by Sean Block |
Your heart is pounding. You are sweating. The skis under your feet glide like butter on a hot pan. The fog of your breath and numb tip of your nose are the only reminders that it’s cold outside. You pause for a moment, perched atop a ridge after an uphill trek of a few hundred feet. You take in your surroundings. In the valley below, snow-capped trees stand like phalanxes among a perfect blanket of fresh snow. The wind blows slightly. Small animal tracks zigzag here and there atop the ridge. Despite the presence of the intrepid critters, the silence of the woods in winter is profound.
This is not just a fanciful scene, but also a common one for those willing to seek it. And those who seek the peace found among the unmarked snow, often get there on a pair of free-heeled skis.
Cross-country skiing can be found anywhere with snow. It originated 4,500 years ago in Scandinavia, and can now be found on all seven continents. In the Olympics, one-third of all winter medals are given out in a sport descendant from cross-country skiing. Originally the only effective mode of travel for those living in snow or ice-bound places, cross-country has become the thing of sport, exercise, competition and leisure. Alpine skiing has only recently derived from cross-country skiing as transportation systems to the top of the mountain have become more accessible.
What sets cross-country apart from alpine (downhill) skiing is the free-heeled bindings. The ability to pivot on the toes allows the skier to climb up hills, maintain speed across flats, and perform telemark descents. It does not take a mountain to cross-country ski. Because terrain varies, challenges can cater to all skiers, beginner to expert.
Cross-country skiing does not have to be a sightseeing trip through the woods every time. Largely considered to be the world’s foremost aerobic workout, cross-country works both arms and legs simultaneously, but the low-impact movement allows people of all ages (2-100+!) to enjoy the sport. A trip can be as simple as a quick jaunt around a local park, or as complicated as a multi-day excursion into the mountains.
There are two distinct styles in cross-country. The classic style is the straight-ahead motion much like that of the ‘Nordic Ski’ workout machine. Ski skating is the racing style that involves a constant pushing, side-to-side motion like that of rollerblades.
For those looking for a bit of adventure with their workout, cross-country skiing lets you push it as far as you’re willing to go. The Sierras are home to some prime cross-country real estate; the largest cross-country skiing resort in North America is located at Royal Gorge in California. So what are you waiting for? Pop your toes in and get skiing cross-country style!
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