Cross Country Ski Introduction
Cross-country skiing is a fun way to take in the beautiful back-country trails in winter with your family.
What It Is and Where You Can Do It
I relish winter snow blanketing the landscape. Luckily, I’ve found a sport that allows me to get exercise and travel on skis without skiing downhill at a resort with lift lines. There exist downhill ski resorts that have a separate area of trails for Nordic skiers. The term “Nordic” covers not only cross-country, but telemark and ski jumping.
These are trails that are usually groomed creating a flat, grooved surface. The pattern will usually appear like giant corduroy fabric. The advantage of a groomed trail is that you will glide completely on top of the snowpack while the groove directs you. If you go on an ungroomed trail you will still be able to ski it. At times you may sink in it some, but you can move forward through it. You don’t tend to sink much into snow because your weight is distributed over your skis.
This activity is family-friendly. Infants and toddlers can ride in a backpack or sled. Grandparents can go as it is almost like a gentle walk. Teenagers can go fast with the skate ski technique. Even your family dog can run along as some Nordic Centers welcome them.
With over 350 cross-country ski areas in North America there may well be one near you. This sport uses natural movements and has a rather short learning curve. The biggest challenge for a beginner is to maintain your balance while shuffling along–think standing with ice skates.
