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Spending dough for the Snow - Dough for winter Snow Sports |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Thursday, 02 November 2006 |
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Page 4 of 12
 CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Slow down with cross-country glide through the trees
A couple of times during the Olympics earlier this year, announcers referred to the nordic ski racing as cross-country skiing.
While technically correct, there is a big difference between those athletes with absurdly huge thighs in tight speed suits moving with effortless speed on ultra skinny skis for long distances, and the average cross-country skier out for a day hike.
What those racers do is hard work — for the rest of us, it is a kick and glide across snow-choked meadows, through still forests and along mountain ridges with spectacular views. Ahhh…
Cross-country skiing along the Front Range is a popular diversion when the weather gets cold, but the sun shines through, as it does here for much of the winter.
Trails are as close as 45 minutes away in the Poudre Canyon.
The gear required is simple enough — skis (you can even go way-old-school with wood skis), boots and poles — and it is a lot less expensive than alpine equipment. And no lift ticket is needed; this is a self-propelled sport.
Just follow the blue diamonds nailed to the trees — these designate the trails. Best of all, cross-country skiing is a great family event in an unhurried (and uncrowded) atmosphere. Heck, bring the dog, too. Most trails are canine-friendly — or for more fun, make your own.
Glenn BurnSilver
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ONLINE
 General tips and information
• www.xcskiworld.com
• www.cross-countryski.com
Get the gear here
www.mountaingear.com
www.backcountry.com
In print
“The Complete Guide to Cross-Country Ski Preparation” by Nat Brown
“The Essential
Cross-Country Skier” by Rick Lovett and Paul Petersen
“Poudre Canyon Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails” by Mary Hagen
“Winter Trails on the Front Range” by Charley Oliver
“Peak to Peak: Colorado Front Range Ski Trails” by Harlan N. Barton
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ESSENTIALS
Trail maps/guide books
($9.99 and up)
Warm wool/synthetic blend socks
($14.95 and up)
Water Bladder
(Camelbak, $25-$32, $16 for tube insulation)
Glide Wax for fish-scale base skis
($6.75)
Backpack
($60 and up)
Skis, boots and poles
($300 and up depending on package)
Prices from online research and area sports shops reflect a representative amount.
RENT IT
Gear rentals available at Mountain Sports, Fort Collins: Skis, boots and poles, $20 first day, $12 additional days; Boots or Skis, $12/$5.
GET IT USED
Play it Again Sports, eBay and PowerBuzz.com are good sources for gear
WHERE TO GO
Cameron Pass is full of great trails like Zimmerman Lake and Blue Lake trails. Eldora Ski Area above Nederland has a cross-country trail system. Brainard Lake Access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness has numerous trails.
National Geographic 112: Poudre River/Cameron Pass
MAPS
National Geographic 102: Brainard Lake Recreation Area and other spots in Indian Peaks/Gold Hill
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| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
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