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Article Topic: Activities
Article Title: Cross-Country and Skate Skiing
First... A Definition of Terms
Cross-country and Skate Skiing
Cross-country skiing can be broken down into two techniques: classic and skating. Classic skiing utilizes our basic walking motion, and is still the most widely used of the two techniques. Cross-country skiing is an accessible and friendly winter sport for the entire family. It's best to start with the classic technique to get comfortable on cross-country skis, and then move into skating.
Skate skiing became popular in the early 80s. The style uses a sideways push with the foot, similar to ice-skating. Skate skiing is also more aerobically demanding, requiring better fitness to master the technique.
The equipment is also specific to each form of the sport. On groomed trails, classic skiers use longer skis, with softer boots, and poles that come up to their underarms. For beginners, the skis are often waxless with a fish scale pattern under the foot to grip the snow. Skate skis are shorter and stiffer than those used for classic skiing. The skate boot is also stiffer, offering more support for the skating style push off to the side. The poles should come up to the skiers' chin, allowing for more leverage.
A good athletic stance is the starting point for both forms of skiing. Balance and weight transfer are the keys to good technique, whether classic or skating. Finally, the ability to let the ski glide underneath you is what makes the sport easier, and therefore, more fun. Start with a lesson at one of the Nordic centers in the area. Then get out and enjoy the nearly 250 miles of groomed trails in Grand County.
Listen Up
For safety, stay off trails designated for snowmobiles. Be smart and wear the proper clothing, carry plenty of water and a current map of the area. Most trailheads and trails are accessible for winter sports. Pick up a free copy of The Official Mountain Bike & Trail Guide to Winter Park & the Fraser Valley™ for winter trail ideas.
Nordic Centers
There are three Nordic centers in Grand County and all have groomed and maintained trails for snowshoeing, cross-country and skate skiing for beginners to expert skiers. A fee is required for trail use. All have facilities, rentals, maps and lessons. SolVista has some maintained Nordic trails as well.
Devil's Thumb Cross-Country Center is located north of Fraser on County Road 83. This popular Nordic center offers a scenic network of over 125km of groomed and maintained trails for cross-country, skating or snowshoeing with 2.5 km of lighted trail loop. Open daily from 8am-5pm. Equipment rental, retail sales and lessons available. The restaurants and coffee shop are open daily. (970) 726-8231 or (970) 726-5632, www.devilsthumbranch.com.
Grand Lake Touring Center, located on Grand Lake Golf Course off US Hwy 34 on County Road 48, offers 38km of tracked and skating trails. Open 9am-4pm daily. (970) 627-8008 www.grandlakerecreation.com.
Snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA Nordic Center operates seven days a week from 8:30am-4:30pm. The Center offers more than 100km of groomed trails for all abilities. Trails are well marked and designated for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers. 2km lit trail for night skiing. Trail fees for members and non-members. Lessons and rentals available. Repair shop. Cafeteria open to public. (970) 887-2152 ext. 4173 www.ymcarockies.org.
SolVista Basin offers 40km of maintained trails. Nordic trails open daily, 8am-4pm, conditions permitting. Trails can be accessed from the base of the ski area or the top of the Quick Draw lift. Maps and trails descriptions are available at the ticket or information desk in the base lodge. Rentals available. Trails free. One ride lift ticket $5. (970) 887-3384, www.solvista.com
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