Trail Grooming at cross country ski areas provides a better trail experience for skiers.
Viewing entries tagged
Newer posts
Tips for elder cross country skiers. Benefits of cross country skiing for older people
Many cross country ski areas offer incentives for elder skiers to visit and ski.
Choosing classic skiing or skate skiing
Skiing Through the Covered Bridge at Jackson Ski Touring in the Mt. Washington Valley, NH
The top New England ski towns are the topic of annual debate, but which are the top towns for cross country skiing? Some of the favorite New England towns and areas to go on a cross country (XC) ski vacation include Stowe and Woodstock in Vermont, the Mt. Washington Valley in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and Bethel in Maine. Here are more details from XCSkiResorts.com about XC skiing at these fabulous New England ski towns:
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, VT is the home of the Trapp Family Lodge of the Sound of Music movie fame and there are other XC ski resorts in the nearby area including Bolton Valley, Stowe Cross Country Center, and Edson Hill. The town of Stowe, VT is quintessential New England with its white steepled church and main street lined with stores. For dining and shopping, Stowe has a full range of selection from down home breakfast nooks and retail shops to upscale restaurants and furriers. Trapp Family Lodge has a 110 km trail network with 60 km of groomed and machine-tracked trails.
Just over the mountain from Trapp Family Lodge is the Bolton Valley Nordic Center which features an alpine ski area and a resort village and there are more than 100 km of XC ski and backcountry trails that skiers of all ability levels can enjoy. The Nordic Center has 26 km of trails that are groomed for classic and skate XC skiing and additionally serves up some of New England's best backcountry terrain. There are guided tours for XC skiing and snowshoeing, clinics, and demo days scheduled.
Vermont’s Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock, VT is another mecca that has inns, restaurants, unique shops, and a national park. The Woodstock Nordic Center offers more than 45 km of skiing right in town on two trail systems. The Mount Peg trails begin on the golf course at the Woodstock Country Club and climb to the summit overlooking the village below. On nearby Mt. Tom, the Center grooms more than 20 km of trails on old carriage roads in the midst of Vermont's first tree farm and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. The Woodstock Inn & Resort, which operates the Nordic Center is a 142 room AAA four Diamond Resort in the heart of Woodstock.
The Mt. Washington Valley in the White Mountains of New Hampshire has some of the best cross country skiing in the east with North Conway as the prime ski town in the region, but for cross country skiers, the town of Jackson is the paragon of New England towns. The JacksonXC is a non-profit organization chartered to provide and maintain xc ski trails in and about the village of Jackson on more than 80 private properties and the national forest. Country inns are spaced throughout the region. The base lodge is located on the village loop and the Ellis River Trail accessed through a covered bridge is famous for newcomers to cross country skiing. The best word to describe the experience of a cross country ski visit to Jackson is “enchanting.”
The Inn at Ellis River in Jackson, is a romantic bed and breakfast on the banks of the Ellis River in one of the most picturesque settings. Yankee Magazine editors have called this Inn a "great romantic retreat" and rightly so with the charming rooms, game room pub, sitting room, atrium-enclosed hot tub overlooking the river, and sunny dining room
Great Glen Outdoors at the base of Mount Washington in New Hampshire is nearby to Jackson and you'll discover this magnificent setting with 45 kilometers of cross country skiing, snowshoeing plus an ol' fashioned tubing hill offering everything needed for a full day of winter fun. Great Glen's scenic trail system offers an enjoyable combination of well-protected spruce and fir-lined trails plus wide open options offering breathtaking views into the Great Gulf Wilderness and surrounding peaks of the Northern Presidentials. On the trails is the Glen House Hotel built in classic New England vernacular, with clapboards, and painted trim with 68 rooms, a pub and a restaurant. For even more adventure, guests of all ages can enjoy a comfortable winter tour on the 9-passenger Mt. Washington SnowCoach, which transports guests to treeline (about 4,200 feet) on Mt. Washington into a sub-arctic world for a truly unforgettable adventure.
Mt Washington above the Bretton Woods Nordic Center in NH
Bretton Woods Nordic Center is a golf clubhouse that is transformed to a thriving cross country ski center in the winter on the grounds of the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel on the other side of the great mountain from Great Glen. It has 100 km of XC ski and snowshoe trails, and the grand hotel at the southern base of the mighty Mt. Washington has 1,700 acres of spectacular scenery. The Mountain Road accessed via a lift at the Bretton Woods alpine ski area offers spectacular vistas of Mt. Washington from a 7 km groomed trail down to Route 302.
Maine’s Bethel Inn
Bethel, Maine is home to the Bethel Inn and Carter's XC Ski Center, and Sunday River Resort's alpine ski trails. The XC ski trails, which meander through the woods to a picturesque covered bridge are canine friendly as are several inns along the trails operated by the nonprofit Bethel Inland Woods and Trails organization. The Carter's XC Ski Center has beautiful views of the Mahoosuc and Presidential mountain ranges, and the land has been in the Carter family for generations.
Bethel was settled in 1774 and it has retained its small town lifestyle. In 1999 and again in 2008, the town set the record with the Guinness Book for the World's Tallest Snowman, a towering 113 feet, 7 inches. Besides XC skiing and snowshoeing at the ski centers, there's alpine skiing, dogsledding trips, and snowmobile rentals available near Bethel. Many of the businesses in Bethel and all the other ski towns organize special events on winter weekends and vacation weeks to encourage people to get out and enjoy the snow.
So that’s the rundown of New England ski towns that should be on every cross country skier’s list.
California couple at Bear Valley Adventures
There was an unprecedented surge of interest in cross country (XC) skiing associated with the pandemic as people flocked to outdoor recreation. XC skiing gets you into winter outdoors which is particularly magical when the land is covered with snow. Your immersion in the environment on skis can also help with your wellness as XC skiing is known for delivering physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
If you want to try XC skiing, the most obvious suggestion for a positive introduction is to take a ski lesson. Here are some recommendations to get started from XCSkiResorts.com for the best ways to discover XC skiing across the nation:
Close to metropolitan Boston is Weston Ski Track, a local county-owned golf course that is accessible by public transportation. They’ve got snowmaking to guarantee the snow cover and lights to ski at night. A 75-minute session covers the basics for newcomers to XC skiing such as the motion, turning, and negotiating small hills. A package of rental gear, a lesson, and trail access starts at $44 for kids and $64 for adults. There are well-priced multiple session packages, too.
Further north in New England is Great Glen Trails in Gorham, NH where they encourage people to plan ahead and book on line because there are limits for the number of skiers in a 75-minute group lesson. They practice putting their boots in the ski binding on the carpet inside the lodge. Coaching in the small group lesson goes at a pace that is comfortable for the whole group to learn gliding, stopping, and getting up (just about everyone falls on the snow when they begin skiing). The views of Mt. Washington will astound you from Great Glen Trails.
Mt. Peg at Woodstock Nordic Center
The folks at the famous Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT (associated with the Sound of Music movie) like to start many newcomers on a softer ski and help them with basic techniques such as the kick and glide motion on skis, using the poles, and how to stop. These skills help the beginning skier get control on the skis. The soft ski will make it easier for the skier to turn and stop. Woodstock Nordic Center at the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont has a golf course behind the inn that is a flat area with a picturesque creek running through it. Their unique 20-minute “Mini Clinic” is perfect for the first time skier and it includes the trail pass, one hour equipment rental and a lesson for $50. Get their four lesson deal and you’ll certainly be able master XC skiing.
At Lapland Lake Vacation Center in Northville, NY (near Albany) they customize the introduction to XC skiing experience to the skier’s level of ability. There is terrain with a wide modest downhill and a run-out to make skiers feel more comfortable.
In the central part of the USA is the Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI where on weekend mornings you can take advantage of free lessons for beginners in classic or skate skiing. Their Winter Trails Day is in January when there will be free access to the facility and a lesson with a complimentary hot cocoa and hot dog cookout; and it is only $9 if you need XC ski gear to use.
Maplelag Resort in Callaway, MN is a family-oriented operation that goes out of their way to make sure people are comfortable with these new adventures like XC skiing or snowshoeing and will want to come back for more. Maplelag is a community-based experience and many times patrons who are experienced skiers help provide extra attention to first time skiers. Be aware that a fire destroyed the Maplelag lodge in October 2022 and while the skiing remains open with a retail shop and warming hut, the lodge is not in operation.
Breckenridge Nordic Center lodge
In the Rocky Mountains, the folks at Breckenridge Nordic Center in Colorado will give a 20% discount if you register on the Internet for a group lesson. They specialize in working with people who have never been on snow and share the joy of the XC skiing by helping skiers learn efficiency and control. Josh Dayton who runs the operation has produced a 9-minute video that first timers can access with a QR code to watch in advance of their experience on the snow which covers the touch points about controlling the skis and maintaining balance. All staff at the resort are ambassadors who offer ski tips to anyone. As soon as the skier steps out the door there is a staff person there who helps skiers put the equipment on, review the trail map, talk about body balance, and so on. When people come to Breckenridge Nordic with old equipment, they get offered a free upgrade to see the difference that new gear can make in the skiing enjoyment.
The Lake Tahoe region boasts a number of California ski areas and Tahoe Donner Cross Country has low cost opportunities to help people learn basic ski skills while having a blast on the trails. The member price is discounted for a group lesson package that includes the rental gear, a trail pass, and a 75-minute lesson or tour with an instructor and other beginners.
In the Northwest, Methow Trails is hosting the Free Backyard Ski Day on January 27th when there will be free access to the trails, free rental gear, and free lessons available for beginners at one of the largest trail networks in the US located in eastern Washington. These are just a few examples for people to try XC skiing this winter at XC ski areas across the nation - feel free to click through to any of the ski areas to find more information.
Cross country skiers rounding the corner
With a torrent of people hitting the trails and the outdoors across the country, XCSkiResorts.com wanted to give a shout out to hidden gem destinations for cross country (XC) skiing this winter. There may very well be an overflow of skiers at the most popular XC ski trails, so this guide will share some of the lesser known but excellent destinations.
In the east the Woodstock Nordic Center offers more than 45 km of skiing right in the town of Woodstock, VT on two trail systems. The Mt. Peg trails begin on the golf course at the Woodstock Country Club and climb to the summit overlooking the village below. On nearby Mt. Tom, the Center grooms more than 20 km of trails on old carriage roads in the midst of Vermont's first tree farm and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. The Woodstock Inn & Resort, which operates the Nordic Center is a 142 room AAA four Diamond Resort in the heart of Woodstock, a town that is the quintessential New England town with a wonderful collection of restaurants and shops.
Lapland Lake XC Ski & Vacation Center in Northville, NY features a touch of Finland in the Adirondacks from the food and the resident reindeer, to the Finnish woodburning sauna and children's games. They’ve got 38 km groomed for classic and skate skiing and 12 km of mapped snowshoe trails. The resort is located adjacent to the famed 133-mile Northville-Lake Placid Trail for limitless wilderness ski and snowshoe opportunities. Known for its courteous staff, this year-round family resort features a two-story warming lodge with a wax room, restrooms, changing room, and shower along with a snack bar, and eleven housekeeping cottages known as "tupas" that have fully equipped kitchens, living room, up to 4 bedrooms, electric heat, woodstoves, and a bath with showers.
The White Grass Touring Center is in the Canaan Valley and high Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia. It is a one-of-a-kind place to XC ski that gets 150 inches of snow annually. There's 50 km of trails that are groomed or maintained and the area has 1,200 vertical feet with slopes and glades for backcountry skiers, too. Established in the late 1970’s the “fleece and flannel” scene at White Grass is alive with a popular natural foods café.
XC ski destinations in the central regions include Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI which is a leading XC ski outfitter and ski area in the Higgins Lake area. Since 1974 this has been a premier destination for XC skiing in the heart of Michigan, with 19 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing for skiers of all abilities and there are also miles of trails all around the region. The Cross Country Ski HQ is known for its friendly and experienced staff, special events, and retail operation. Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing characterized as 10% hilly, 50% moderate, and 40% flat.
Golden Eagle Lodge trail through the White Birch forest
The Golden Eagle Lodge in Grand Marais, MN is a family owned year-round resort located on Flour Lake sitting at the Height of the Laurentian Divide in the Superior National Forest. It has 70 km groomed trails for classic skiing and 60 percent of the trails are groomed for skating. The Baumann family owns the Golden Eagle Lodge, and they are the only residents on the lake, welcoming skiers to enjoy 120 inches of snow annually and the tranquility and solitude of the surrounding ancient forests. The lodge is also amidst the Gunflint Trail 100-mile system, which is a mecca for Midwestern cross country skiers.
Maplelag Resort in Callaway, MN is located in the northwest region of MN and is within an hour of Fargo, ND. Maplelag has 75 km groomed for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. The Maplelag lodge was destroyed in a fire in October 2022 and the area trails are being maintained with a retail store and a few cabin accommodations with kitchen facilities.
Further west XC skiers can visit the Enchanted Forest XC Ski & Snowshoe Area in Red River, NM, which has 33 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing, 15 km for snowshoeing, and 5 km that allow dogs. Enchanted Forest is known for the entertaining events and the great scenic views with 500 acres of ancient forests, aspen groves, and sweeping meadows in the Carson National Forest (that's Kit Carson for you history buffs) There’s a day lodge at the base area for a snack and the Midway warming yurt and three rental yurts are available for overnight winter accommodations.
Crosscut Mountain Sports Center is in Bozeman, MT next to the alpine ski area Bridger Bowl and it is a popular XC ski day area only 16 miles from Bozeman. This non-profit organization is a year round recreational sports training and educational facility providing human powered outdoor activities with 50 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Located in the Bridger Mountains, the center includes a biathlon range and includes a wide 15-foot trail width and narrow gauge trails for fat biking, snowshoeing and classic skiing with impeccable trail grooming. At 6,100 foot elevation there are no altitude problems at Crosscut.
Methow Trails is located in north-central Washington just below the Canadian border and anchored by the towns of Winthrop, Mazama and Twisp. It has more than 220 km (136 miles) of perfectly groomed skate and classic ski trails. Kids 17 and under ski free everyday in the Methow Valley. Many of the trails also welcome fat bikers, snowshoers, and dogs. Methow Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to connect people, nature and community through world class trail systems.
Bear Valley fatbiking enthusiast takes it in
The Bear Valley Adventure Company is in Bear Valley, CA on Highway 4 on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the land of giant Sequoia trees. Bear Valley is perfect for new or experienced XC skiers with a trailhead meadow surrounded by hills and ridges. It is at 7,000 - 7,800 foot elevation and boasts substantial annual snow depths making it in most years the first to open and last to close among the Sierra XC ski centers. There are 70 km on 38 trails groomed for classic and skate skiing with 2 kids trails, a popular sledding and tubing hill, the Snowbound Café and 3 trailside huts There’s a groomed downhill ski area nearby, too.
Cross country (XC) skiing dates back 6,000 years depicted in cave drawings and recently there have been some significant transformations in XC skiing to the benefit of everyone who does it.
Posing at the Grand Tetons near Jackson Hole, WY
XC Skis
The most recent trend in XC skis is no wax skin skis, which is a return of the 1970s mohair strips embedded in the XC ski base. Most of the brands have integrated the concept with a synthetic blend of skin material strips to provide consistent grip in variable snow conditions. The advancement of “kick pockets” in ski construction has also been helpful and the combination of skins and ski construction allow a lightweight ski to work well on groomed trails or in ski tracks.
XC Ski Boots
Today’s XC ski boots are much lighter and provide more support, comfort and warmth compared to boots of olden days. The support is supplied by sole stiffness, plastic upper cuffs, and straps while the warmth is incorporated with lightweight insulation products such as Thinsulate. There are XC ski boot model versions that accommodate a women’s foot with narrower heels, rounder toe boxes, and more curvature in the upper.
Adjustable Ski Bindings
The XC ski bindings are now adjustable while out on the trail with the ability for the skier to slide the binding forward or backward to adjust weight distribution. Move the binding forward to get better grip or backward to provide more speed or better glide.
PFOA Ban
The international ski racing organization has limited or banned fluorocarbon compounds in ski wax due to health and environmental concerns. The waxes contained PFOAs or polyfluorinated materials that are linked to cancer, birth defects, hypertension and strokes in humans.
Snowmaking on the trail at Rickert Nordic Center, VT
Snowmaking
There are more than 40 XC ski areas now employing snowmaking after deciding to invest in using machines to make snow. The availability of less expensive and portable snowmaking systems are main motivations to use snowmaking, but other business-driven issues are relevant too, such as filling lodge rooms, running programs, and fulfilling season pass holders' desire to extend the ski season beyond Mother Nature's whim.
The XC Skiing Quiver of Gear
There are distinct segments of XC skiing that take best advantage of different gear. Recreational or performance skiing on groomed trails at the XC ski area or resort allows a range of comfortable stability for those who want to avoid skiing out of control to responsive super lightweight speed sticks for the more athletic work out.
Ungroomed trails through the forest and downhill mountain slope descents call for sturdier gear such as wider skis with steel edges and heavier boots and bindings. Narrow skin skis are great for the groomed trails at the XC ski area. Before purchasing equipment, it is best to consider what type of XC skiing you might prefer…or better yet, rent some different gear, get a tour guide or instructor, and experience the different XC ski segments over time for yourself to help make this decision.
All of these changes to the XC ski world are beneficial and they’ll provide a better experience for people to enjoy the sport and maintain their fitness outdoors in the winter.
This may be the best year to purchase a season pass to cross country (XC) ski at a nearby XC ski area. Such ski areas maintain and improve their trails. Why do ski areas need to charge for skiing - Because they staff an operation, groom the trails, use fuel to groom and offer keep buildings warm, upkeep for facilities and so on.
Groomed trail at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in CO, winner of the USA Today 10Best XC Ski Resort Poll
For the XC skier, if you have a season pass, it is less costly for trail access for each additional time that you go. If the daily trail pass is $20 and you purchase a season pass for $100, then going 10 times for the whole winter gives you access to groomed trails at $10 per outing. Go 20 times and it is $5 per outing.
You can get a season pass on-line so you do not even need to go to the ski area to get it. With regard to the pandemic, you can drive to the ski area, get out of your vehicle, put on your boots and skis, and go jump on the trails for a ski. No need to even go to the lodge which allows you to avoid crowds of other skiers.
Factors in selecting which ski area to buy a season pass among different ski areas might include where you like to ski or the kind of trails you prefer to ski. For example, some ski areas have easier or more difficult terrain or some have a higher quality of grooming (or they groom more often). Some ski areas have wider trails and some have more protected or open terrain. Do you take your kids or a dog when you ski - because some ski areas are easier for young people to ski and some allow dogs on their trails.
Your ski area selection may depend upon the price of the season pass or how convenient it is to drive to the ski area. Perhaps there are extra benefits that are included with the season pass such as discounts at the ski shop (retail), clinics, lessons, or programs; guest passes; reciprocal skiing at other ski areas; and so on.
One of the things that is often true is that the earlier you purchase the season pass in the year, the lower the price. Many ski areas offer a season pass near the end of the ski year so a pass purchased in March includes skiing in March and April, and the entire next ski season.
Research of season pass prices for 2021 at about two dozen ski areas showed different rates among the states and individual ski areas. In general, the adult passes ranged between $100 and $300 per year and the family of four costs range $150-570. Season passes for seniors run from $75-200 per year. Again, be aware of end of the season rates in March versus higher pre-season rates in the fall. There are various special offers such as midweek passes at Methow Trails in WA for $199 or 10 visit punch cards in Colorado that are $50 less than the unlimited season pass. Crystal Lake Ski Center in PA offers an individual season pass for $120 with an $80 fee for each additional family member. The lowest priced season pass found among the researched areas was at the Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI where it cost $38 for an individual and $70 for a family. So there’s advice about the concept of purchasing a season pass.
Family at Great Glen Trails under Mt. Washington in NH
Plan to gather up the kids and head to the hills this winter. No need to head to warmer climes - winter can be snowy, yet mild, and perfect for a family vacation with plenty of activities such as cross country (XC) skiing and snowshoeing. According to the experts, who regularly update XCSkiResorts.com, the nation's top XC ski resorts are exceedingly family-friendly with lots to enjoy together both on the snow and off. What families want and need is exactly what an xc ski vacation delivers: multi-generational participation, quality time and shared memories.
There are special touches such as talent shows, child-friendly classes and family style meals to help your XC ski and snowshoe vacation become the perfect memorable getaway with your loved ones. Families can find resorts that offer the perfect combination of carefree atmosphere and picture-perfect views together with beautiful lodging, family dining, and expertly groomed trails and learn how they can enjoy the winter outdoors together. The following are top suggestions from the site:
EAST
Lapland Lake Ski & Vacation Center in Northville, NY has nightly bonfires on the weekends and the kids love to play Napa Kikku, which is a Finnish game on ice with a sled and a pole. Kicksleds, tubing, ice skating and parents use pulk sleds to pull the kids along the XC ski trails. The range of trails include many that are excellent for family skiers that have different ability levels. The overnight cottages have kitchens, too.
Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME has family programs to engage kids and adults with outdoors and educational activities such as XC skiing, sleigh rides, mountain biking, equestrian, exploring life and animals on the farm, apple cider making, milking a cow, and much more.
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT is one of the most famous family resorts where the hills come alive with the "Sound of Music." In the Green Mountains of Vermont, Trapp Family Lodge is a paradise for families with a fitness center, an indoor pool and the Mountain Kids Club provides playtime, craft time and movies for kids.
Kids of all ages will dig the Fun Zone at Smuggler’s Notch
Smuggler's Notch Resort in Smuggler's Notch, VT has a dynamic lineup of family programs with 1,000 acres for families that include XC skiers, snowshoers, alpine skiers and snowboarders. Smuggs as it is known, has teen centers, kids camps and the not-to-be-missed FunZone play area, all within the resort village with shops and restaurants, condo lodging, and walk-to free shuttles. There are XC ski and snowshoe trails and programs, winter walking, ice skating, and more. Recognition for Smuggs’ family focus has annually been awarded by numerous magazines.
CENTRAL
Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minnesota is run by a 3-generation extended family and this resort has families coming back year after year. They serve family style meals and host a talent/variety show, which is a big hit for families. The state’s largest hot tub, famous bottomless cookie jars, sledding, ice skating, and XC ski/snowshoe trails combine to make this one of the most popular family destinations.
The trails at Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, MI are approachable, which means they can be skied by folks of different ability levels and that’s great for families to ski together. They got free XC ski lessons on Saturdays and weekend food and music programs for the whole family to make a day of it and have a memorable outing.
WEST
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash, CO has outdoor adventures from XC skiing and snowshoeing to Zipline, horseback riding and laser biathlon. There are "cowpoke camps" for overnight guests with kids in half and full day programs, heated pool, movie nights, game room, and more.
You'll be amazed by the giant trees in Sequoia National Park and Monument near the Bear Valley Adventures, in Bear Valley, CA. They’ve got junior sized XC skis and snowshoe rentals to fit kids and pulk sleds to pull the little ones. Sledding and tubing are also activities for the family to enjoy.
Warm up, ski safe, and avoid obstacles
Cross country (XC) skiing is a sport with a very low incidence of injuries for a number of reasons including the low impact nature of XC skiing, low sliding speed, and the free heel allows twisting if you fall (the ski boot is connected to the ski binding only at the toe and the heel is free), but there may be some injuries during the ski season in falls or by aggravating pre-existing conditions. Like the Maytag repairman, ski patrollers at XC ski areas are not the busiest employees at the XC ski area because they do not have to address many serious skier injuries.
According to Sophia Sauter, a registered physiotherapist, who authored an article in "Active Life Physiotherapy" about 75% of injuries sustained by XC skiers are a result of overuse due to the repetitive nature of skiing, while the remaining 25% are a result of trauma. The following outlines some common injuries and appropriate treatment.
Traumatic XC ski injuries (25%), for example include ankle sprains, thumb sprains, knee ligament sprains, groin muscle strains, and wrist sprains. Upper body injuries are often the result of falling down but since XC skiing speeds tend to be somewhat slow, the impacts are often less severe than impacts at much higher speeds. The recommended treatment for the traumatic injuries is RICE: Relative rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Then, slowly restore range of motion, strength, proprioception (such as the ability to drive using brake, accelerator, and steering wheel without looking at your arms and legs), and power. It's suggested to see a physiotherapist to obtain a proper diagnosis and set of rehabilitative exercises.
Overuse injuries (75%) from XC skiing, for example could include (not intended to sound like a list of possible side effects in a pharmaceutical ad) knee pain, compartment syndrome on shins, Achilles tendon problems, rotator cuff and shoulder problems, and low back pain. The recommended treatment for these problems is a bit different. In these cases it's important to correct muscle imbalance (e.g. tight/weak), equipment faults, and possible training errors. Seek medical advice from a physiotherapist or other qualified health professional specializing in injuries common to XC skiers.
Most people skip the warm up or preparing for recreational activity altogether, but the best way to avoid injury is prevention. This means utilizing appropriate training progressions, maintaining physical strength, balance, flexibility, adopting appropriate recovery techniques, and treating any lingering individual alignment problems, weaknesses, and imbalances. It makes sense to warm up before hitting the trails. The physiotherapist suggests a full body analysis with a professional to identify individual mechanical inadequacies. Also consider an athlete specific core stability and functional strength program. Popular core-strengthening strategies might include yoga, Pilates, and a regular fitness regimen.
Think about getting in shape, warming up, and dealing with your injuries before going out on the trails and you can start your next season off right!
Snowmaking at cross country ski areas
XC skiing at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center
Is there a difference between cross country (XC) skiing at a commercial center and “in the woods?” You better believe it!
One of the greatest obstacles for increasing XC skiing popularity is the common image of a lone XC skier going into a narrow dark trail as if isolation in the woods was the goal. But designed trails at XC resorts with groomed and maintained trails offer much more than solitude.
Often trails that are built by loggers or by the government in state and federal parks have long straight ascents and descents. Most average skiers are often afraid of the speed of a long downhill. Instead, trail designers such as John Morton of Morton Trails recommend undulating and twisting trails that spark interest on every turn and also help slow down the speed. Destinations, scenic vistas, and accomplishment upon arrival make great sense on XC ski trails, and these are characteristics that well-designed trails provide.
Most XC ski resorts or centers charge a fee between $15 and $35. For that fee the patron gets a business operation and trails that:
* are designed for XC skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking in harmony with the environment and are user-friendly;
* are regularly maintained or groomed, and include tracks and a lane for ski skaters and separate trails for snowshoers or fat bikers;
* can be expected to be free of debris or fallen trees and provide consistent skiable quality;
* have clear signage with available and understandable maps;
* have quality rental equipment that enhance the activity (easy to use and provides greater control for the average skier);
* offer ski instruction in various forms (kids, women, group, private) in an area for learners where they are not embarrassingly on display;
* include a food and beverage service;
* offer special organized programs for school kids, older folks, etc;
* have a facility where people can change clothes, get warm, or socialize;
* include a friendly helpful staff, who can share local information;
* have ski patrollers to help, if necessary.
Snowcat grooming at Bohart Ranch
Yes, admittedly many people can XC ski out their back door in the backyard, on a local golf course, or on a trail in a nearby forest, and it is very convenient to do so. But fee-based XC ski resorts or centers offer a different skiing product. New Hampshire’s Jackson Ski Touring Center, emulated by hundreds of XC ski resorts across North America, is a perfect example. In addition to the services listed above, Jackson also has something intangible: the “Culture of XC Skiing.” History, Expertise, Community, Education. That’s why Jackson and surrounding XC ski centers can be considered one of the true mecca regions of XC skiing.
Of course, the major issue with non-fee-based XC ski trails is the condition of the snow. The weather rules the snow and without trail grooming and trail maintenance, the snow can be hard packed, icy, sticky, too deep for non-powder skiers, or too inconsistent to offer a good experience.
The statistics have shown over many years that less than 20 percent of XC ski outings are at fee-based resorts or centers. Skiers that experience the other 80 percent of the XC skiing outings are missing out on the benefits, and many are not even aware that those services exist. If you haven’t stayed at a XC resort or skied at a XC ski center, give it a try. It’s a great winter experience.