Loppet Ski Club - Winter Groups

The Loppet Ski Club is designed for people who are new to cross country skiing or want to become better recreational skiers.  We mainly ski on the snowmaking trails at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis so we can have reliable snow earlier in the year. Many who join the club are skiing for the first time, are looking to ski with other people, or are simply trying to find a way to love winter in Minnesota! Others have been long-time skiers but have never had a lesson or training program. It’s also a great way to motivate yourself to ski regularly while building your skills on the snow. Regardless of motivation and experience – ALL are welcome! This year we are trying hard to make it easier to get new skiers involved in this wonderful activity.

Winter Groups will run from November to February. All groups will meet starting the week of November 1 for 2-4 weeks of dryland training. Wear running shoes and layers, and please bring ski poles and (for evening groups) headlamps if you have them. The emphasis will be on skill development, ski fitness, balance, agility, strength, and flexibility. Monday and Wednesday evening groups will meet in front of The Trailhead for dryland, while Tuesday and Thursday morning groups will meet at Wirth Beach for dryland. We will get on snow as soon as weather allows. Week to week adjustments will be announced on the Loppet Ski Club Team App. 

Ski Trail Pass.  Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Ski Trail Passes are required whenever using trails at Minneapolis Parks (including at Theodore Wirth Park). This pass is not included in the registration for Loppet Ski Club. Some groups may also use Three Rivers Park District trails. We will communicate at that time the season and day pass costs for those trails.

Schedule. There are four coached lesson groups during the week and an Open Ski Program on Saturdays. Registration to any of the weekday lesson groups automatically includes access to the Open Ski Program.

• Monday - Classic (7–8:30pm). Appropriate for all levels of classic skier from beginner to experienced. Starts November 7.
• Tuesday - Classic & Skate (9–10:30am). Appropriate for all levels of skier from beginner to experienced. Starts November 1.
• Wednesday - Skate (7–8:30pm). Appropriate for all levels of skate skier from beginner to experienced. Starts November 2.
• Thursday - Classic & Skate* (11:30am–1pm): Classic ski coaching will be appropriate for all levels of skier from beginner to advanced. *Skate ski instruction is intermediate level and will emphasize improving skills rather than acquiring them. Skiers should know the difference between V1 and V2 and have some comfort with the Theodore Wirth trails. Starts November 4.
• Thursday - Classic Fundamentals (11:30am–1pm): For classic skiers who want to focus on acquiring and improving technique. Appropriate for new skiers. Starts November 4.
• Open Ski Program - Saturdays (9–11am). Begins November 5. Includes weekly group ski outings, education, and social activities.

Location. The weekday lesson groups will meet in the start area of the snowmaking loop at Theodore Wirth Park. The Open Ski Program will meet at Wirth Beach.