, Jan 26, 2023 Lesson: beginner classic, intermediate classic, beginner skate, or intermediate skate
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time:7:00-8:00 pm
- Dates: Originally scheduled Thursday, January 19, rescheduled for Thursday, January 26
- Cost: Free*
- FULL
Thursday, Jan 26, 2023 “Ski Downhill With Skill Clinic” (NEW)
This clinic will focus on using best line, cornering at speed, step turns, passing on the inside, quick feet, positioning and balance, carrying speed through and out the turn and other fun stuff. This is for intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
- Date: Thursday, January 26
- Cost: Free*
- FULL
Thursday, Feb 2, 2023 Lesson: beginner classic, intermediate classic, beginner skate, or intermediate skate
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time: 6:00-7:00pm
- Dates: Thursday, Feb 2
- Cost: Free
- FULL
Thursday, Feb 2, 2023 “Ski Downhill With Skill Clinic” (NEW)
This clinic will focus on using best line, cornering at speed, step turns, passing on the inside, quick feet, positioning and balance, carrying speed through and out the turn and other fun stuff. This is for intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
- Date: Thursday, Feb 2
- Cost: Free
- FULL
Tuesday, Feb 7, 2023 “Race Clinic” (NEW)
This clinic will focus on race efficiency, when to use different gears, carrying speed, passing, cornering in traffic, drafting and other fun stuff. This is for intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time: 5:45-6:45 pm
- Date: Tuesday, Feb 7
- Cost: Free
- CANCELLED — Poor Trail Conditions
Thursday, Feb 9, 2023 “Race Clinic” (NEW)
This clinic will focus on race efficiency, when to use different gears, carrying speed, passing, cornering in traffic, drafting and other fun stuff. This is for intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time: 5:45-6:45 pm
- Date: Thursday, Feb 9
- Cost: Free
- CANCELLED — Poor Trail Conditions
Equipment rental information
Note that there is no equipment rental available at CXC Trails. If you want to rent equipment, please go to Elver Park and rent there between 4:30 and 5:30 pm the day of the lesson. You will need to then return equipment at their new Madison Parks Olin office on the next day (Friday) between 8am and 4 pm. Since there is no snow at Elver, their normal rentals are not operating currently. They are opening these evenings as a favor to us.
* All adult skiers need to have a trail pass:
Madison City Parks Cross Country Trail Pass
CXC Outdoor Recreation & Sports Center Trail Pass
Recommend YouTube Videos from PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America)
We hope you find these videos helpful!
- A Beginner’s Guide – Intro to Classic Part 1 | PSIA-AASI
- A Beginner’s Guide – Classic Skiing Basics Part2 | PSIA-AASI
- How to get Started – Skate and Classic PSIA-AASI
- More Beginners Classic – PSIA/REI
- More Beginners Skate – PSIA/REI
- Ski Gear Checklist – PSIA/REI
- PSIA-AASI Go With A Pro: Skate vs. Classic Skis Gear
- PSIA-AASI Go With A Pro: Cross Country Double Poling
- PSIA-AASI Go With A Pro: Coach’s Skate for Hills