I am crazy- in- love with cross-country skiing. It’s a great hobby for someone like me, who needs time in nature as much as I need my cup of coffee in the morning.
I purchased my first pair of cross country skis ten years ago. Then I headed off to a trail at Pando Ski Resort with my sister. Being the first time for both of us, we were amazed at how different the skis felt, compared to downhill skis. It was like trying to ski on popsicle sticks! We were slip sliding all over the place and fell down constantly.
The next weekend, my ego and I decided to go to an apple orchard and try again. The plan was not to go home until I could ski on my popsicle sticks. By the end of the day I had figured it out, swishing in and out among the rows of trees. And I was hooked!
Now my husband and I enjoy skiing throughout the beautiful state of Michigan. We especially enjoy the Gaylord area, in the crisp northern woods, where there are elk and lone birds calling in the trees. The skiing at Treetops Resort, east of Gaylord is excellent also. Treetops has over 20K of cc trails there, and a lighted loop at night.
Cross country skiing privileges are usually free when purchasing a ski ticket for downhill skiing. At Caberfae, MI, my husband and I can ski the cross country trails without even purchasing a downhill ticket. The trails, which are not groomed, are set deep in the tranquil woods.
One of the nicest things about this hobby, is the affordability and accessibility. We can ski at any of our local parks in Lansing, for the price of park admission only. Many parks offer cross country ski rental. I am still skiing on the popsicle sticks I purchased ten years ago, and they are great. When we run out of ski wax, my husband reaches for the WD-40 spray…it really gets us moving when the snow gets sticky!
Oh snow, where art thou? I can hardly wait to get back out to our nearby Burchfield Park, and get out on the lighted night trail this winter. Sucking in deep gulps of air, with the wind at my back, there is nothing quite like swishing through the snow under the stars!