For years I’d wanted to try cross-country skiing. As an avid trail runner, I know there’s nothing like the combination of exercise and the outdoors, and this sport seemed like a great way to get my family in on the fun and find a new way to embrace winter.
Although some families put their kids on skis as toddlers, my husband and I decided to let our little one stay with Grandma and Grandpa while we took our six-year-old to Winter Park in Minocqua for our first trek. Here’s what we learned along the way.
KNOW YOUR TYPE
There are two main types of cross-country skiing — classic skiing and skate skiing — and both are offered at Winter Park. Skate skiing, which uses motions similar to ice skating, requires more effort, special skis and wider, groomed trails. Classic skiing, meanwhile, employs a gliding-walk motion that’s considered easier — which is pretty much all we needed to hear to go that route! After purchasing ski tickets and renting skis, poles and boots, we were ready to hit the trail.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
We set out with very humble expectations — the goal was trying out a new sport, not embarking on an epic, all-day endeavor. So we bypassed the blue- and black-level trails for a nice two-kilometer beginner loop with a few small hills.
The trail was beautiful — well-groomed and lined with tall pines. With time to practice and a few stops, it took us about an hour to complete the trail, and that seemed like the perfect amount of time to get a feel for this type of skiing. Our son, Evan, finished in good spirits, and that felt like a huge win for everyone.
FEEL THE RHYTHM
Taking a ski lesson would have been helpful, as figuring out how to clip in and get moving isn’t completely intuitive. Fortunately, we got some tips from an experienced skier, who instructed us on how to hold the poles, stride and go up and down hills. It took a little while for all of us to figure out the rhythm (it was kind of like the NordicTrack my parents had in the basement back in the ’90s, but also not). Evan was coordinated enough to pick it up fairly quickly, though, and before long he was giving us pointers.
ENJOY THE JOURNEY
The biggest key to our cross-country skiing success was having a good attitude. We went in with the mindset of “let’s try something new today,” so we were able to laugh through the initial awkward striding and inevitable falls. Ultimately, we gained an introduction to a new sport, got some exercise and spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying winter, the woods and each other. We had such a great time that we’ll be heading back again soon — the next time with our two-year-old, Landon, and extra patience.
– Nikki Carrico