This article was published first in 2013 and edited and updated in November 2020.
I think everyone can enjoy skiing and it is great to do as a family activity. We have enjoyed cross-country skiing as a family since my first-born kid was 2 years old both here in Canada and in Norway. Today both my kids are better Nordic skier then me, thanks to many wonderful outings together.
Though we have yet to put our kids in any formal lessons Canada has a nation-wide cross-country skiing program for children. For children five years of age and younger there is the Bunny Rabbit Program.For children six to nine years of age there is the Jackrabbit Program.
Renting, Buying Cross – Country skis
If you are interested in buying or renting skis, it is best to go to a store that has knowledge of skiing. You can get the right skis for your abilities and your skis fitted to you. How much you weigh and how tall you are, has an impact on what type of skis you should get. You can get skis in cross-country skiing resorts, ski specialty stores and in stores like Mountain Equipment Coop in Canada and REI in US or SportCheck stores. If you are interested in renting cross – country skis in GTA and Ontario check out Sport Rentals for rentals .
What kind of skis to get depends on what kind of skier are you. Are you into classic or skating? Maybe a combination of both? Are you going to ski backcountry or only groomed trails. Do you want wax less skis or the kind that needs wax?
Are you shaking your head right now? If you are I guess you did not know that you had so many choices? You probably will be OK with choosing combo equipment; boots and skis that can be used both in classic and skating skiing. You may also find that wax less skis are an acceptable compromise in loss of glide for ease of use.
Yes you do get better glide with wax, but if you are like me, a recreational skier who doesn’t want to be bothered with wax and different kinds of wax for different snow and temperature conditions, waxless may be for you.
We bought Rossignol Evo wax less skis and we are very happy with them, but are thinking about upgrading to Salmon Escape 6 Skins
For kids look for wax less skis and poles that reach their armpits when they are standing and boots that fit and are not too snug (cold feet) or to big (sore feet) if they are uncomfortable they won’t want to stay outside enjoying the day.
Shop the Salomon Escape 6 Skin Nordic Skis 2020/21 & PLC Access Bindings online at Sportchek.ca. Free shipping available
Check out this informative about how to choose skis from Play Outside Guide
How to start with preschoolers: 2-5 years old
* Start in you backyard or a local park if you are lucky to have snow.
* If you are going for a ski outing make sure you start with a small outing the first time or bring a pulk a sled so you kid can go a little bit on ski and then he can sit in the sled.
* As always, how you dress your kids are more important than the skis. We use the layering system that works especially well with cross-country skiing. Check out how to dress for winter.
* Start with having skies on and start walking; do not use ski poles to begin with.
* Follow the leader. Put your skis on and get your little one to follow. They will start to mimic you. Soon they will be demanding that you follow them.
* Use the end of pole or a harness and start pulling your child. This helps your child get his/her balance. Kids think this is really fun but you are also practicing their balance.
* Find some small hills to have fun it, start with putting your child between your legs and go down the hill together.
* For going up hills teach side-stepping first as it is easier than herringbone. With all techniques, there is a natural progression to things. As they master one thing they become ready to learn the next level of skill.
* When they have the sidestep down and have better control of their skis they are ready to learn the herringbone. We say we are walking like a bunny rabbit. Maybe even jump like a bunny rabbit.
*Make sure you have lots of hot chocolate for everyone and do not push the experience. Make it fun and make sure you bring their favorite snacks.
Check out Tanya’s tips in Calgary about how to ski with preschooler’s
For 5-7 year olds
Continue with practicing herringbone and work on the glide, they will start to be able to go for longer stretches, but you may need to make a rig to be able to tow them every so often if you want to not stop to rest.
– Make sure you have skis that fit your kids in height and weight.
– Help your child getting up hills when out on touring, use your poll to pull them.
– Make sure you do not go too far and have plenty of hot chocolate and snacks.
For cross-country skiing as a family use a pulk or a sled to carry kids.
It is not safe to carry you small child while you are skiing. No matter how good you are you can fall and hurt your baby if you fall. According to xskiworld.com your baby should be no less than 6 months (or more) of age before starting to use a pulk.
Make sure your child is dress properly and has an insulated sleeping bag that fits your child so you can be sure your child is warm during the ride. If it is below -10 make sure you check your child often to make sure your baby is warm and comfortable. Use caution when skiing with kids in sleds and make sure the pulk does not slam to the ground. To many big bumps in the trail can hurt your kids back, neck and head.
Check out Tanya’s pulk and how she is using her sled
We made our own pulk but this was a lot of work and you have to be handy. It might be better to buy it or rent it. Many ski resorts rent out pulks to families. Call ahead and book your pulk before you go.
Where to go cross country skiing in GTA and Ontario ?
You can cross country skiing everywhere if you have snow and make your own tracks.
We love skiing in the city when we have snow in the city. We call it urban bushing.
Places to go skiing in the Toronto after a snowfall.
Taylor Creek Trail
High Park
Toronto’s ravine system
the Beltline
Cedarvalle Park
Beach Boardwalk and Ashbridges Bay
Leslie Street Spit
Check out my interview with CBC radio about where to ski in GTA
Groomed trails in GTA
We love to go on cross country skiing day trips at resorts outside of the Toronto to ski on groomed trails and rolling hills in nature. Our favorite places are Albion Hills, Mono Nordic Ski Club, Hardwood Ski and Bike, Hockleycrest Ski Trails part of the Bruce Trail, Mono (not suitable for beginners) is open to the public at no charge and groomed by volunters.
Check out where to go cross country skiing at resorts in GTA in an article I wrote for for Savvy Mom.
Fun cross country skiing adventures in Ontario & Quebec
Pinetree Loop, Algonquin Park, 17 km on skis with very hilly conditions. It was a hard challenge for a family but so rewarding the landscape was breathtaking with three scenic lookouts.
The Heart of Network ” Gatineau Park, 18.7 km on skis. The trail did take us trough numerous warming cabins and three lookouts and backcountry skiing with some good down hills.
There are many cross-country skiing resorts you can rent skies and take lessons. Search Cross-Country Skiing in your province /state.
If you live in Alberta check out Tanya informative post why you should embrace cross-country skiing
Happy Nordic Skiing!
