Cross country ski lessons

Our passionate instructing team is one of the best in the business. Whether it’s your first time on cross-country skis or you are a seasoned skier looking to refine your technique, we have lesson options to suit your needs.

We provide both group lessons and private lessons. You will leave the lesson with a smile on your face and lots of new skills.

We also have sit skis and adaptive lessons available.

The experience package

Our experience package is ideal for your first time on cross-country skis and includes a ‘classic style’ lesson that will leave you feeling confident and ready to master beginner terrain on our trail system. (Not suitable for children under 8 years)

Inclusions:

  • Trail pass
  • Rentals (skis, boots and poles)
  • 1 hour introductory group classic lesson
    *Suitable for ages 10 years and older

 

Full Day Experience Package: Lessons start at 9:30am and 10:30am
Half Day Experience Package: Lessons start at 9:30am, 12:30am and 1:30 pm
Overnight Experience Package
(hut guests): Lessons start at 12:30pm

Lessons subject to availability

private CLassic Lessons

If you haven’t cross country skied before, classic is the place to start. If you prefer a one on one ski lesson or have younger children this private classic lesson is for you. Our instructors will work with you, tailoring the lesson content to suit your needs and requests. 

Great for one-on-ones, family groups and younger children.

Lessons are at 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm unless requested otherwise. – subject to availability.  

Private lessons start at $80 for 1 person, $45 for any additional people and $225 for a group (up to 6). For larger private groups, please enquire. 

If you haven’t cross country skied before, you should start with a classic. 

(Doesn’t include trail pass or rentals)

private Skate Lessons

If you’ve done a bit of cross country skiing and you’re now looking to learn to skate or refine your skating skills, a private skate lesson is for you. Our instructors will work with you, tailoring the lesson content to suit your needs and requests.

We highly recommend having classic skied before joining this lesson. 

Lessons are at 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm unless requested otherwise. – subject to availability.  

Private lessons start at $90 for 1 person, $50 for any additional people and $240 for a group (up to 5). For larger private groups, please enquire. 

(Doesn’t include trail pass or rentals)

Beginner Classic Lessons

Already have a season pass or a multi day pass and want to join a beginner classic lesson? 

Registering below will put you in one of our “Experience” lessons with other first-time cross country skiers.

Lesson times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm – subject to availability

(Doesn’t include trail pass or rentals)

Skate Lessons

This one-hour cross-country skate lesson will teach you all you need to know in order to tackle the terrain on our trail system. Suitable for beginners or those who have skated for 1 or 2 seasons. 

Different to classic cross country skiing, skating uses a motion similar to ice skating, but with poles. The boots have ankle support and a stiffer sole than classic skiing boots. Skating is faster than classic skiing and the skis are more maneuverable.

Private one-to-one lessons are also available.

(Doesn’t include trail pass or rentals)

Cross Country Ski Programmes

Whether you’re just starting out, or want to hone your skills, we have a range of youth and adult cross country ski programmes to suit everyone. 

adaptive cross country skiing

If you have any mobility needs and want to try out one of our three sit skis, or if you want some assistance to tackle some of the more challenging trails in a sit-ski, just contact us and we’ll set something up.

FAQs

If you book an experience package, this includes your trail pass and rentals. Private lessons, beginner lessons and skate lessons all require a trail pass and any rentals to be booked separately. 

There are no hard and fast rules, and conditions at the Snow Farm can range from a bitterly cold windy winter’s day to a balmy spring snow day. You need to take this into account and check the weather before you come up. If we are open and you dress to the weather you can stay warm and have a fantastic time. If in doubt bring too much – you can always take a layer off.


The minimum gear list for a day visit should look like:

  • Wool/polypro hat/beanie.
  • Gloves – windproof. Thick warm ones if it’s really cold. Thin polypro gloves are generally not warm enough.
  • Sunglasses or goggles are essential to protect your eyes.
  • Sunscreen. In August and September it is essential to apply sunscreen and lip screen/balm – may not be essential in June/July.
  • Base layers, merino/polypro, that can be added or taken off. Leave the cotton T shirts at home!
  • Windproof/waterproof top. Thick downhill jacket would be OK but could be a bit bulky.
  • Warm windproof/waterproof pants. Definitely not jeans. Thick polypro/merino pants, winter cycling pants or even downhill pants would all be OK

 

Parents/caregivers – please check the gear for any children that you’re responsible for.

We strongly recommend booking online, as we can’t guarantee rental equipment will be available on the day and our lessons often fill up. It also makes your check in process a lot speedier and enjoyable!

Trail pass, rentals and Lessons:  

  • Trail passes, rentals and lessons can be rescheduled with no charge with more than 24hrs notice
  • There will be a 50% charge for bookings that are cancelled between 2 & 24hrs notice prior to the lesson taking place.
  • There will be no refunds if the booking is cancelled less than 2hrs before the scheduled start time of the lesson, or in a “no show” situation.


Snow Farm will allow a transfer of a booking to an alternative date in that season provided that we have capacity/availability. We will not transfer a booking to the following season.

Children aged between 8 and 16yrs can join a group lesson, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Please be mindful that these are open lessons and there will likely be others in the group of varying abilities. 

Children 7 and under can join a private lesson. You can add up to 10 people for a private lesson, which is a great option for families and larger friend groups. 

1)  Adult is defined as aged 18+.

2)  Child is defined as aged 6-17 years or still attending secondary school.

3)  Children aged 5 or under are entitled to free skiing at Snow Farm the Resort.

All ages for season pass purchases are taken as at 1 June in each year. We and we reserve the right to request proof of age or eligibility at any time.

If Snow Farm is on hold or closed, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. 

Our overnight experience package includes a 12pm classic cross country ski lesson, as well as an overnight trail pass, and rentals. 

Until the 1970’s, there was only classic skiing. This is where your skis stay in a parallel position and you move in a motion similar to walking. Our classic skis have either fish scales or skins which provide a grippy surface under your foot. This allows you to ski both downhill, uphill and on flat terrian.

Skating was invented in the late 1970’s by an American Bill Koch and Gunde Svan from Sweden – the jury is out as to who started skating first. Skating has rapidly become very popular and is faster than classic skiing. If you ever watch a Cross Country ski race, these are often classed as either Classic or Freestyle, freestyle meaning you can do either, but the preference for competitors is to skate as it is much faster.

Our group lessons teach classic skiing. We have separate lessons for skate lessons.

Our experience and beginner group lessons are classic style only. The good news is, we have dedicated skate lessons each day. 

We are open from 9am to 4pm. All rentals must be returned by 4pm. 

Yes, we have a small cafe with hot/cold beverages and a small number of pastries, slices and snacks. It can be a good idea to bring your own lunch if you are after a hearty meal!