The Loppet Foundation partners with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to provide lessons and learning opportunities at Wirth Park. The Loppet Foundation is a PSIA Certified Ski School. Meet our instructors. Group, private, and family lessons are 1.5 hours long.

Skiers must be at least 14 years old to participate. Those between the ages of 7-13 should check out the Loppet Foundation’s TRAIL KIDS Program.

Ski Rental & Trail Passes

MPRB Day Trail Pass is included with lesson cost. Cross-country ski equipment rental is not included.

Classic and skate ski gear rentals are available at The Trailhead building. Visit our Equipment Rentals webpage for information and pricing.

If you liked your first lesson, we encourage you to purchase a Season Pass to enjoy the trails all winter long.

Contact

For more information contact lessons@loppet.org. For registration questions, email registration@loppet.org.

Group lessons are generally offered Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but schedule varies between styles and levels. Both skate and classic lessons are available for $42.00/person. Click on the “Register Now” button below to sign up.

Participants should arrive 30 minutes early for parking, 1 hour early if you are renting ski equipment.

Classes are limited per session on a first-come, first-served basis.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please choose your date and time carefully, as no refunds are allowed. You can switch to another group lesson time, pending availability, by following the instructions here. Any lesson changes must be made more than 72 hours ahead of your scheduled lesson time.

Those signing up for Level 1 Skate lessons should note that first taking a group Classic level 1 lesson and learning the skills of push-off, weight transfer and balance on one ski are recommended to be successful in the Skate level 1 lesson. Those signing up for a Skate Level 2 lesson must have attained the basic skills of a Skate Level 1 lesson first. Descriptions of the different levels are below.

All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.

Classic Style Classes:

Beginning Classic – Level 1: Learn the basic elements of cross-country classic skiing including weight transfer, balance, timing and range of movement. We will use various drills and visual mimicking to cover the techniques of diagonal stride, double poling, herringbone, and snowplow.

Beginning Classic – Level 2: Once you’ve mastered Level 1 you are eligible to graduate to Level 2. Here you will learn increased range of motion to improve your push-off, weight transfer, balance, improve your timing, kick double pole, step turns and snowplow turns.

Beginning Classic – Level 3: Once you’ve mastered Level 2 you are eligible to graduate to Level 3 and add increased knowledge of diagonal striding on various terrain,step turns to exit and enter the classic track, timing for transitions from one technique to another depending on the terrain and using these skills to keep momentum flowing down the trail for maximum efficiency and fun.

Skate Style Classes:

*Prior classic skiing lesson and experience recommended

Beginning Skate – Level 1: Learn the basic elements of cross-country skate skiing including weight transfer, balance, timing and range of movement. We will use various drills and visual mimicking to cover the techniques of skate skiing without poles (used in skijoring), double poling, diagonal skate, V2 alternate (open field), and snowplow.

Beginning Skate – Level 2: Once you’ve mastered Level 1 you are eligible to graduate to Level 2. Here you will learn various drills to improve your range of motion and add increased knowledge of the techniques of open skate, V2, V1 uphill and snowplow turns.

Beginning Skate – Level 3: Once you’ve mastered Level 2 you are eligible to graduate to Level 3. Here you will refine your skate techniques and learn step turns to handle downhill curves safely. You will also practice transitions from one technique to another to handle changes in the terrain of a trail and to improve efficiency and continued momentum down the trail.

We offer 90 min Private Lessons every day of the week at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. Minimum age for your child in family lessons is 7 years old. You must pre-register online.

Private lessons are taught by a PSIA certified instructor and they will personalize the level of skills and drills to match your skill level and aspirations. Their goal is to increase your skill, efficiency and joy of skiing in either classic or skate techniques. Private lessons include the use video feedback to analyze body position, fundamental skills and timing. As you complete registration, you will be able to request preferred days and time and you will be matched with the best instructor for your skill level and goals. Meet our instructors.

Private Lesson Pricing:

• Lesson for 1 person: $90
• Lesson for 2 people: $125
• Lesson for 3 people: $160
• Lesson for 4 people: $190
• Lesson for 5 people: $215
• Lesson for 6 people: $240

For groups of 7 or more, please contact us at lessons@loppet.org for large group pricing.

All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.

Meet your instructor at the front entrance of The Trailhead. Lessons will be 1.5 hours and will end on time.

Arrive 30 minutes early to park, change into your boots, and discuss your lesson goals with your instructor. If you plan on renting equipment from The Trailhead, arrive an hour early.

Be Prepared

Be sure your skis and poles are in good working order before you come.

Comfortable clothing for cross-country skiing consists of…

• Light layers that are easy to add/remove (wool or polyester underlayers and socks). You will get warm when moving!
• Windproof light jacket
• Buff or neck-warmer
• Stocking hat or headband
• Gloves or mittens that are wind and water resistant – and can fit inside your pole strap

After your lesson, it is nice to have…

• A thermos bottle with hot liquids that won’t freeze (hot chocolate, coffee, tea, etc.).
• A warm winter jacket for before and after your lesson
• An extra stocking hat, pullover, socks, and gloves to change into after your lesson to stay warm. Wet clothes will bring your temperature down fast.