Some Photos from the Backbone ski lesson on February 1st, 2009
That snow fence is buried under 1 foot of snow Feb 1st 2010

Our lesson area is flat and features set tracks and snow farming.

Pictured instructors Katharine, Max, Crede

Group Lessons Offered Saturday and Sunday
11:00AM and 1:00PM

Folks ask us all the time, "Do I need a ski lesson".
And the answer is YES!
There is a technique to learn and lots of information that you should know to get started in the sport. It's true, anyone can walk on cross country skis, but actually skiing is a different matter. You want to look good and glide away the day don't you?

click the black box for a lil' video - (takes some time to load)

Group Ski Lessons are offered
on Saturdays and Sundays
Price: $35 For Lesson, Equipment, Trail Fee Package
Other times and days may be available for groups, call to find out.

PLEASE NOTE: Please arrive One hour to 1/2 hour early so we can begin on-time. Reservations are recommended. We can only guarantee ski equipment rentals if you sign up for the first lesson of the day Saturday 11:00 AM and Sunday 11:00AM. If you want an afternoon lesson on a busy Saturday and Sunday you are welcome to bring rental skis from High Mountain Sports at Deep Creek Lake or a local outdoor store. Afternoon lessons are offered at 1:00PM

Other group lesson times may open up in the afternoon if there is demand. Certainly we will try and accommodate groups that have their own gesr or if rental equipment starts coming back in or is still available.

Private Lessons at Other Times By Reservation,
or if the instructor is available.
One Hour Private Lesson $45.00 per person

Advanced Telemark Tours and Lessons available.

Standard Lesson Format:

Our lessons and tours are perfect for beginners~ If you've never tried cross-country skiing now is the time to give it a glide!

Backbone Farm Kick 'n' Glide Cross Country Ski Lesson

• 1 Hour Lesson - Designed For Beginners & Intermediates
• Approx 60 minute ski lesson where you learn all the basics of cross-country (nordic) skiing. We teach you about equipment, how to get up from a fall, uphill techniques, including the herringbone and sidestep uphill technique, the diagonal stride, double poling and how to maximize the skis glide potential. You will be introduced to downhill techniques including the snowplow and telemark turn. You will also learn a little about winter travel including hypothermia awareness and how to keep warm.
• After lesson you are then free to explore the trails of the Backbone Mountain Ski Farm.
• Backbone instructors Max Dubansky and Crede Calhoun together have over 50 years of combined nordic teaching experience, WOW! and have literally taught thousands to cross country ski and downhill telemark.

Max has won several nordic ski races and is a master at tree skiing and long time owner (30 years +) and operator of local nordic ski centers. Crede is a past director and co-founder of several nordic centers in the Metroparks of Cleveland and Elk River in Snowshoe, WV, and was the Mid-Atlantic Regional Telemark Champion several times, as well as the 1987 North American'Citizens' Telemark Champion (Steamboat Springs Colorado , NOR-AMS). When you talk about years of experience in a sport, Backbone Farm is the place you gotta be.

Guided Tours: Want a lesson and a tour for your group? 2 hour guided tours may be available. Call for info.

Special Backcountry Telemark Tours. Call for information. We even have some powder stashes in remote locations for willing, skilled and properly equipped clients. Descents exceed 1,000 vertical per drop (when conditions are right) and and can include a few such backcountry runs in one day. Trees, steep, deep, shuttles and lunch provided.

Gratutities for Guides and Instructors is Appreciated
for Good Service