Cross Country Skiing

[Jolt]

OK, so today I realized what a rotten skier I am. I went to a local XC ski place with a Meetup group of people I hadn't met before, and warned them that I am not very good yet. A couple of others said they weren't either. We split into two groups based on skill level, with the idea that the less advanced group (of which I was a part) would stick to some of the easier trails. First of all, I was by far the worst skier in the group and was the straggler, which I absolutely can't stand. It is so awkward to be slowly trying to get up a hill without sliding backward and having everyone else waiting at the top and staring at you...I finally advised them to just go ahead rather than wait, knowing how annoying it can be to stand around waiting a long time for someone slow as well as not wanting an audience for my klutziness. Also, the trail junctions weren't always well marked and somehow we ended up on what I suspect was a black diamond trail, with lots of ups and downs that I really wasn't ready for. I lost count of how many times I wiped out...going downhill is scary right now especially if there is a curve and there are trees etc. along the sides of the trail. Not being very good at turning yet, there were quite a few times where I had to fall down in order to avoid hitting something. Time to take a lesson...or two or three. Preferably without a lot of other people around. I suppose I should just be thankful I didn't get hurt in the process of crashing that many times...unfortunately one woman did, right at the end. She hit a fence that was next to the trail, injured her shoulder and had to go to the ER. Haven't heard what the outcome of that was, but hoping it isn't serious and that she has a quick recovery. Really a bummer too, as it was her first time skiing.

[Crankin]

Jolt, it's better to go alone, or with one person at first. Take a lesson or two, it helps.

[lph]

First really good day of skiing. Aaaah :-D Last weekend I was out both Sat and Sun on a short round, but there was only just enough snow and everybody and their grandmother was also out, so it was a crowded and busy affair. Today, 25 km on good, soft snow, well groomed, just enough people to smile and nod to :-)

[DebW]

I spent the weekend at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont. Skiing was great. Skied hard Sat morning til about 1 pm, rested most of the afternoon, then another hour on the trails. Today we did a long snowshoe hike combined with some animal tracking. Temperature 2-4F today but it was sunny.

[Jolt]

Went back to the place I went with the group Saturday, but this time took a private lesson and then stayed and practiced for a while. I think I am getting the hang of things more now, and it was nice to not be worrying about keeping up with anyone. There was a small hill in a wide-open area that I practiced climbing and descending a few times...it helps to not have the possibility of crashing into trees while working on downhill technique!

[Irulan]

I'm taking a private 2 hr skate ski lesson on Friday. I can classic OK. We've got miles and miles of trails around the corner from the alpine area. I figure I should pick it up ok becasue I am in reasonable shape, and I can skate in my alpine gear like nobody's business. Yes, I know there are differences but i hope it will help me catch on.

[Crankin]

I had an awesome ski today, at Northfield Mountain, in western MA. This is actually a mountain (small) that was bought by a power company. In exchange, they had to develop the land for recreation. While there are a good deal of green trails, some of them great for warming up, there's mostly difficult climbing/descending. However, you can even ascend to the summit on a moderately built road that is a green trail. There's no food here, the center is bare bones... but the grooming is stupendous, as is the scenery. I finally feel like I got my ski legs back. Good thing, we are leaving for Stowe in 3 days. I am not sure how far I went, but we skied for 2 hours.