Nordic Center at Stevens Pass

Yes! Kids generally learn really quickly – we always advise taking a lesson or hiring an instructor to ski with your whole family. Private lessons are available if your family learns best together or try one of our First Time Classic Packages for the easiest way to get started.  Kids under 12 meet at 10am for a special kid’s only lesson while the rest of us meet at 11am.

It’s smart to rent when you’re starting out. That way, you can make sure you like the sport (you will!) before you invest in equipment, and you can also see what kind of skis and boots you like. We offer a large variety of skis and boots to try on a variety of skiing experiences.

Yes, when the Nordic Center is open for operations. See the parking attendant in the lots or go directly to the parking building to arrange transportation.

From a child’s 9.5 through youth 9, Women’s 5 through 11.5 and men’s 4 through 15.5 aka Euro size 26-50.

Sledding is allowed at the Nordic Center. We offer a small groomed sled hill free of charge.  There is limited parking and the area is first come first served.  We welcome you to enjoy the beauty of lower Mill Valley and a tasty treat from the Cascade Depot.

Our groomed trails are currently only for Nordic skiing.  When it comes to Nordic Skiing a smooth surface is half the fun.  Our snowshoe trails offer more intimate exploring and offer you access to some amazing places not available to the average Nordic skier.  We understand that some snowshoers are seeking a groomed trail experience and we are looking at options to make this possible. For now our groomed trails are only for Nordic skiers.

Dress in layers so you can take them off (as you get warmer) or put them on (as you get cooler). A hat is a great way of controlling temperature, you also need gloves or mittens (if it’s colder); it’s not a good idea to ski bare-handed.

Clothing for cross country skiing is versatile. You can use tights and windbreakers made for skiing, bicycling, or jogging. 

Conventional cold weather clothing like bulky parkas isn't suited to cross country skiing, as it constricts movement and generates excessive body heat. 

Wearing several light articles of clothing - for instance, polypropylene or similar underwear and synthetic fleece overpants plus windpants, with a wool or fleece zip sweater and a wind-resistant jacket - allows you to trap warm air in pockets of space. Synthetics and wool blends are the best – cotton is not good. Cotton absorbs and holds moisture, acts like a moisture sponge whether it’s perspiration or snow and accelerates cooling, (So, leave your jeans at home!) Synthetics and wool blends allow moisture to evaporate, making you more comfortable.

Socks are perhaps the most important clothing item, try wearing thin polypropylene liners under a pair of wool or wool-blend socks. If your toes are susceptible to cold, resist the temptation to put on too many socks - you'll only restrict circulation, making your feet colder. Our rental boots have a lot of insulation in them for your additional warmth and comfort.

Gloves are better for precise ski pole control and dexterity in getting in and out of your skis. Mittens are best if you're prone to cold hands, since they allow fingers to share body heat.. In warmer conditions, don’t use too heavy a pair or they'll be sweat-soaked in the first kilometer. We find most people need a lighter glove than what they imagine, often getting cold hands from sweat soaked heavy gloves like those commonly used in Alpine skiing and Snowboarding.