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A Scandinavian tradition & Canadian favourite

Cross Country Skiing

Description
Rates & Booking
FAQ

Cross Country Skiing

We offer full day trips in Kananaskis

Get a taste of a Scandinavian tradition and a Canadian favourite in our cross-country skiing programs. Your students will feel the crisp mountain air wisp through their hair as we develop XC skills and gain a newfound appreciation for winter backcountry travel.

- Grades 6 to 12

- Mountain Travel
- Certified Guides

We’ll start the day off with a lesson, then the forest will come to life as we ski along the trails, witness a variety of animal tracks and better understand winter ecology in the Canadian Rockies

We aim to engage the mind and imagination of the students through highlighting the flora and fauna around us. Our guides hold a CANSI instructor’s certification and possess a wealth of experience managing groups in colder environments to ensure your students are safe, and having fun.

Itinerary

Times displayed are flexible

Location

Click here to view the location of Pocaterra Hut.

Inquire for other locations.

Teacher and volunteer expectations
  • Teachers will provide lead guide with any medical and behavioural concerns among group members
  • Teachers are expected to be present at all activities and during meal times
  • Teachers are expected to ride on the bus with the students
  • Teachers are expected to organize transportation to and from program location
  • Teachers will be required to arrange for volunteers to comply with standards
  • Transportation and costs associated with it, to and from the program location, are the Teachers responsibility.
  • Teachers are not expected to pay program fees 
  • Teachers and volunteers are also included in the program fee, as long as they do not exceed a 1:10 ratio. If more volunteers are being included they will be charged the student program fee 
  • Volunteers will be expected to comply with this list of expectations
  • Teachers will be responsible for any behavioral discipline during the trip
  • COA guides are not responsible for any additional discipline action required beyond scheduled activities
  • COA cannot be relied on to meet female and male ratios for adults vs. students
  • COA guides must be informed of any incidents or medical concerns during trip
  • COA reserves the right to cancel a scheduled activity/program due to any safety or unresolved discipline issues
  • COA reserves the right to deny student participation in an activity due to safety concerns, therefore students are expected to have the adequate gear and clothing for participation in the prevailing weather conditions
  • Programming will be discussed ahead of time
  • Questions should be directed to the Program Director via phone or email. Listed below.
    what is included in the program

    Your program fee includes; all equipment for games and COA educational/interpretive sessions, COA guides with a maximum ratio of 1:14, up to date Insurance and Park Permits. Guides will carry a first aid kit, permits, 2-way radios, bear spray, InReach SOS device, maps of the area, and guide tarps at all times.

    what is not included in the program

    The program does not include ski rentals

    The program does not include transportation

    “Plan for the worst, hope for the best” is the rule to follow when planning what clothing to bring. Use layers to adjust to the air temperature and level at which your body is producing heat. Please avoid jeans and other heavy cotton clothes if at all possible.  These absorb water like a sponge and are very cold when wet. Remember to bring warm winter boots, please do not allow students to come with only running shoes. Everyone needs a winter jacket and snow pants.  Listed below are required items to bring for the day:

    • Day pack
    • Winter Jacket
    • Garbage-free lunch
    • Snow Pants and Winter Boots
    • 1 (litre) Water bottle
    • Extra wool sweater or polar fleece
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat or toque & gloves or mitts
    • Extra wool socks (for wet feet!)
    • XC skis, boots, poles

    COA does not provide XC Skis, XC boots or poles. These are the responsibility of the group. We can however transport skis to and from your school or ski rental shop at no extra cost. Please endeavor to bring waxless XC skis if possible. XC skis can be rented from ski rental shops or the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary.

    Trips will go rain or shine although we may alter distances traveled if the weather is inclement.

    Rates & Availability

    • $45 Per Student
    • Teachers and Parent Volunteers are free
    • Minimum 20 participants, Maximum 45
    • Inquire for smaller or bigger groups
    • Program cost does not include XC ski equipment. This is the responsibility of the group.
    • Program does not include transportation

    Contact our Youth Program Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions about our program.

    Cancellation Policy

    Notice of cancellation is required no later than 30 calendar days prior to the program start date. Cancellations after this deadline will result in forfeiture of a $250 cancellation fee, plus any campground fees incurred. 

    There is a NO REFUND policy on camping fees 30 Days prior to your outing. If canceling your trip after 30 days it will result in a fee specific to each campground and length of trip. 

    Please confirm your final group size at least 14 days prior to your program date so that we can make sure enough guides are on hand for your group. The minimum number you will be charged for is the number of confirmed participants. Decreases of 10% will be permitted up to 24 hours prior to the departure date. 

    Book Here

    click here to fill in our booking form

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What training do your guides have to have?
    Our guides are your adventure specialists and are trained to competently and confidently make your experience a fun and safe success. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid (80 hrs) in order to respond to any situation that might crop up. Our professional outdoor leadership skills will mitigate many of the risks that are inherent to playing in the mountains. All of our guides have university degrees in outdoor leadership and ecotourism as well as accreditation with the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) or the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Guides are also certified and registered interpreters through the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA), giving you access to knowledge about topics like glaciers and geology, local floral and fauna, and regionally history to further enrich your adventure. Check out our guide profiles to learn more about our amazing staff!
    What is COA’s safety policy? How will participants be safe on a program?
    Our number one goal here at COA has been and always will be your safety. No matter which program you attend our guide team will ensure yours and your student’s safety. While there are certain risks involved in some of the activities you may choose to participate in our guides are certified advanced adventure medics, so you know you are in good hands. All COA staff have been trained with our emergency plans. All guides carry a group sized first aid kit, tarp, bear spray and high frequency radio for communication. On top of this, all lead guides carry a satellite phone if needed.
    Who supplies meals during COA programs?
    Food is to be supplied by the teacher or students. COA is not responsible for providing or cooking food for clients. COA supplies kitchen needs such as stoves,cooking and cleaning equipment.
    I don’t see any programs that suit my needs. Can I book a custom program with COA?

    Of course! We’d love to design the perfect educational program for you and your group. The sky is virtually the limit! Please contact us directly to discuss and create your custom adventure today!

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.