Cross Country Lessons and Programs
Whether you're an expert or a beginner, our instructors can help you. In group or private lessons, you'll learn the basics or hone your skills, depending on your needs and goals. More than that, though, the time you spend with us on the trails will spark within you a lasting passion for the sport. Our experienced instructors teach because they love cross-country skiing and because it's a healthy, fun activity you can do for the rest of your life. Come out to ski with us in the heart of the Adirondack woods.For more information: Call 518 523 2811 or email
Cross Country Ski School
Learn the basics, refresh a rusty skill or master a new technique with instructors from our PSIA ski school.Discover Cross Country
An introduction for the first-time skier. Includes trail pass, equipment rental and 1-hour beginner lesson - $45
Discover Performance Skiing
Includes trail pass, high performance rental and private lesson - $65
Private Lesson
1 hour lesson - 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily or by appointment - $40
Class Lesson (classic or skate)
1 hour lesson - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily - $22
Guided Tour
2 hour minimum ski or snowshoe - $50/hr
Cross Country Programs
Mt. Van Hoevenberg Views
Join our NYS licensed guide for an amazing day you won’t forget that begins with a challenging snowshoe hike, stunning panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks and ends with a delightful brunch served in the warm, cozy comfort of the 1980 Start House overlooking Lake Placid, Whiteface Mt. and the bobsled tracks.
The Trip
The day starts in the Cross Country Lodge with a snowshoe fitting and review of the trip. We will snowshoe from the Cross Country Stadium, up the last section of the Ladies Olympic 5k trail, cut up through the woods to the 1980 Start House, head to the top of the 1932 Bobsled Run and then a quick 1/4 mile climb to the spectacular views of the Adirondacks, including Mt. Marcy, the highest peak in New York state.
In addition to the Olympic history of the 1932 and 1980 Bobsled Track, a member of the National Register of Historic Places, and the amazing views of the High Peaks there are wonderful opportunities to spot Adirondack wildlife including moose, deer, fox, snowshoe hare, barred owls, ruffled grouse, woodpeckers and other small songbirds.
The pace of the trips will be adjusted for the skill level of the snowshoers but the terrain is generally a moderately difficult hike. The elevation climbs from about 2,000 ft. above sea level at the Cross Country Stadium to a height of 2,940 ft. at the summit of the mountain.
The outing includes equipment rental, a guide, a cool hydration pack AND brunch served in the toasty warm 1980 Start House.
Your Guide: Elizabeth Lee is a New York State licensed guide with experience taking children and families into the woods. She specializes in natural history and loves to discuss plants and animals that are native to Mt. Van Hoevenberg.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Date: December 27, 29; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 20, 22; March 4, 11
Cost: $95
*Reservations required (518-523-2811)
Trail pass included, snowshoes available for rent
Snowboomers Club
The Snowboomers Club is an athletic social ski club for alpine and Nordic skiers of all abilities aged 50 and up. Participants will be grouped by ability level and will meet at the Lookout Café, at Whiteface, or at the lodge at the Olympic Sports Complex Cross Country Center.
This special program includes:
Specialty class lessons at Whiteface and the Cross Country Center; entry to the Sunday Series Races at the Olympic Sports Complex; hot beverage and snack for each session; Miracle Moments Photo Shoots (one photo at OSC/one photo at Whiteface); end-of-program lunch at Whiteface; and snowmaking and behind-the-scenes tour at Whiteface. More Information
Pathfinders
Registration will take place on Saturday December 10 at Mt Van Hoevenberg regardless of snow conditions. If we do not receive enough snow to ski we will do orientation, ski checks and some dryland skills games with athletes in the NYSEF and Bill Koch programs. An additional skiing session will be added to the end of the program. For more information email xctickets@orda.org, call 518-523-2811 or check us out on Facebook at Mt Van Hoevenberg.
Six week age and ability based learn to cross country ski lessons for children age 4 and up. Lessons are designed to introduce children to the techniques that will make a life time of skiing enjoyable. The program also serves as a preparatory course for children entering the Lake Placid Ski Club Bill Koch Program or the NYSEF Nordic Snow Cats and Trailblazer programs.
10:00 a.m.
Beginner Classic - ages 4 and 5
Intermediate Classic - ages 8 and up
11:00 a.m.
Beginner Classic - ages 6 and 7
Beginner Skate - ages 8 and up
Intermediate Skate - ages 8 and up
Time: 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.
Date: Saturday: December 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21, 28
Cost: $50
Season Rental Price: $50
WEE Ski
A "mom and me" program for children ages 2 to 4 (dad’s and grandparents welcome) designed to introduce toddlers to skiing and snowshoeing in a fun age appropriate environment. Skiing skills are introduced through play with a focus on the joy of outdoor activities. Day care will be provided.
Program Schedule
9:30 a.m. Welcome
9:45 a.m - 10:30 a.m Adult and Child Outdoor Ski Play
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Children Snack / Play Inside / Adult Ski / Snowshoe
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Date: Jan. 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13
Cost: $40
The Dog Path
This year we continue our commitment to a skiers furry friend with a 1km path for dogs and their owners. Dogs must be leashed or in ski-joring harness. The path is free to ticketed skiers and is accessed in the XC Parking lot. Users must present proof of rabies vaccine.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Date: Daily
Cost: Free
