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.
Learn to Rollerski Lessons Spring 2025
Get ready for summer rollerskiing in spring! Learn to Rollerski for Adults includes four sessions focusing on safety, trail etiquette, how to stop, basic technique like double poling, turning, going down gentle hills, getting comfortable skiing on the Cap City Trail, and meeting other skiers new to rollerskiing. Recommended for people who have experience Nordic skiing.
- Where: Capital City Trail Parking Lot
- Time: Wednesdays 5:30-6:45 pm. (Please arrive 20 minutes early at the first lesson to get your rollerskis if you are renting from the club)
- Dates: 4 consecutive weeks starting Wednesday April 23 (4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14)
- Cost: $85 for club members, $105 for non-members
Equipment and trail pass
Rollerski rentals: Spring or Summer season rental is $50. Classic or Skate with NNN bindings. Madnorski members only.
Please be sure to bring your ski boots, poles, and a bike helmet to each lesson. A pair of lightweight bike gloves with fingers, and knee pads can be helpful when you are starting. 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
Trail pass required: 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!
Free Ski Lessons for Skate & Classic Technique
One hour group lessons for adults will be offered during January and February on the dates below at either Elver Park or CXC Trails. 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.
Lessons options:
- Beginner classic
- Intermediate classic
- Beginner skate
- Intermediate skate
Lessons are dependent on good snow conditions and may need to be cancelled. Any cancellation 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 $15 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 9, 2025
Time: 6-7 pm
Location: CXC Trails, 4355 Schwartz Rd, Middleton
Lesson: Skate & Classic Options
Cost: Free
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Time: 7-8 pm. NOTE TIME!!
Location: CXC Trails, 4355 Schwartz Rd, Middleton
Lesson: Skate & Classic Options
Cost: Free
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Time: 7-8 pm
Location: CXC Trails, 4355 Schwartz Rd, Middleton
Lesson: Skate & Classic Options
Cost: Free
Bring: HEADLAMP
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
Time: 7-8 pm
Location: CXC Trails, 4355 Schwartz Rd, Middleton
Lesson: Skate & Classic Options
Cost: Free
Equipment Rental: Elver Park if open! (see info below)
Thursday, Feb 6, 2025
Time: 6-7 pm
Location: Elver Park in partnership with Madison Parks
Lesson: Skate & Classic Options
Cost: Free lesson & free ski rentals!!
Ski Clinics
Special ski clinics will occasionally be offered focusing on different topics. For instance a “race clinic” will prepare you for upcoming distance races by teaching you how to fine-tune your technique and develop an effective race strategy including how to work the hills, skiing with efficiency, carrying speed, how to transition to different gears, cornering in traffic, drafting, passing, and pacing. These clinics are for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Date TBD
Time: 5:45-6:45 pm
Location: Elver Park
Lesson: INTERMEDIATE & ADV RACE CLINIC
Cost: $40 members/ $55 non-members
Date TBD
Time: 5:45-6:45 pm
Location: Elver Park
Lesson: DOWNHILL WITH SKILL CLINIC
Cost: $40 members/ $55 non-members
Equipment rental and trail pass information
Elver Park
Elver Park has classic rental equipment available at the Main Shelter. Rental of equipment includes a daily pass to ski on the trails. Rentals are available Wed-Sun when Elver rentals/concessions are open. Please see Madison Parks website for further information.
Trail passes are required for skiers age 16 and above at Elver Park. Annual and daily passes work at all county park and city park trails where passes are required. Please go to Madison Parks Cross Country Skiing or Dane County Parks for more information.
CXC Trails in Middleton
Adults in Madnorski lessons do not need a pass during their lesson when skiing on the CXC trails, but would need to purchase a pass if skiing outside of a Madnorski lesson. Trail passes for CXC trails are available online at CXC Outdoor Recreation & Sports Center. Trail passes are required for all skiers ages 13 and above.
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