Dakota County Parks

General Description 

Enjoy MN's winter wonderland this season and help others learn how-to cross-country ski. Cross-country ski volunteers will assist Dakota County Park's Outdoor Education staff during beginner cross-country ski classes offered to the public. Classes include adult-only and adult with child opportunities.

Volunteers will ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable ski experience. Volunteers will help with the entirety of the program including set up and tear down. They will not be asked to do any formal instruction but they will be there to support the instructor and participants, answer questions and supply encouragement when needed. Share your love and experience of skiing with others as we work to encourage and grow interest in this outdoor sport in our county parks.  

Location 

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

860 Cliff Road

Eagan, MN 55123

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Help provide a safe and enjoyable experience to cross-country ski participants. 
• Assist cross-country ski instructor during class. 
• Provide encouragement and support to participants. 
• Assist cross-country ski instructor with set-up and take-down of training areas. 
• Help maintain a safe environment for all participants.  

Qualifications 

• Must be 16 years old or older. 
• Good physical fitness and great customer service skills. 

• Enthusiasm for cross-country skiing. 
• Intermediate Nordic cross-country ski experience. 
• Must provide your own equipment (skis, poles, boots, etc.). 
• Must complete all required training. 
• Complete a background check with the county. 

Benefits 

• Great way to gather hours for school requirements, professional development, etc. 
• An opportunity to grow personally: teaching skills, customer service, and outreach.  
• A wonderful team full of people who love what you already like to do. 

Time Commitment 
Flexible scheduling - there will be multiple dates/times for you to sign up for. Pick as many as you would like to help out with. Weather and snow conditions permitting.  

2026 Season Schedule

• Saturday, January 10, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Family Lessons
• Saturday, January 10, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adult Lessons
• Saturday, January 17, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Adult Lessons
• Saturday, January 24, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Family Lessons
• Saturday, January 31, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Family Lessons
• Tuesday, February 3, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Adult Lessons
• Sunday, February 8, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Family Lessons
• Friday, February 13, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Ski Tour - Starlit Ski
• Wednesday, February 18, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Family Lessons
• Thursday, February 19, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Adult Lessons
• Saturday, February 21, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Ski Tour - Ski and S'mores
• Saturday, February 28, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Ski Tour - Full Moon Ski

Required Training 
Volunteers must complete a quick training provided by Dakota County Parks staff. More details will follow after initial registration is completed.  

Activity Level 

Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve rough, uneven, steep terrain or icy conditions. Not recommended for volunteers with physical limitations.

Contact Information  

Angie Tomlinson

Outdoor Education Coordinator 

Email: angela.tomlinson@co.dakota.mn.us 

Phone: 651-554-6533