Cross country skiing is a great family activity and option for those who aren’t keen on going downhill. But make no mistake; this sport will get your heart pumping!

When it comes to equipment, many of the parks that offer lessons also have rental packages.  If you plan to buy, expect to pay $180 to $250 for a kit, including skis, boots, bindings and poles. When going cross country, a helmet is not necessarily recommended as it can add extra, unnecessary weight. A warm hat is important though!

There are a few ski schools that can get your kids – or even you – started on a cross country path.

Mount Royal

This is a family favourite for all kinds of winter activities and has 22 km of cross country trails radiating out from Beaver Lake. Les Amis de la Montagne offers eight-week courses Saturdays or Sundays, from Jan. 6 to Feb. 25, 2018. The Bunny Rabbit program for 4 and 5 year-olds costs $190 with equipment rental, $170 without; the Jackrabbit, for 6 to 9 year-olds, costs $260 with rental, $240 without. The Explorers (beginner and advanced) programs for 10 to 15 year-olds costs $260 with rental, $240 without.

For more information call 514-843-8240, ext. 222 or visit www.lemontroyal.qc.ca. Registration forms are available online.

Oka

Oka Provincial Park has seven groomed trails covering about 35 km, as well as a ski school offering lessons for children from 3 1/2 to 16. The goal with this program is to give children “a taste of the joys of skiing.”  The seven-week program starts Jan. 6 and 7, 2018. For 4-year-olds, lessons cost $247.22 with equipment rentals, $171.59 without. For 5- to 16-year-olds, the cost is $283.62 with rental, and $207.99 without.

For more information call 450-479-8365  or visit www.sepaq.com/pq/oka

Mont Saint Bruno

With 27 km of cross country skiing trails, Mont Saint Bruno Provincial Park offers group lessons to kids for seven weeks on Saturdays and Sundays through the Montériski ski school. Costs range from $165 for kids between 4-6 and $185 for kids 5-12. One-day equipment rentals are also available. The seven-week session begins Jan. 7, 2018.

For more information, call 450-653-7544 or visit www.sepaq.com/pq/msb

This articles was updated December, 2017