Mazamas

The Mazamas Nordic Ski School consists of a student orientation meeting on December 19 and a series of four lessons on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays in January. The classes usually fill up so get your application in early to reserve your place in a class.  The applications for the school are due November 30, 2007.

Download the 2008 Nordic Ski School Student Application

Important dates for 2006-2007 Mazamas Nordic skiing

• Tues December 5, 2007 - Instructor Orientation
• Fri November 30, 2007 - Application deadline
• Wed December 19, 2007 - Mandatory Nordic Ski Student Orientation Night, 7:00 pm - Come meet your instructors and fellow students.  Mazama Mountaineering Center (MMC) - SE 43rd and Stark Portland Map to MMC
• Last four Saturdays OR Sundays in January - Instruction!

Want to help teach skiing with Mazamas? See the Instructor Sign Up Form for instructor requirements. Want to be recognized for your volunteer efforts as a Nordic Instructor? Scroll down to the bottom of this page.

Are our classes full?  More Nordic ski classes are available through Portland Parks and Recreation, Outdoor Rec. Program, 503-823-5132 and the Oregon Nordic Club

Photos

Want to see some Nodic ski class action photos?  Check out the new Nordic ski photo gallery under Resources.

General info

Do you think outdoor fun with the Mazamas ends with the close of summer climbing season? Think again, because January means Nordic Ski School!  This year we have another great group of instructors who are ready to take you to the next step in cross-country skiing, no matter what your level.  We offer traditional cross-country skiing from beginning (never been on skis) to advanced.  Beginning telemark is taught in our cross-country Downhill Course.

Applications are available at the Mazama Mountaineering Center, in the November monthly bulletin and on the web - link is at the top of this page.

Instructors are always needed and very much appreciated!  Please let us know if you’d like to assist with any aspect of the Nordic program.

Please note:

• The actual class content and location may vary at the discretion of each instructor because of snow conditions or the particular needs of the students. 
• Typically, classes are held in the Mt. Hood area.
• Carpooling with other students in your group is encouraged and is the usual way to get up the mountain.
• Class size is around 10 people.
• The minimum age for the class is 14 as of the first field session.
• Mazamas do NOT provide equipment for this class.  Skis, boots and poles may be rented from most local shops.  Gear costs are around $12-15 per day for Nordic gear, and $25-30 per day for telemark gear.

For further questions about the Nordic ski school, please contact us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center.

Class Descriptions

Beginning Never touched a Nordic ski, but it looks like fun.
For those who have never or seldom skied. Classes include: gear selection, moving on skis (walking flats, climbing and descending gentle hills), pole usage, controlled falling and recovery, braking and turning wedge and step turn.

Intermediate OK, I’ve (probably) got my own skis and I can glide, turn and stop. Is that all there is?
For those who are comfortable with diagonal stride, braking and turning wedge and step turn on moderate terrain. Classes include: review of basics, blending diagonal stride with double poling and double pole with a kick, improving rhythm and flow, increasing speed and control. Ski all green and easy blue trails.

Advanced Nordic rules, and I want to go faster and farther, deeper and steeper!
For those who have a well developed diagonal stride, transitions to double pole and double pole with a kick. Should be able to control speed and maneuver with linked wedge and step turns on moderate to steeper terrain. Classes include: review of intermediate sills, increase efficiency to promote control and endurance at higher speeds. Beginning telemark turns depending on basic skill level. Ski all blue and most black trails.

Nordic Downhill The start of telemark and backcountry skiing
For those possessing at least intermediate turning skills, who wish to ski steeper terrain with telemark gear typically on lift assisted groomed slopes. Classes include: gear selection, riding lifts, Telemark and parallel turns.

Nordic class dates

Student Orientation Night (mandatory) - Wednesday December 19, 2007 - Mazama Mountaineering Center (MMC) - SE 43rd and Stark Portland Map to MMC - 7:00 pm

Class Dates:  Saturdays Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, OR Sundays Jan 6, 13, 20, 27 - Choose either Saturday or Sunday for your class sessions.

Class Fees

(Note: lift tickets, needed for the Nordic Downhill classes, are not included in this price)

Mazama members - standard Nordic classes $70, Nordic Downhill $100
Non-Mazama member - standard Nordic classes $90, Nordic Downhill $120

Refund Policy

Fees are non-refundable if you cancel after Jan 1, 2008 unless:
(1) you are on the waiting list, (2) you are replaced by someone on the waiting list, or (3) you experience an “exceptional circumstance”. Submit a letter or email the Mazamas to request a refund.

Instructor recognition

The Nordic Committee would like to recognize the volunteer Nordic ski instructors who make the Mazama Nordic Ski School possible.  There are three levels of recognition:

1) 5-year Nordic Ski Instructor Award.  This award will be given to any person who has instructed in the Nordic program for 5 years.
2) 10-year Nordic Ski Instructor Award.  This award will be given to any person who has instructed in the Nordic program for 10 years.
3) 15-year Nordic Ski Instructor Award.  This award will be given to any person who has instructed in the Nordic program for 15 years.

Any person qualifying for these awards needs to submit data to the Nordic Committee by e-mail to by November 9th. 
The awards will be presented at the annual Mazama banquet.

include your name, years taught with the year and leader and/or assistant’s name for each year.

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