Cross Country Skiing

[killer_carlson]

Went for the second time in my life, the first time I was about 8 years old and we were just fooling around.

I bailed a few times but quite enjoyed it. There is a golf course nearby and they groom tracks around the course so it made it quite the time. I had my heart rate monitor on and it appears to have been a hell of a workout.

I'm thinking I'll buy my own equipment and am wondering if there are any CP gurus with tips or advice. I don't think I'll ever be a big "Back country" cross country skier type, but will look at it more of a winter exercise activity.

[Cowperson]

If its golf coursing kinds of things, then thinner skis where you can skate with them are adequate, particularly on groomed courses.

Back country is a different thing.

I make a course around my acreage every winter and particularly like being out on the bright of a sunny day with the mountains as a backdrop but also the pitch black of a country night, just me and the cougars.

[Torture]

Wherever you go make sure that they do the "Paper test" to determine the appropriate length. If they try to sell you a pair without testing them first walk out of the store.

[killer_carlson]

what's the paper test?

My buddy who took me is a ski patrol whose patrol last year included a cross country ski facility outside the city. His thing was wanting me to make sure that I had the appropriate flex and length.

[redforever]

If you want really good advice regarding what products would suit your type of cross country skiing, go to the Norseman on 37 St SW in Calgary.

http://www.norsemanski.com

[FLAMESRULE]

Was at Norsemen yesterday, great place with fantastic staff. We're going to rent some skis this weekend and head out likley on Sunday to Shag or Confed. If the wifey likes it then we may look at buying some gear.

[Cowperson]

I x-country skiied the shores of Chain Lakes on a sunny Monday . . . . wasn't sure I'd ever go back there without a dog as that was their favourite place but . . . . it was fun seeing the old haunts.

X-Country skiied the closed highway and some bush west of Turner Valley on a sunny Saturday as well. Also fun. It looks like this (in better days with dogs) and is pretty mindless with ups and downs and also designated trails around Sandy McNabb that go off into the wilderness:



I think I'll get cocky and maybe give the Chester Lake area a try on a guaranteed sunny Spring day . . . .



I'd also recommend Mount Black Prince Cirque . . . . it would be an interesting x-country ski challenge



Cowperson

[firebug]

I started taking my 6 year old out this year.

Spent a Saturday with a UofC Outdoor Center "Kids Sampler" program at Pocaterra and he likes it better than hockey.

Over the holidays we also had a chance to ski on the trails at Panorama.

[macker]

Got most of my gear from www.akers-ski.com and they were great to deal with. MEC also has just about everything you need for light touring gear. Make sure to get metal edges and fish scales and skins if you plan on doing back country. Fish Creek Park has some trails but the best areas that I have come across are Chester Lake, Paradise Valley, Upper Kananaskis Lake, Sherbrooke Lake and Healy Pass which is about as good as it gets! Other areas to try?? Sounds like there is more snow comming soon!!

[HHW]

I came back to cross country as well after moving back to Calgary from the coast. Absolutely love it. I live right beside Fish Creek park, and get out as much as I can. Even when it gets down below -20C, once you get moving, you're feeling good, and looking at the scenery certainly beats looking at fat people in the gym.

When biking season ends, skiing season usually begins, so it's a great way to keep up the aerobic fitness with a low-impact activity.

I agree with the recommendation of the Norseman. Many of the staff are themselves avid skiiers (so they say), and they consequently give you the straight dope on equipment. Considering the service, the prices are fairly reasonable as well.

As for skating vs classical: you can ski classical at groomed facilities (e.g. Canmore Nordic Centre), but not vice versa. Thus, if you're looking to get into the sport, I would recommend you start with classical equipment. Skating requires different skis and poles - you can try skating with your classical skis, but you'll really get a workout then.

If you buy second hand, do not get the three-prong bindings and boots. The new clip-in style bindings are far more efficient.

Skiing in the city is actually quite doable from December - March, chinooks notwithstanding. Driving to K-country every time starts to add up. I assume you are skiing at Shaganapi golf course - it is certainly well set up. There may be other golf courses out there that groom trails as well. As well, check out Glenmore Park (north and south) and the far east side of Fish Creek / Hull's Wood (by the Bow River), there are always people setting their own trails. They may be a little tricky in places, but you can ski for hours.

Happy trails!

[HHW]

Slightly off topic, but worth mentioning as a public service announcement sort of thing...

The trails in the city parks have already been mentioned. One frustrating thing about skiing in Calgary is that people tend to walk on cross country tracks. Maybe they think that we've set those trails just so that they can slog through with their mukluks while having their dog crap all over the place. Or maybe (more likely), they don't understand that it's actually quite a bit of work to set a trail, and that it is very easy to destroy. I often see people do it even though there is a walking path right beside them.

All I know is that you were caught walking on a ski trail anywhere in Scandinavia, you would be hung by your thumbs from the nearest tree.

Please don't ! I conversely won't drive my car over your golfing greens.

</rant>

[macker]

^
Thats what I love about Banff, Lake Louise, and K-country etc. as you can often blaze your own trails in fresh powder and go for as long as you want without worrying about bears/people/garbage/dog crap etc. It is surprising how few people you see on the trails actually and more times than not they will have a Euro accent. It is truly a world class place to ski that is an easy 1 to 1.5 hour drive away which for me is not too far off a drive up to Shag etc.. No lift ticket or line up required so all it costs you is the gas to get there.

In the city you are best to set 4-5 trails knowing that 2-3 of them will be ruined by people walking on them. Often, kids will walk on them for 100 meters or so and then realize that it is too much work trudging through the snow and back to the pathway they go. The dog crap is unavoidable in the city though. Just gross...

[Delthefunky]

I'd buy touring ski's anyways. They're way easier, and if you do end up liking skiing, I think you'll want to tour anyways. Looking at Cowpersons pics, it's the most beautiful part.

It doesn't have to be expensive either. I have some pretty price telemark ski's, but on most day's I just take out an old pair of wood ski's which I love and I think cost me $10. You can get some nice warm leather boots in that price range as well, or buy new ones that will still fit the oldest of ski's. Just make sure they're a comfortable length and that they're not too chewed up and the bindings are nice and secure and your set. Pace yourself and have fun!

[Delthefunky]

I disagree about skins too. Just the right wax and your fine.

[macker]

Originally Posted by Delthefunky

I disagree about skins too. Just the right wax and your fine.

The average person is better off with waxless skis and skins for climbing imo. Waxing can be a pain and you always have to know what temperature you are waxing for and in Alberta the temerature changes make waxing even more challenging. Low maintenance...I have actually never waxed though aside from the stuff you rub on....My idea of skiing is a 3-4 hour climb up and then 1 hour down so this is what I base this on. I forgot to bring my skins earlier this year and it was not an enjoyable day...

[Delthefunky]

Ha I guess we just feel differently! I used skins once and just hated they're inability to glide. I've never had a problem with wax, when in doubt I just use a more stickier kind... you can aways bring a few with you and you dont have to work it in super hard. Just dab it on, and smooth it out a bit, but after 5 minutes of skiing it's well spread out.

[Torture]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

what's the paper test?

My buddy who took me is a ski patrol whose patrol last year included a cross country ski facility outside the city. His thing was wanting me to make sure that I had the appropriate flex and length.

That's exactly what the paper test is for. It ensures you have the appropriate flex and length.

Basically they'll just have you stand where the bindings would be and run a piece of paper underneath the skis to see if it can move or not. Fairly straight forward but key to getting the right skis and making sure that you're actually gripping/gliding when you go out.

[Magnum PEI]

Necro bump, got some classic skis at the Kananaskis sale last spring and got a chance to use them. Went up Fish Creek between Elbow and 37th. It's mostly frozen except in a few spots (usually where it runs south or north). Sooo much fun. Probably didn't do too good of a job making a trail though haha.

Edit: I think this belongs in the Food & Entertainment section now.

[blueski]

Nice bump. Miss CowPerson and his pics with the dogs!

[ranchlandsselling]

So you actually traveled along the frozen creek? How long of a route? Do people do that often?