We have reopened registration for clinics for what remains of the season. Thanks for your patience and support during this challenging winter!
The Missoula Nordic Club has provided both classic and skate skiing clinics for adult club members since 2009. Clinics are lead by volunteer instructors and typically last 60-90 minutes.
Registration for each clinic will open 14 days prior to the clinic date at 8 AM. Registration is through RunSignup. Make sure you are signing up for the correct date and clinic type when you register!
Registration closes at 11:59 PM three days prior to the clinic. We are maintaining a waiting list for each individual clinic as well.
Please note that if you try to sign up for a clinic for which registration hasn’t opened yet, RunSignup will automatically re-direct you to a clinic that has open registration. In this case, you just need to come back later when registration for the clinic you want has opened.
Slots are limited, so in consideration of others please limit clinic participation to one session per club member. Also, to allow the best experience for yourself and other clinic participants, please sign up for the skill level of clinic that is most appropriate for you. See below for more about the difference between beginner and intermediate level clinics.
In attempt to reduce no-show rates and thereby increase accessibility of the clinics, we are instituting a $10 deposit with clinic registration. This will be refunded if you make it to the clinic and check in with the instructor, or if you cancel at least 72 hours beforehand to allow time to let in someone off the waiting list.
New for this year, we are offering a multi-session advanced skate ski clinic starting on January 9. See that event for details.
We do not offer private lessons and unfortunately at this time are not aware of anyone in the area who does.
Missoula Nordic Clinics FAQ
How do I sign up?
Registration is done through RunSignup. A link is listed within the information for that clinic. You will need to select the clinic you want from the main RunSignup page. Since registration for each clinic doesn’t open until two weeks before that clinic’s date, you may be re-directed to registration for another clinic if you try to sign up for one that doesn’t have open registration yet. Registration is first-come, first-served. You will receive an e-mail confirming your registration. If you are on the waiting list, you will be notified of whether a space has opened by the day before the clinic.
Where are clinics held?
Clinics are typically held on the groomed ski trails at Lubrecht Experimental Forest or at UM golf course, conditions permitting. If the clinic is at Lubrecht, meet at the trailhead sign in the parking lot. If it is at the golf course, meet next to the Iron Griz. You’ll receive an email several days before the clinic with more details, including a change in location if needed.
What is the difference between a beginner and an intermediate clinic?
Beginner clinics are for individuals who have very little experience (less than a dozen times or so) with the specific ski technique (skating or classic skiing), or feel that they would like more instruction on the basics.
Intermediate clinics are for those who are able to perform the specific technique (skating or classic skiing) continuously for 10km, and are looking to improve efficiency and form.
Are kids allowed to participate in clinics?
The clinics are primarily geared toward adults and it might be challenging for children younger than middle school age to take part for the entire clinic. The ZANY program is a great option if you are interested in having your child learn to ski.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that emergencies and illness can arise suddenly. Please plan your schedule accordingly and cancel at least 72 hours in advance if your plans change. This will allow us to let individuals in from the wait list with sufficient notification. To cancel your registration, please e-mail Christi at missoula.nordic.clinics@gmail.com.
What will I need?
You will need to bring your own ski equipment to the clinics. For more information on where to rent skis, please see below. Because the clinics are do not involve continuous skiing we recommend that you wear 1-2 extra layers to the clinic. Bringing water or sports drink is also recommended. Return to FAQ.
Are private lessons available?
As an all-volunteer club, Missoula Nordic Ski Club is not able to provide private lessons. Please contact a commercial vendor.
Where can I rent skis?
The following stores/organizations may have rental skis available. Please call in advance to ensure the correct size equipment will be available to you.
MTCX Ski, Bike, Events
235 N 1st St W Suite G
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: 406-544-5270
Skate ski for adults and kids available for rental or purchase.
Please call ahead for an appointment or to reserve skis for curbside pickup
LB Snow
Metal edge classic touring skis available for rental, adults & kids.
802 W Spruce St, Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: 406-493-7073
Trailhead
Classic and skate skis available for purchase.
Skate (adult) and classic (kids & adults) equipment available for rental.
Ski waxing available through service shop. 221 E. Front St., Missoula
Phone: 406-543-6966
REI
Classic and skate skis available for purchase (no rentals).
Ski waxing available through service shop
3275 N Reserve St, Missoula, MT 59808
Phone: (406) 541-1938
Missoula Bicycle Works
Classic and skate skis available for purchase and rental.
Ski waxing available through service shop
708 S. Higgins Ave.
(406) 721-6525
Sport Exchange
Consigned classic and skate skis available for purchase.
111 S 3rd St W, Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: (406) 721-6056
Bob Wards
Skate and Classic skis available for purchase (no rentals).
3015 Paxson St, Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: (406) 728-3220
Valley Bicycles and Ski
Classic and skate skis available
219 S 1st St, Hamilton
Phone: (406) 363-4428
University of Montana Campus Recreation
Classic skis only for rental. Valid UM Griz Card required for rental.
UM Campus, in the northeast corner of the Fitness and Recreation Center (FRC), next to Washington-Grizzly Stadium
Phone: (406) 243-5172