Cross-Country Skiing – a Good Choice for Families

Looking for a family vacation that will keep everyone entertained? Consider cross-country skiing. It’s perfect for multiple generations and an ideal snow activity for an extended family. And while many skiers flock to the western slopes for the diverse terrain, there are quite a few ski areas in the East that specialize in this activity.  For example, Stowe Vermont  is among the largest, most diverse trail systems in the East, and quite possible the U.S. More than 3000 acres of conserved land produce expertly groomed and perfectly ungroomed skiing for every ability. Aside from the backcountry, you can ski around the historic village, many restaurants, and boutique shops.

2013-Sovereign-Lake-Nordic-Center-Silver-Star-Vernon-BC-011

Regardless of where you decide to go, cross-country skiing is gaining traction again as a popular snowsport for families, and for good reason.

All Ages Can Learn

Cross-country skiing is one sport that all ages can participate in. From young kids to retirees, cross-country skiing is easy and fun. The learning curve is short. The movements are natural and special skills are not required. Once learned it is a life-long skill.

All Ages Can Participate

Even people with a baby or toddler can go cross-country skiing. Kids that are too small to ski can be transported in a backpack or on a sled. Many retirees find cross-country skiing is the perfect activity to keep healthy without unnecessary risk of injury.

Different Skills, Different Paces

Everyone doesn’t have to stick together while cross-country skiing. Instead, skiers can travel at their own pace. Grandparents and young children can take their time and enjoy the sights of nature. Teenagers looking to speed can skate ski, which involves moving their legs like they are ice skating and using the poles to push. The result is a fast movement over the trail.

Stowe Knows XC

  • Stowe’s cross-country ski centers provide more than 90 miles of groomed and 60 miles of backcountry trails.
  • The Stowe Rec Path offers 5.5 miles of groomed trail allowing for easy skiing and access to shopping and dining.
  • Your family won’t soon forget the Wiessner Woods experience – it winds through the Hemlock forest and passes by a Gnome Home and a Halvorsen’s sugar house.
  • Sterling Valley XC trail network also offers superb nordic skiing on 2,150 acres of conservation land.
  • For expert XC skiers, make Stowe your base of your Vermont tour by skiing the Catamount Trail, a 300-mile track that runs the length of Vermont.

Tips

If you are new to cross-country skiing keep the following etiquette tips in mind:

  • Obey any posted signs
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Always ski with a buddy, never alone
  • Choose trails that are appropriate for your ability
  • Allow faster skiers to pass
  • Attempt to maintain the ski tracks, not damage them
  • Remove your skis when crossing a road

Whether you try cross country skiing at Stowe or another resort, many people find they really enjoy cross-country skiing once they try it. They also love the fact that the entire family to participate and make memories together.  So if you’re looking for a good reason to extend your next ski vacation a little bit longer, consider adding cross-country skiing to the itinerary.

Contact