Welcome to winter, with its short days and long cold nights. As I write this there is no snow any where near us in Metro West Boston, but as we all know… it is on the way.
As with everything in life, we can think positively or negatively about it. Take winter for instance; ever notice how skiers delight at the sight of snow while many others cringe when they hear that “four letter word”!
Having a winter activity that actually requires snow, may really change your outlook on snow and winter as a whole. If you are already a skier or someone that participates in other winter activities, like snow boarding, snow shoeing, etc… you already know what I am talking about.
I grew up in Watertown New York near Tug Hill Plateau that receives an annual snowfall of about 200 inches courtesy of the Lake effect snow from Lake Ontario. I learned to ski both Alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross country) at a very young age, and grew to love the snow. I still love the snow, but I wouldn’t if I did not still ski.
I’ll admit Alpine skiing is much more “fun”, but is it also much more time consuming and expensive- the equipment, lift tickets etc… Nordic skiing is much less expensive- and can be free- local trails or even some golf courses will let you ski on them- but please check first.
There are a few local places (Weston Ski Track): http://www.skiboston.com/skitrack/skitrack.php , and (Great Brooke Farms): http://www.greatbrookski.com/ that both offer “groomed” Nordic skiing trails. Groomed trails make Nordic Skiing much easier, and it allows you to also ski with the “skating” method. “Skate skiing” is a type of Nordic skiing where your motion is more side to side like the motion used in ice skating. The skate skis are slightly shorter, and the poles are slightly longer. You can rent them at either Great Brook or at Weston Ski track.
If skiing is just not your idea of fun, but you would like to get out in the snow- you can also try snow shoeing. Once again you can head to your local walking trails for free, or you can also rent snow shoes at most Nordic Ski centers. Both Great Brooke farms and Weston Ski Track offer snow shoe rentals.
So this year “Embrace the Winter!”
If you are interested in learning more about Nordic Skiing and would like to join in my “Ski Conditioning Workshop” which will be held Tuesday 1/19/2015 at 6:30 pm, then sign up by stopping at the front desk, or call us at (508) 655-9008 to reserve your spot, class will be limited to the first 5 to sign up.
If you have any questions about this blog or about the upcoming workshop please email me at: [email protected]