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Jan 2011  |  By Christy Coughlin  |  Comments

Skinny Skiing

Cross-country skiers celebrate the snowfall; pulling out their equipment and counting the minutes until they can hit the trail.

This traditional sport is easy to learn and gives you an amazing workout.

Work That Body
Cross-country skiing is a complete workout, utilizing the large muscle groups in your upper and lower body, including your heart. Only swimming and rowing offer a comparable workout. While the movement is easy to learn, you develop balance and coordination as you become proficient. And it’s a lower impact workout for those who usually pound the pavement or the gym floor.

Get Skis
Skinny skis are long and narrow and distribute body weight so that you move quickly across the snow. Skis are fit based on your height and weight. The boots are supportive, comfortable and much less cumbersome than downhill. The front of the boot clips into the ski’s binding while the heel remains free. Poles are used for balance and to propel you forward.

Go Classic
There are two basic styles of cross-country skiing: classic and skate. In classic skiing you use a running action, with skis parallel. The poles are planted on the opposite side of the kick. A “V’ step is used to go uphill, and snow plow is used on the down hill. Classic skiing can be mastered in a few hours and you can get out on local golf courses and forest preserve trails. Groomed trails are most enjoyable but not necessary.

Try Skate
A bit faster, skate skiing requires groomed or packed snow. Skate skis are shorter and stiffer, and the poles are longer. Skate skiing looks like ice skating, you glide on one ski while the other is held up on an angle. Where classic skiing uses a grip and glide, skating uses edging and a longer glide. This type of skiing will come easy to skaters.

Gather Up the Kids
This safe, family friendly activity will get you outside enjoying nature. Look for end-of-the-season sales, and purchase a pair of classic skis at a reasonable price. Kids skis are very affordable. You will use them many times for seasons to come. My friend, Mark, keeps his skis in the car so he can ski before work or in the woods on the way home.

Head North
Whether you are new to cross-country or looking for “real” trails, head up to Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin. The Southern Unit is just over 30 miles west of Milwaukee, near Whitewater. The magnificent trails are groomed through forests, by lakes, across prairies and are filled with families, and skiers of all levels.

Glide through the snow and enjoy this exhilarating sport amidst the beauty of winter.