Winter Activities

Cleveland Metroparks offers cross-country skiing rentals, programs, and opportunities to explore on your own. Cross-country skiing is permitted on hiking, bridle, and all purpose trails (that have not been plowed) as well as the fairways and rough areas of Big Met, Little Met, Shawnee Hills, Seneca, Mastick Woods and Sleepy Hollow golf courses with a four-inch snow base. 

For cross-country ski conditions on golf courses, call 216-635-3270, 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week.

Big Met Ski Rental Rates

Cross-country ski rentals are available at Big Met Golf Course in Rocky River Reservation when there is a four-inch snow base. For hours call, 440-331-1070.  

Skiers are Reminded to Practice these Common Sense Rules

• Before skiing, check the equipment for cracks or other faults that could weaken skis, poles or boots
• Ski within ability and skill, in terms of distance and speed
• Ski on the right side of the trail and pass other skiers with caution
• Keep poles close to body
• Downhill skiers always have the right of way
• Please step off the track or leave the trail when stopping or if it is busy
• Obey all Park District regulations and trail markings
• Skiers are asked not to ski on the tees or greens and to use the groomed and marked courses on the golf courses.

Cross-Country Skiing Programs

If you are new to cross-country skiing or want to improve your techniques, guided instruction is typically available in January and February. 

Program Name	Runs With or Without Snow	Impromptu (Only With Snow)	Equipment Provided	Classic Nordic Style	Beginner Friendly	Ages
Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing						12+
Try-It: Cross-Country Skiing						8+
Learn-It: Cross-Country Skiing						12+

Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing runs with or without snow! View classes on the program calendar. Skiers will receive an overview of Nordic skiing including various styles and accompanying equipment.

Snow = heading outside to learn how to balance and move on classic cross-country skis.
Insufficient Snow = deeper dive into equipment and simulated classic style cross-country skiing activities.

Try-It: Cross-Country Skiing is only added to the program calendar when there is sufficient snow. This 1-hour program is designed to give brand new skiers their first experience on classic cross-country skis. The program covers basic equipment use and function, ski balance, stationary turning, and forward movement known as the diagonal stride, practiced mostly on flat, level ground.

Learn-It: Cross-Country Skiing is only added to the program calendar when there is sufficient snow. This 2.5-hour program provides a more in-depth look at both equipment and various classic cross-country ski techniques. All information contained within the Try-It: Cross-Country Skiing program will be covered with more time to hone and practice the necessary skills to glide efficiently across the snow and various terrain, as well as additional skills such as turning on the move and going up and down small hills.