Cross Country Skiing

[roadie gal]

We didn't go skiing yesterday. It was snowing like crazy all day. We had to go to Reno and then got caught behind a freeway closure. So we sat in a casino parking lot for an hour before they decided to let locals only through to get home. We crawled home in 4WD at 20 mph. Needless to say we were exhausted. (Maybe this should be a separate rant.)

I guess yesterday was a recovery day.

Today is beautiful, with about a foot of new snow. I'm going skiing today for sure!

[warneral]

I borrowed a jacket from my sister and picked up some ski pants and gloves from sierra trading post. I think I'll rent some cross country skis to try it out. We have no snow yet though.

I'd like to purchase a package from REI but I think I should probably try it out to see how I like it first. I'm excited to see there are many groomed trails in my area (when we have snow).

[roadie gal]

I'd highly recommend renting equipment and taking a lesson the first time out, even if you've downhill skied before. It'll make a big difference in your enjoyment.

[Crankin]

I didn't follow the rent equipment thing, but I have bought 2 packages from REI, and they were great. When I went to upgrade about 6 years ago after having crappy skis for ten years, I bought a pair of boots that just cut my feet to pieces. After trying 3 or 4 times, I returned them, no questions asked. The service was great. I upgraded my skis again last year, near the end of the winter and again, they were great. I decided to keep my boots, and no one pressured me into buying anything.
I did take 2-3 lessons, as I am not a down hill skier. It helped a lot. Although I do remember being so excited when I got my first skis, I drove to a local golf course and tried them out, without any instruction.

[Jolt]

How hard is it to learn to XC ski? I will be interviewing for jobs shortly in Duluth, MN where it snows a ton, so if I end up moving there I would like to learn.

[Crankin]

It's not that hard. Believe me, I am not that coordinated and I taught myself the basics and then took 3 lessons to learn how to climb/descend. I skied on beginner trails for years, until friends got me out on the big hills. If you have consistent snow, your skills can ramp up fast. I am the same kind of skier as I am rider; I can climb and descend almost anything, but I am not super fast. Not slow, slow or a beginner, but steady. I actually think I have better skiing skills than riding. Not sure why, except that it's closer to the ground to fall!

[DebW]

I actually think I have better skiing skills than riding. Not sure why, except that it's closer to the ground to fall!

Not to mention that the ground is usually softer under your skis!