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UID:8ef7306a82e42a8520e7c4bd552db54a@mindfulnessoutdoors.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Mindful Cross-Country Skiing w/ Molly
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, January 9\, 2027 · 11:00 AM–1:30 PM · Beaver Lak
 e Pavilion\, Mount Royal Park$40 Early Bird (until December 12\, 2026) · $
 50 regular · Ski rental available on site (about $23\, not included)\nTryi
 ng something new can feel a little daunting\, especially on skis. This intr
 oduction to cross-country skiing is designed to help you feel steady and su
 pported from the start. The group is small\, the pace is gentle\, and there
 's never any pressure to keep up.\nAlong the way\, you'll learn to use the 
 steady rhythm of skiing as a simple form of meditation. It's something you 
 can come back to every time you head out on the trails this winter.\nWhat y
 ou'll do\nWe'll begin with a standing grounding exercise\, feeling the weig
 ht of your body settle into your skis and noticing the cold air and the qui
 et around you. Then we'll start with the basics: how to find your balance\,
  glide\, and slow down with confidence. If you do lose your footing\, we'll
  show you an easy way to get back up.\nOnce you feel steady\, we'll ski the
  trails of Mount Royal Park at an easy pace\, stopping along the way to lea
 rn meditation techniques you can use while skiing. You might match your bre
 ath to the rhythm of your strides\, the way you'd count steps on a staircas
 e\, or pause on the trail to listen to the creak of the trees\, the hush of
  the snow\, and your own breathing. And when you wobble or fall (everyone d
 oes)\, that becomes part of the practice too: noticing what your mind says\
 , letting it go\, and taking the next glide.\nOnce you feel steady\, we'll 
 ski the trails of Mount Royal Park at an easy pace\, stopping along the way
  to learn meditation techniques you can use while skiing. You might match y
 our breath to the rhythm of your strides\, the way you'd count steps on a s
 taircase\, or pause on the trail to listen to the creak of the trees\, the 
 hush of the snow\, and your own breathing. And when something feels awkward
  or wobbly\, that becomes part of the practice too: noticing what your mind
  says\, letting it go\, and taking the next glide.\nWhy it works for beginn
 ers\n\nYou don't need any experience. We start with the basics\, focusing o
 n balance and control so you feel steady on your skis.\nGroups are small\, 
 usually 5 to 10 people\, so Molly can help each person individually.\nYou s
 et the pace. No one is racing ahead\, and no one gets left behind.\nYou don
 't need your own gear. Skis\, poles\, and boots can be rented at the pavili
 on.\nWe'll stay on flat and gently rolling trails.\n\nMore than a ski lesso
 n\nYour guide\, Molly\, has spent many years guiding young people through o
 utdoor education and adventure-based personal development. She holds a Mast
 er of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Adventur
 e-Based Therapy from Prescott College. This isn't a therapy session\, but h
 er background shapes how she leads: with patience\, attention to how people
  are feeling\, and no pressure to perform.\nMeet your guide: Molly\nMolly h
 as spent many years guiding young people through outdoor education and adve
 nture-based personal development. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical
  Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Adventure-Based Therapy from Pres
 cott College\, and she brings an experiential\, body-centred approach to ev
 erything she teaches.\nOn the trails\, Molly is patient and encouraging. As
  a valued member of our Mindfulness Outdoors team\, she'll make sure you're
  in compassionate and supportive hands.\nWhat you may take away\nYou'll lea
 ve with enough basic technique to go skiing on your own\, and a few simple 
 ways to use breath and movement to settle your attention. Research suggests
  that time spent moving outdoors can lift mood and ease stress\, and that p
 ractising mindfulness in natural settings may add to those benefits. This i
 s a chance to see how it feels for you.\nCurious about the research? Read w
 hy spending time in nature is good for your wellbeing on Moire's blog.\nWho
  it's for\nThis event is for beginners and first-time cross-country skiers.
  You don't need to be especially fit\, just comfortable being outdoors for 
 a couple of hours. Adults of all ages are welcome. If you have questions ab
 out balance\, mobility\, or whether this event is right for you\, email us 
 at contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org and we'll be happy to talk it through.\n
 Experienced skiers are welcome too\, but we'll move slowly and focus on the
  basics. For more of a challenge\, see our Beginner/Intermediate Mindful Cr
 oss-Country Skiing event on January 23rd.\nBefore you come\n\nRenting equip
 ment? Rentals at the Beaver Lake Pavilion are about $23 for 3 hours and are
  first-come\, first-served. Please arrive by 10:30 AM to get fitted\, then 
 meet us outside the pavilion's main entrance. (Rates and hours)\nDress in w
 arm layers. We'll be moving slowly\, so you'll cool down faster than you mi
 ght expect. Bring mittens (they're warmer than gloves)\, a hat\, and water.
  For more tips\, see Moire's guide to staying warm and mindful outdoors in 
 winter.\nLanguage: The event is led in English. Molly is comfortable in Fre
 nch\, so you're welcome to ask questions or chat with her en français.\nWe
 ather: If conditions aren't right for skiing\, we'll do a mindful skating s
 ession on Beaver Lake instead\, from the same meeting point. In case of bli
 zzards\, freezing rain\, or unsafe ice\, the event will be rescheduled.\nRu
 nning late? Follow the ski track from the pavilion until you find the group
 .\nDuring the event: Call or text 514-619-4542. We may not check messages o
 ften while on the trails.\nParticipation is at your own risk. Here's the wi
 nter trail map if you'd like to get your bearings.\nRefunds and cancellatio
 ns: Email contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org\n\nIf the ticket price feels out 
 of reach\, email us at contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org and we'll be happy t
 o explore options.\nIf you've been curious about cross-country skiing but h
 aven't found an easy way to start\, this is a good place to begin. We'd lov
 e to see you on the trails.
LOCATION:Beaver Lake Pavilion\, Mount Royal Park
DTSTAMP:20260928T234424Z
DTSTART:20270109T160000Z
DTEND:20270109T183000Z
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