About Cross Country Skiing (see video at the bottom of this story)
The Experience: If you are going out on Nordic skis for the first time prepare to be amazed at the feeling of serenity it will grant you. There is none of the hustle and bustle of downhill ski resorts. Nordic skiing is done at your own pace and most Nordic facilities provide that still, individualistic feeling of a backcountry experience. But don’t let the peaceful nature fool you-prepare to be sore the next day. You are exercising your quads, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, biceps and triceps. Cross-country skiing is arguably the most effective low impact exercise available, burning anywhere from 400-600 calories an hour. Have fun!
Materials: Alpina, Atomic, Fischer and Soloman all make quality models of Nordic ski equipment. Leki makes great poles.
Skis: Traditional Nordic skis will vary in length when standing on their tails from head height to 25 centimeters above your head. The length and width of your skis depends on your skill level, the type of skiing you will be doing and the terrain you will be covering. You will want fat skis for backcountry touring and longer, skinnier skis for groomed trails.
Boots and Bindings: Traditionally there are three different binding systems for Nordic skis. These are: cable bindings, three pin bindings and clip in bindings. Clip in bindings are most popular and most frequently offered due to their sturdy nature and user-friendly design. On a clip in binding system there is a bar across the toe of your boot that clips into a groove on your ski binding. Your heel is free (not attached to your binding system) in Nordic skiing. Poles: For traditional Nordic skiing you want poles that hit at your armpits when you are standing up straight.
Techniques: The most basic movement in traditional cross-country skiing is the diagonal stride. It is also referred to as the “kick-and-glide” technique. To master this technique start with your skis parallel in the snow and next to each other. Balance your weight over your right ski, pressing the ski into the snow. Now kick off your right foot as though you are kicking a ball along the ground. Allow this motion to carry your right leg forward. At the same time swing your left arm forward, pole in hand. This will allow you to keep your body weight centered over your skis. Glide in this position while shifting your weight to your left ski and preparing to kick off that leg.
Also, this technique is discussed in depth during any beginner ski clinic. For ski clinics in your area contact Royal Gorge, Resort at Squaw Creek, the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area or The Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center at Northstar Ski Resort.
Royal Gorge Contact Phone: (800) 666-3871 Physical Address: 9411 Hillside Dr., Soda Springs. Hours of Operation: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekends and Holidays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Royal Gorge in Soda Springs is North America’s largest cross-country ski resort. They offer 90 trails covering 308 km of groomed track. The trail system is roughly broken into 30 percent beginner runs, 50 percent intermediate runs and 20 percent expert runs. Overall the ski area encompasses 9,172 acres of skiable terrain. The facility has eight warming huts and four trailside cafes.
Lessons and Clinics: Royal Gorge offers group lessons at 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. daily, plus a 12:15 p.m. sessions on the weekends. Lessons cost $25 if you have a season pass, or $48 with a daily trails pass included in the price. They offer 1-hour private lessons daily at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. The cost is $40 first person and $20 each additional person, plus the cost of your trail pass. Video analysis can be included for an extra fee. Skating lessons can be reserved 1:45 p.m. daily, with additional classes at 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on weekends. These classes last 1 1/2 hours and cost $25 or $48 if you need to purchase a trail pass. They offer a telemark clinic on weekends at 1:45 p.m.
Pass Rates: Unrestricted Pass: $575 Midweek Non-Holiday: $350 Royal Gorge also has day pass rates, rental equipment available and special midweek combo packages. Call for more information.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Contact: (530) 587-9484; www.tdxc.com Physical Address: 15275 Alder Creek Rd., in Truckee Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Night Skiing on Wednesdays: 5 to 7 p.m. (through Feb. 27)
Located on the east side of the Sierra Crest and 18 miles north of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Donner Cross Country consists of 4,800 acres, 50 trails and more than 115 kilometers of groomed trail. The area features 16 beginner trails, 24 intermediate, 4 advanced, 1 expert, 2 “wilderness” trails (groomed for diagonal striding only) and 2 snowshoe only trails. Nestled in the glorious Euer Valley, an easy 3 1/2 kilometer ski from the Day Lodge, is the Cookhouse. The Day Lodge features a gas stove, views and great home cooked food create the unique atmosphere of the Tahoe Donner Lodge. Not only a place to rent skis, purchase an area pass or get trail updates, the lodge is home to the Alder Creek Cafe; famous for its fresh homemade cooking, eclectic menu and many vegetarian meals. There are five warming huts dispersed around the area as well as two lodges with cafés to pick up a snack or for a little rest and relaxation.
Lessons and clinics: Tahoe Donner Cross Country is part of the professional ski instructors of America and offers group, private and children’s lessons and features a variety of specialized clinics and events throughout the season. They offer demo gear, pulk sleds and equipment rentals. Contact the ski area for details regarding a clinic designed to suit your needs. Some midweek lessons include striding at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; skating at noon and on weekends and holidays classes are held at 10 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.
Pass rates: Season pass: $310 for adults All day (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.): $22 for adults Half-day (1 to 5 p.m.): $17 for adults Twilight (3 to 5 p.m.): $13 for adults Night Skiing (Wednesdays, 5 to 7 p.m.): $13
Resort at Squaw Creek Contact Phone: (530) 583-6300 (ask to be connected to the Nordic Center) Physical Address: 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley. Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
The Resort at Squaw Creek offers an 18 km groomed trail system. The trails cover roughly 80 percent beginner terrain, 10 percent intermediate terrain and 10 percent expert terrain. The trails are nestled between the Resort at Squaw Creek and the Village at Squaw, making it easy to stop for an afternoon coffee or some retail therapy to break up your day.
Lessons and Clinics: Private and group lessons in traditional cross-country skiing are available upon request. Private lessons are $60 and group lessons are $45. Lessons are 1-hour.
Pass Rates: Season Pass: $120 Day Pass: $18 (adult rate) $10 (child rate)
Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Contact Phone: (530) 583-5475 Physical Address: 925 Country Club Dr. Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Just minutes from downtown Tahoe City, panoramic views and beautifully groomed trails allow skaters and striders and snowshoers to get out seven days a week on 65 kilometers of beautifully groomed cross country ski trails. Pack a lunch or grab a bite at the Free Heal Café and stop at one of two warming huts out on the course. Plan ahead and lunch can be delivered to you at one of the huts. Tahoe Cross Country offers two dog-friendly ski trails, open all day midweek and 3 to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. There is a special dog lane at the right (north) side of the trailhead.
Lessons and Clinics: Ski school packages are for every age and skill bracket. Packages include rental, lesson and a trail pass. Ski school times are 10:30 a.m. ($48 for adults, $38 for juniors) and 12:15 or 1:30 p.m. ($38 for adults and $28 for juniors). Children’s lessons offered during weekends and holiday periods only. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before schedule lesson times. Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area offers free skate lessons Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday/Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
Pass Rates: Season pass: $289. There are many deals for multiple passes and family rates. Day pass: $21 (adult rate) $17 (senior/ child rate) 1/2 day passes (after 12:30 p.m.): $16 (adult) $12 child Ask about discounts for groups of 10 or more, AAA and military.
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center at Northstar Contact Phone: (530) 562-2475 Physical Address: Northstar Ski Resort Northstar Dr. off Hwy. 267 Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Skate-ski or snowshoe on more than 1,500 acres worth, 50 km of groomed trails that wind and dip through snow-filled forests and end up overlooking Lake Tahoe or viewing the High Sierras. Pack a lunch and stride, telemark or skate ski to one of the three warming huts with picnic tables located throughout the trail system. The Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center is located Mid-Mountain just past the Ski and Snowboard School.
Lessons and Clinics: Lessons from certified instructors with up-to-date rental equipment. Demo equipment is available along with private and semi-private lessons, including rentals. Price is $199 adults for a private lesson with rentals and $169 for semi private. Beginner group lesson is $31 for adults, $19 for children. A package including the lesson, trail pass and rental is $65 for adults and $37 for children. Telemark lessons and packages are also available.
Pass Rates: Day Pass: $25 (adult rate) $12 (child). All day snowshoe pass is $20 (adults) $10 (children).
Comments
Only registered users can write comments. Please login or register.
Boots and Bindings:
Royal Gorge