Tacoma Mountaineers launch 2027 Nordic ski course

The Tacoma Mountaineers will launch their Nordic (Cross-country) Ski Course 2027 on Thursday, January 7, 2027. This adult-focused program combines structured learning with practical field trips to build foundational skills for winter travel.

Organized by the Tacoma Cross-country Skiing Committee, the course runs through Thursday, April 15, 2027. It is structured around one in-person classroom lecture, one online lecture, and three scheduled field trips. The course is also the 2027 Bill Gairdner Canadian Masters Cross Country Ski Championship. Cassandra Nielsen said, "We are excited to announce that we will be hosting five races for the event."

Who it’s for and what it requires

Open to adults with no prior experience, the course demands full attendance, completion of a free online Low Impact Course, and a Mountaineer ski tour to graduate. Non-Mountaineers are welcome to join. Participants must be comfortable spending several hours outdoors in cold, snowy, windy, or wet conditions. The physical demands require good balance, coordination, endurance, and the ability to recover independently from falls.

Graduation requires attendance at all lectures and field trips, finishing the free online Low Impact Course, and successfully completing one Mountaineer ski tour.

Skills, gear, and graduation outcomes

Participants gain technical ability and cold-weather preparedness. The course aims to introduce Nordic skiing in a supportive, social environment for beginners while welcoming experienced skiers to refresh technique. Renting equipment is recommended before purchasing, especially after the dedicated equipment lecture.

Upon graduation, participants earn specific badges and unlock new pathways. They qualify to ski with any Mountaineer branch and can pursue trip leader or instructor roles. The badges recognize proficiency in key gear categories:

Logistics and conditions

The course has a strict capacity of 22 participants. Fees are structured for members and guests, but do not cover additional access costs. Field trips are dependent on suitable snow conditions and may be rescheduled if necessary. Car-pooling is encouraged for these outings.

Course fees do not include trail passes for the White Pass Nordic Center, equipment rentals, or parking passes at Hyak, Crystal Springs, or Cabin Creek Sno-Parks. A full refund is available up to two weeks before the course start, minus a $10 cancellation fee. No refunds are issued after that point.

The Tacoma Branch offers this course each January and February. The schedule for the 2027 session is as follows:

Cassandra Nielsen outlined part of the championship schedule, noting, "Friday will see two interval start races, a 5 km classic race in the morning and a 5 km free technique race in the afternoon." Registration for the limited-capacity course opens in mid-November.