X-Country Ski Recommendations

[hrj]

After talking about it vaguely for years, I've decided I want to try out cross-country skiing. My plan is to take a weekend, drive up Friday night, get a basic lesson Saturday morning, mess around for the rest of the day, then back home on Sunday. Nothing too ambitious or committing myself too deeply before I find out if I like it. So for those readers familiar with cross-country ski areas in reasonable driving distance from Oakland, what do you recommend? I've already had one recommendation of Bear Valley which looks like it fits the essentials. Any other ideas? (This is also intended as a dose of relaxing "me time". If it hooks me, I may also be looking for ski companions at a later date.)

Comments

[beanolc.livejournal.com]

No recommendations, since the only place I've cross-country skied is Trinity County, but just wanted to comment that I love the sport. It's a much more strenuous workout than alpine skiing, but I really appreciate the spirit of it.

[hrj.livejournal.com]

I used to do alpine skiing, quite a while ago, but it palled a bit after the whole thing with the rock and the broken pelvis.

[patsmor.livejournal.com]

My friends up here use and like Bear Valley, which is the only recommendation I can give. Do let me know what you think -- XCountry is something I'd like to get back to when I am employed again.

[cryptocosm.livejournal.com]

Check the snow conditions carefully - even at the high elevations there isn't much right now unless it's man-made. As for the basics, you've got the snowplow for turning and stopping, and the herringbone and sidestep for climbing; the only other trick you want to develop is to put a glide into each forward step - the desired motion is more of a lunge than a stride. Learning an efficient glide is probably the best use of lesson time.

Expect to give your knees a workout. Dress in layers. Avoid cotton. Carry twice as much water as you think you'll want - and drink it. And no matter how cold and tired you get, remember it's all for fun. Right?

[hrj.livejournal.com]

The "lunge" movement is what I've been trying to remember practicing on the"nordic-ish" equipment at the gym. There are a variety of motions possible, and I tend to default into more of a hill-climbing mode. What's hard to second-guess in advance is the whole clothing thing since there's so much more exertion than downhill. But then, I can always stuff the excess in a backpack. I'm leaning towards going with Bear Valley for my trial run and they have a snow report on their web site with a list of open trails, which at least should avoid really tragic surprises.

[cryptocosm.livejournal.com]

Hill-climbing mode is fine - for climbing hills. The glide, however, enormously increases the efficiency of skiing on the level (or nearly level) above merely walking in skis. This is unlikely to show up well on exercise machines, as those are concerned with expending energy rather than conserving it, but it makes a big difference when you're out touring.

The whole point of layers is the ability to shift things on and off as conditions dictate - not merely external conditions, but current and recent levels of exertion, etc. A backpack for the stuff you're not currently wearing is essential. (Not to mention a convenient spot for water, snacks, sunscreen, and all the other little comfort and safety items you decide to carry.)