PE 1690: Cross Country Skiing
Learn a new activity so you can thoroughly enjoy your winter in upstate NY. 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. This is a beginner friendly class and no previous skiing experience is required. Stay active this winter, meet new people, and experience the beauty of winter. Because of the physical nature of this activity, participants should be able to comfortably walk several miles on variable terrain. Depending on local snow conditions, there are lots of amazing places to ski around Ithaca but this class may travel up to 2.5 hours to find good snow if mother nature isn't participating locally. 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 | Students: $385* Community: $415 CU Faculty/Staff: $405 |
|---|---|
| Fee Notes | Transportation, equipment, and instruction are all included. *If your financial aid package has a total family contribution (TFC) under $36,000, your course fee can be reduced to $99 by filling out the Fee Waiver Application. You can find your TFC on Student Center under View Financial Aid > 2025 > Aid Offer. |
| Attendance | Students must attend all classes in order to pass the class. Your instructors will communicate with you about class plans and whether or not they will need to use the Make-Up 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 through Student Center or 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 | 1/24/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 1/31/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 2/7/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm (make up class incase of poor weather) |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 1/22/26 | 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
| Sunday | 1/25/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| Sunday | 2/01/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| Sunday | 2/8/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm (make up class incase of poor weather) |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 1/22/26 | 6:00pm to 8:00pm |
| Sunday | 1/25/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| Sunday | 2/01/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| Sunday | 2/8/26 | 9:00am to 5:00pm (make up class incase of poor weather) |
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.
