Go Where the Rain Is Dry:
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Are Top Winter Sports
By Alan Leonard
We in the Northwest are blessed with a latitude that gets smacked with rainstorms coming directly off the Pacific. How can you make the most of the rainy season? You can go inside the gym and spend some time with the treadmill or invest in some quality rainwear and keep exercising outside. Or, you can go where the rain is a bit drier.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are great ways to stay in shape during the dreary winter season. Because of the often slower speeds involved, children can be introduced to these sports at an early age; just be sure to keep them warm. Being surrounded by mountains draped with pristine snow feels magical, and you will keep coming back for more. But spending a day in freezing temperatures at elevation takes a little more preparation than a traditional workout or day hike.
Modes of Transportation
Snowshoeing is the most accessible winter sport. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. A good pair of snowshoes will offer enough floatation to keep you from sinking deep into the powder. You should be prepared to state your weight when purchasing or renting snowshoes; don’t worry, the employees at the local gear shop will not tease you. Other key features to look for in a pair of snowshoes are ease of use, good traction, and a comfortable fit. Renting snowshoes a few times before purchasing will give you a chance to try different models. Look to spend $99 to $250 for a pair of snowshoes. Ski poles or trekking poles equipped with larger baskets at the ends can make it easier to stay upright.
Cross-country skiing consists of a few different disciplines: Classic technique, also known as diagonal stride; skate skiing; and backcountry touring. It’s important to know what kind of skiing you’ll be doing and have the appropriate gear to match. We’ll focus on classic skiing, which is the most popular style. The level of aerobic activity required for classic skiing ranges from low to high, and you can easily suit your workout intensity to your fitness level.
The most important part of your setup is footwear. Go to a shop that has a good selection of boots so you can try on multiple models. From there, choose the right ski for you. Because there are so many options out there for skis, it’s best to get guidance from your local shop on the right ski for you. As with snowshoes, rent first and try a variety of styles.
Where to Go
Now that you have your new gear, don’t just let it sit in the garage collecting dust: Get out there! Where should you go? Many of your favorite summer hiking trails are transformed by a fresh blanket of snow into what will soon become your favorite snowshoeing trails.
Snow sports are always a good reason to plan a road trip. Explore areas that offer miles of trail, such as Leavenworth and the Methow Valley in Washington State and Sun River in Oregon. These areas make great summer vacation spots and even better winter vacation destinations. With hundreds of kilometers of both groomed and ungroomed trails in the Northwest, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing locations are accessible to everyone in the family. Some areas, such as Leavenworth, also offer downhill ski lifts and tubing hills. Trips like these will send you back to work with stories everyone will envy.
Pack Your Closet With Proper Gear
Because of the aerobic activity involved with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, it’s easy to overdress and become overheated. When you’re starting out from the trailhead, you should feel slightly chilly. That chill will quickly give way to warmth as you get moving.
Always dress in layers, so that you can adapt to the weather. Start with a good base layer — generally a thin, snug-fitting garment designed to help pull moisture off your skin and onto the fabric’s surface, where it will eventually evaporate. The mid-layer goes on top of the base layer and is going to provide much of your warmth. Consider a mid-weight fleece.
A lightweight rain jacket is good to bring along. However, waterproof fabrics do not breathe well. Perspiration trapped under these jackets will eventually make you wet from the inside out. One option here is one of the newer styles of “soft shell” layers, which effectively combine the mid layer and the outer layer. This is worn over the base layer. Soft shells breathe well, are fairly weatherproof, and offer good warmth in winter conditions.
Alan Leonard has spent his entire life exploring the outdoors. He expresses his love for nature through hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and outdoor photography. Alan has more than seven years of experience in outdoor retail and can be found at The Mountain Shop in Portland, OR, unless there is fresh snow in the mountains. |
Resources
Methow Valley, WA
Almost 200k of groomed trails and many more ungroomed. The Methow Valley is one of the most scenic spots on the west coast, with beautiful lakes, evergreen forests, and spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains.
www.mvsta.com/ski.html
Teacup Lake, OR
Where Portland and Hood River residents go skiing. More than 20k of groomed trails.
www.teacupnordic.org
Stevens Pass
Just on the other side of Stevens Pass Ski area, this Nordic Center offers a great respite from crowds. The snow is often better here than at the pass level.
www.stevenspass.com/nordic/
Mt. Bachelor, OR
Bend’s cross-country mecca. Located at the base of Mt. Bachelor’s west village, this area is home to 56k of trails and the Northwest’s only cross-country terrain park. Also one of the best day lodges in the area.
http://mtbachelor.com/winter/index.html |
