Email
PrintGliding on Snow
Beginner Tips for Cross-Country Skiing
The bagger at the supermarket chatted about ice fishing while he stuffed groceries in my sacks: “I just like being out there where it is really quiet,” he said.
I know what he means. When we get a healthy amount of January snow, I wrestle my cross-country skis from the closet. Sometimes I hike down the road and ski in a nearby farm field. Other times, I visit an area park, where groomed trails make for a smoother glide.
On an un-groomed surface, breaking trail in deep snow is hard work, but it has its rewards. A male cardinal perched in a maroon raspberry cane makes a startling color combination. A goldenrod stem, bent over and tossed by the wind, brushes concentric arcs, like a slow paintbrush on white canvas. Deer flash their tails ahead of me. Mouse, rabbit and squirrel tracks pattern the pristine snow.
To create a groomed surface, two parallel tracks are carved in the snow by equipment pulled behind a snowmobile. By gliding your skis in those packed channels, your movement – one leg then the other, like exaggerated walking – is much more efficient. Many parks that groom their trails also have warming shelters and sometimes a place to buy hot chocolate and chat with friends.
Maybe it’s time you and your family took up a new hobby. Michaele Klingerman, park interpreter at St. Joseph County Parks, often teaches children and adults the basics of cross-country skiing and offers a few tips for first-timers.
Don’t Overdress
If you are warm before you start, you have on too many clothes. Wear wicking layers. Even at a slow place, you will build body heat.
Get a Proper Fit
Rental facilities will help you match your height and weight to the right ski. If you are too heavy for a pair, you will drag; too light, and you won’t be able to push off on each glide. Poles should reach just under your armpits when standing next to your body. Can you slide a finger inside the back of your ski boot? If not, they are too tight.
Keep it Flat
Find a place with minimal hills to start.
Gear it Down for Children
Many rental facilitates have gear sized for kids down to age 6 years or so. Kids are naturals at cross country skiing, and they don’t have far to fall! Bring snacks, and plan to be out for about 45 minutes.
Learn to Get Up From a Fall
Sit down in the snow and get your skis parallel (not pointed downhill) and to the side of your seat. Wiggle to get your legs underneath you and stand up. Putting too much pressure on the poles to push yourself up will tire your arms, or snap a pole.
Michaele enjoys the great workout cross-country skiing provides, but also revels in the scenery. “Just being outdoors – it’s beautiful.”
Where to Ski
(Be sure to contact the parks for hours, rental fees, trail fees and gate fees where applicable.)
For groomed trails:
Berrien County, MI: Love Creek County Park*; Madeline Bertrand County Park* (also offers Friday night skiing).
berriencounty.org/parks
Cass County, MI: TK Lawless County Park.
casscountymi.org/CountyParks.aspx
Elkhart County, IN: Bonneyville Mill County Park; Oxbow County Park. elkhartcountyparks.org
St. Joseph County, IN: St. Patrick’s County Park* (also offers Candlelight & Cocoa skis on alternate Friday nights). Beginner ski lesson January 7th. Reservations required. sjcparks.org
*Sites with rental equipment.
