Saturday, January 9, 2027 · 11:00 AM–1:30 PM · Beaver Lake Pavilion, Mount Royal Park
$40 Early Bird (until December 12, 2026) · $50 regular · Ski rental available on site (about $23, not included)
Trying something new can feel a little daunting, especially on skis. This introduction to cross-country skiing is designed to help you feel steady and supported from the start. The group is small, the pace is gentle, and there’s never any pressure to keep up.
Along 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.
What you’ll do
We’ll begin with a standing grounding exercise, feeling the weight of your body settle into your skis and noticing the cold air and the quiet 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.
Once 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 your breath to the rhythm of your strides, the way you’d count steps on a staircase, 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 does), that becomes part of the practice too: noticing what your mind says, letting it go, and taking the next glide.
Once 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 your breath to the rhythm of your strides, the way you’d count steps on a staircase, 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.
Why it works for beginners
- You don’t need any experience. We start with the basics, focusing on balance and control so you feel steady on your skis.
- Groups are small, usually 5 to 10 people, so Molly can help each person individually.
- You set the pace. No one is racing ahead, and no one gets left behind.
- You don’t need your own gear. Skis, poles, and boots can be rented at the pavilion.
- We’ll stay on flat and gently rolling trails.
More than a ski lesson
Your guide, Molly, has spent many years guiding young people through outdoor education and adventure-based personal development. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Adventure-Based Therapy from Prescott College. This isn’t a therapy session, but her background shapes how she leads: with patience, attention to how people are feeling, and no pressure to perform.
Meet your guide: Molly
Molly has spent many years guiding young people through outdoor education and adventure-based personal development. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Adventure-Based Therapy from Prescott College, and she brings an experiential, body-centred approach to everything she teaches.
On 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.
What you may take away
You’ll leave 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 practising mindfulness in natural settings may add to those benefits. This is a chance to see how it feels for you.
Curious about the research? Read why spending time in nature is good for your wellbeing on Moire’s blog.
Who it’s for
This 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 about 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.
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 Cross-Country Skiing event on January 23rd.
Before you come
- Renting equipment? 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)
- Dress in warm layers. We’ll be moving slowly, so you’ll cool down faster than you might 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.
- Language: The event is led in English. Molly is comfortable in French, so you’re welcome to ask questions or chat with her en français.
- Weather: If conditions aren’t right for skiing, we’ll do a mindful skating session on Beaver Lake instead, from the same meeting point. In case of blizzards, freezing rain, or unsafe ice, the event will be rescheduled.
- Running late? Follow the ski track from the pavilion until you find the group.
- During the event: Call or text 514-619-4542. We may not check messages often while on the trails.
- Participation is at your own risk. Here’s the winter trail map if you’d like to get your bearings.
- Refunds and cancellations: Email contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org
If the ticket price feels out of reach, email us at contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org and we’ll be happy to explore options.
If you’ve been curious about cross-country skiing but haven’t found an easy way to start, this is a good place to begin. We’d love to see you on the trails.
