Cross Country Skiing

[solobiker]

Sure thing!! I was able to get out of work early on Friday and skied for a few hours at Eldora's nordic center and yesterday I went with DH to do some touring up near Ward. Very fun. I am bummed the weekend is almost over. What type of skiing are you thinking?? Skate or Traditional? Or would you be more interested in backcountry touring? Hmmmm..so many options

[bluebug32]

Today's skiing adventure consisted of 2 hours of trails along the ice-jammed Hudson River in Mills-Norrie State Park.

[jessmarimba]

I'm not sure. But I've known how to ice skate since I learned to walk - would skate skiing be easier then?

Anyone free at the end of the month - Jan 29 or 30?

[Crankin]

I went to Windblown for the morning. I skied with a friend for a couple of hours, about 11K. The conditions were pretty good, although the downhills were a bit slick. Not the worst I've seen, though. I still feel a little slow/weak on the flats, but I know it's just what happens to me after I have been sick. It was a gorgeous sunny day, about 11 degrees when we started and 18 when we left. Of course, after 5 minutes, I am sweating like a pig. The neck gaiter came off quite quickly. Although it was crowded because of the holiday, I didn't feel like the trails were crowded. So, I had Brant drop me off at another friend's house, as we had plans to have coffee when I got back. When I went to get my stuff out of the car, and transfer it to my friend's car, as she would be driving me home later, I didn't have my boots! . I called Windblown and they had them. So, I guess I am going skiing on Wednesday, as it seems silly to drive up there and get them without skiing. It's supposed to snow a little tomorrow and then turn to rain here, but up there, it should stay as snow.
I guess I was tired when I left, because I never do stuff like that.

[solobiker]

I am free at the end of the month as it stands now. I was supposed to go on a hut trip but can't for a few reasons. I have a season pass for Eldora which is a pretty cool place to ski, lots of trails. They do offer lessons up there too if you are interested. I would be more then happy to help you out too. Skate skiing is not my strong style...but I can still do it. You will be amazed at the people skiing there. Being so close to Boulder I am sure there are quite a few pros up there.

As for the trails...they are not flat by any means. I have heard that lots of people come down from Summit County to train at Eldora because of the hills. They have slightly more Traditional then Skate trails.

I am going to see if I can work a half day again soon to go up and play around. Let me know your thoughts. I think we live kind of near each other but can always meet up at Eldora.

[limewave]

I snuck out yesterday for a 8km of xc skiing. It was divine! Perfect snow conditions. Lovely groomed trails. A mile or so of breaking snow through the woods.

[Kathi]

Keystone Nordic is offering a "Women's Workout" on Jan. 29th and Feb. 5th. Lessons are "Starting Skating", "Next Step Skating" or "Improving Classic Skiing". $25.00 with equipment rental, $20.00 if you have your own gear. Not sure if this price is for 2 lessons or 1. Pre-registration required. Keystone's web site has no information so call the no. 970-496-4275.

Although I want to learn to skate ski I'm working on improving my classic skiing first, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to do the "Improving Classic Skiing" lessons.

Keystone does offer beginner classic lessons on Fridays and Eldora has a Women's program during the week.

No matter which you chose I do recommend lessons to start off right, especially if you don't Alpine ski.

The beginner trail at Keystone Nordic is pretty flat with a couple of little hills. The intermediate trails are hilly with some flat. I haven't skied other Nordic areas here because I can ski at Keystone Nordic free with my Vail ski pass.