Being Norwegian, I started xc skiing about the same time I started walking. Still love going out backcountry skiing. I generally avoid the prepared trails, too full of people. I love just putting on my skis outside the cabin and head off into the woods in whatever direction takes my fancy at the moment. Plod along for a while, then find a nice place to dig a seat in the snow and take a break with a flask of hot chocolate and some cookies. The perfect winter day out. And now that Duck on Wheels has reported snow in Trondheim, I'm excited for Christmas and lots of skiing trips!!!