ski guide | endurance The Appeal of Cross-Country hen most W people think of skiing, they imagine the typical resort set- ting: a big lift and lots of skiers going downhill.

Many people enjoy a different form of skiing, though, that’s as physically demanding as it is enjoyable. It’s called cross-country skiing. Unlike downhill skiing — which, as its name implies, typically involves sliding down the side of a mountain — cross-country skiing involves trav- eling long distances downhill, over flat terrain and even uphill.

EQUIPMENT The equipment used in cross-country skiing is quite differ- ent from downhill skiing. The themselves are typically narrower, sometimes called “skinny skis,” with Photo: Image Source IS2 / yaymicro.com higher, more curved tips than other types to help guide them over ENJOYMENT Cross-country skiing can present a WHERE TO SKI uneven surfaces. One of the best parts of cross-coun- safety problem for inexperienced While cross-country skiing can be Most cross-country skis have flat try skiing is that it lets you enjoy the skiers, though, so you should always done in any public place where there bottoms that require waxing, and they quiet, pristine wilderness away from stay on clearly marked trails and let is snow, in theory, it’s generally best to have bindings to keep the toe of the the crowds. people know where you’re headed stick to trails that are built for the pur- boot attached to the ski. When you -country, you get and when you will be back. Many of pose. Cross-country skiers also use poles to see more of the countryside that is the same precautions as hiking Many ski resorts will have trails that to help steady the skier and provide missed in the adrenaline-fueled thrill apply to cross-country skiing, are marked and groomed specifically propulsion, letting you push yourself of downhill skiing, and it also helps although they can be even more for cross-country skiers. Some state forward when going uphill or crossing build endurance. It can be one of the important because of the extremes parks will offer options, too, that are flat terrain. toughest, most demanding sports to of winter weather. inexpensive and beautiful ways to compete in. enjoy the winter.