by Cross Country Nova Scotia, Staff, January 29, 2024 (updated Feb 10)
Do you want to learn classic cross-country skiing or improve your technique? Adults are invited to join complimentary lessons for classic cross-country skiing, which include “Try-It” and “Beginner” groups, held in a casual and social environment, at Colliery Lands Park, New Waterford. The lessons will be held this on Saturday and Sunday, February 17th and 18th. All are welcome to attend, there is no fee, and equipment can be provided free of charge.
Join Cross Country Nova Scotia ski ambassador, Michelle Richards, who will be leading the lessons. Richards is a life-long skier, with a passion for sharing the sport. This event is provided in partnership with Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
The lesson times are detailed in the table below, and structured so that participants can sign-up for more both levels of lessons. For example, you can participate in the “Try-It” lesson and if you would like more practice, sign-up for the “Beginner” group, as well. ”Try-It” lessons are recommended to participants with little to no cross-country skiing experience. ”Beginner” lessons will cover classic maneuvers to navigate flat, uphill and downhill trails through instructions, drills, and games.
Equipment can be provided at no cost. If you require equipment, please e-mail your shoe size and height by Friday at 12 pm, the day prior to the event. E-mail your information to Michelle.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow cross-country skiers and enjoy time on snow. Details are listed below, please contact Michelle, if you have questions, nsxcskicbi@gmail.com.
Registration is required!
Consider Joining a Cross-Country Ski Club!
If you enjoy your time on snow, please check out your local cross-country ski club, Cape Breton Nordic, which offers 7 km of groomed trails at Seaview Golf and Country Club in North Sydney for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, get-togethers, pole walking, club house access on weekends, and equipment rentals. Cape Breton Nordic is a welcoming community of outdoor enthusiasts.
| DETAILS | CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS | DETAILS | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| DATES | Sat Feb 17 | ||
| Sun Feb 18 | |||
| LESSON TIMES | Sign-up for 1 or more lessons. | Sign-up for “Try-It” session + “Beginner” sessions if you would like more practice. | |
| Try-It #1 | 10 – 10:45 | Participants with little to no cross-country skiing experience. 6 Adults max. | |
| Beginner #1 | 11:15 – 12:15 | Classic skiing maneuvers to navigate flat, uphill and downhill trails through instructions, drills, and games. 6 Adults max. | |
| Try-It #2 | 12:45 – 1:30 | Participants with little to no cross-country skiing experience. 6 Adults max. | |
| Beginner #2 | 2 – 3 | Classic skiing maneuvers to navigate flat, uphill and downhill trails through instructions, drills, and games. 6 Adults max. | |
| TECHNIQUE | Classic | ||
| AGE | Adults | ||
| LOCATION | Colliery Lands Park | Location may change pending snow conditions. | |
| 3696 Ellsworth Ave, New Waterford, NS B1H 2H6 (Google Map) | |||
| TRAIL DETAILS | Beginner friendly terrain, flat areas | ||
| FEE | No fee | ||
| EQUIPMENT | Equipment available at no cost | ||
| Send height + shoe size, on Friday before 12pm, the day before event | |||
| E-mail Michelle, nsxcskicbi@gmail.com | |||
| REGISTER (required) | Click here! | ||
| UPDATES | We will update this page, and our social media, if this event is confirmed, pending snow conditions. | ||
| CONTACT | nsxcskicbi@gmail.com |
Michelle Richards – Background
Michelle Richards has been cross-country skiing for a lifetime. She grew up in the snow belt of Ontario and received her first skis at the age of four. Cross-country skiing was a key activitiy for Richards, both at home and in school. Her family encouraged her to ski in the backyard and on wooded trails. Additionally, she participated in a ski program held during physical education class at her elementary school.
Richards transitioned to skate skiing, as a teenager; building on her foundational classic skiing skills. In the early 1990s, skate skiing was still very new but had already made a huge impact. Michelle joined the secondary school nordic team to train and compete. Richards also worked at Hardwood Ski and Bike, a world class venue. She instructed the jack rabbit program, assisted in the ski shop, and performed administrative duties.
In the early 2000s, Michelle made a splash into the world of surfing. People might recognize her from the Summer Surf Program at Point Michaud Beach. Richards has taught many generations, and thousands of people to surf, for over 20 years. She is also an active board member on both the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia and Hike Nova Scotia.
Richards has honed her teaching skills as an experienced surf instructor and is keen to share her technical knowledge of cross-country skiing. Michelle is excited to get back to her roots of cross-country skiing and fulfill her role as the Cape Breton ski ambassador.
Photos
Michelle skiing as a child through to adult. Photographed at North Highlands Nordic (top right photo). Michelle participated in a community coaching course at North Highlands Nordic, photographed with her group in the final photo.
Cross Country Nova Scotia 