Wellness Cross Country Skiing
These courses are composed of graduate students and Cornell professional staff including their spouses/partners and are instructed by some of our most experienced skiing staff.
Thoroughly enjoy your winter in upstate NY with cross-country skiing. Learn the basics to effectively glide across snow-covered landscapes. Start out with getting comfortable on skis on flat land and progress to learning how to navigate hills and trails on cross-country skis. Explore Ithaca’s local forests and ski trails. This is a beginner friendly class and no previous skiing experience is required. Because of the physical nature of this activity, participants should be able to comfortably walk several miles on variable terrain. Stay active this winter, meet new people, and experience the beauty of winter. Transportation, equipment, and instruction are all included. Students will need to provide their own winter attire appropriate for cross-country skiing (outlined below).
| Course Fee | Wellness Recreation Members: $270 Non-Wellness Recreation Members: $305 |
|---|---|
| Fee Notes | Transportation, equipment, and instruction are all included. |
| Attendance | Attendance at the first class meeting is required. Courses will progress in skill development and difficulty in terrain. Therefore, it is essential that students plan to attend all offered class sessions. Because skiing is snow dependent, it is possible that some classes may be cancelled if there is not enough snow to ski. Plan to be available for all class sessions and your instructors will keep you informed each week about the status of your class. |
| Prerequisites | Because of the physical nature of this activity, participants should be able to comfortably walk several miles on variable terrain. |
| Drop Deadline | 1/20/26 |
| Enrollment | Enroll by contacting COE at 607-255-6183 or coed@cornell.edu |
| Links |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 1/21/26 | 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
| Saturday | 1/26/26 | 9:00am to 2:00pm |
| Saturday | 1/31/26 | 9:00am to 2:00pm |
| Saturday | 2/7/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 2/21/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
What do I need for Cross Country Skiing Classes?
- Warm Hat
- Mittens or Gloves
- Scarf or Neck Gaiter
- Sun Glasses/ Sun Block/ Lip Balm
- Base Layer (ex. long underwear top & bottom)
- Insulating layer (wind &waterproof top & bottom)
- Wool or synthetic hiking/winter socks
- Water bottle (1 liter)
- Snacks
- Small Backpack
- Insulated Mug (sometimes instructors may bring hot drinks to share)
The layering system outlined above allows you to adjust to different levels of exertion. You may find that your body produces a lot of heat skiing up a hill and then cools down quickly skiing downhill. Some of the locations that you may be skiing are at a higher elevation than campus and can be significantly colder, so come prepared for changing conditions. Carrying a small backpack makes it easier to adjust layers as needed. Synthetic clothing such as polyester is quick drying and retains some insulating properties even when wet. Please do not wear cotton. Think about how wet frozen jeans would feel. Please let your instructors know if you have any questions about clothing options.
