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READ BELOW FOR INFORMATIVE ARTICLES ABOUT CROSS COUNTRY SKIING OR SNOWSHOEING, EQUIPMENT, PLACES TO SKI, HEALTH BENEFITS OF CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, AND MUCH MORE. LET US SHARE WITH YOU OUR PASSION FOR THIS SPORT!

Ben Young and "Lucy" Skiing the Crust near the Eisenhower tunnel in Colorado in
MAY!!!
photo: Louisa Morrissey

Posted April 17, 2008
"It’s Not Over Yet! The Icing on the Cake: Spring Crust Cruising!"
by Louisa Morrissey

I find it amazing that come mid to late March, many Nordic skiers put the storage wax on their skis, hang them up and take out the bikes. I have nothing against getting on the bike, but I will say to these folks that they are missing some of the best skiing of the season: Crust Cruising!

What is crust? Crust happens as the spring snow consolidation starts. We start to get warm sunny days and the snow begins to melt and consolidate, creating a firm base. After a few days of this weather pattern, the base is solid enough to hold a skier and the crust on top has formed. If you get out in the morning, just as the top is beginning to get soft, you will find yourself gliding on the smoothest and fastest surface you could ever imagine! Now add a gorgeous sunny Colorado spring morning, and you can enjoy cruising in your light jacket or even in your tee shirt!

Timing is everything. If you start too early, you will find a firm icy surface. If you get out too late in the day, it will be melted and slushy. Usually anywhere between 8 am to about 9:30 or 10 am will be perfect. Try to time your skiing so that the surface is just beginning to soften and only the very top of the crust is soft. It's a little like a thin layer of ball bearings. Even it you arrive at your chosen spot too early, you can always have a cup of coffee while you wait for the crust to soften.

Since nature is now doing the grooming for you, you can crust ski anywhere! Find a place with open and rolling terrain and make your own trail. I typically ski in the Vail Pass area or up around Loveland Pass until late April or even May. However, poke around your local area and I am sure you will find your own secret spots.

As with any adventure in the backcountry, be avalanche savvy. If possible, ski in non avalanche terrain. If you are in an area prone to sliding, check conditions first and ski early. Most (but not all) spring slides happen starting in the late morning and later into the day as the snow begins to melt and creates wet slides. If the temperature has quickly changed from very cold one day to very warm the next, also be careful as this can create a weak condition in the snow layer. The same advice applies if the nighttime temperatures have not been below freezing. While I am on the “be careful” part of this article, I will add to also stay away from trees and rocks as the snow around them can get soft and punchy in spring conditions.

So get your skis back down and go find some crust to ski on! It’s just as fun as a bike ride (or even more fun!) and it beats roller skiing for sure! It’s smooth, warm, fun and fast. You will get some good exercise as well as experience a great sense of freedom and adventure as you create your own trail across the meadow!

Now THAT”S the way to wrap up the season!

Posted March 12, 2008
"Big Shooter Bonk…Back After a 6 Year Hiatus".
by Stephenie Scholl
While discussing the upcoming race schedule over Thanksgiving dinner in 1994, a group of avid skiers were lamenting the fact that there were no marathon ski races after the middle of March.   The group complained that when the best skiing is just beginning, most Nordic centers are closing down for the season. This particular group of skiers, including Shawn Scholl (aka “Big Shooter”), would usually seek out snowmobile trails to get in some long, spring ski’s. Shawn threw out the idea of putting a long race on one of those trails. The group agreed, but thought it would be a logistical nightmare. Not one to give up on an idea, Shawn began doing his research. He located, what he thought would be the perfect race venue. After many US Forest Service and snowmobile club meetings, the longest race course in North America was decided and given a thumbs up.
The first year, the race was an 80km & 40km. It was run entirely on USFS Road 100 (typically the “snowmobile” side of Rabbit Ears Pass) from Red Dirt entrance on the south side to Highway 40 Buffalo Park entrance on the north side, and back! With incredible dedication, Haakan, from the Steamboat Nordic Center, took three days and groomed the entire trail. Close to 100 participants showed up on a beautiful blue bird Colorado day to do the 1st annual Big Shooter Bonk, aptly named after it’s race developer, coordinator, and eventual winner.   Latigo Ranch cooked up a post-race feast for all to gather over and tell their stories of the longest, last ski of the year!
The next year, the weather wasn’t as cooperative. As dwellers of the Rocky Mountain Region well know, some of the worst storms can come in late March. And so it went…the gun went off under cloudy skies. Not more than 15 minutes later the clouds opened up. The snow was falling big, and quickly. The winds were picking up. Visibility was deteriorating. Many racers dropped out at Highway 40. Others had to be rescued by snowmobile. Everyone had a story.
And so it went, for 3 more years (5 total “Bonk’s). Each year the course was a little different, as Shawn was always looking to make it logistically easier to run and more enjoyable for the skier. Each year the weather provided excitement to the overall Bonk experience.
In 2000, Shawn was invited to Augusta, GA to row on the US National Team, and compete in the upcoming Olympic Trials. With lots of volunteer help, and long distance communication, Stephenie (Shawn’s wife) was able to pull off the Bonk without the Shooter’s physical presence. That would be the last Bonk, as rowing took the Shooter in a different direction.
In the mean time, Colorado was left without a long, season ending race. Dan Smilkstein phoned Shawn and asked what he thought of putting on another race on that weekend, hence, the now longest xc ski in Colorado – Courier du Bois.   Not necessarily meant to replace the Bonk, it ran on the same weekend of the calendar that the Bonk usually occupied. For whatever reason, everything was earlier this year….Daylight Savings Time, Easter, other races, and as it turned out, the CdB would be held in the middle of March. That left some open weekends to perhaps resurrect the Bonk.
After much discussion and research it was decided that the Bonk is Back. This year promises to be as fun as ever! It has a new, gentler course and new distances-30km & 60km. More of the course terrain is on Latigo Ranch property. As always, there will be a fabulous post-race feast.    Also, participants will receive a Mizuno performance shirt with race entry. Handmade prizes will be awarded to overall winners. Post race massage will be offered as well as a kid’s fun 5km (to keep them occupied while Mom and Dad race). And, predictably, unpredictable, the weather will provide conversation for the last race of the season.
Shawn (Big Shooter) and Stephenie Scholl have been involved in the Colorado nordic community for decades! Shawn coordinated the first Colorado Cup race series in the 1990's and started the first Big Shooter Bonk race. Both Shawn and Stephenie are dedicated athletes, racers, parents, barristas....you name it!

Posted March 7, 2008
"SKIJORING: ENJOYING WINTER TRAILS WITH YOUR DOG"
by Louisa Morrissey

For many of us, our dogs are constant companions most of the year as we hike, run, camp and bike. However, in the winter they often get left behind at home while we go for a ski. It’s hard to watch those sad eyes as we go to play and they remain behind. Another scenario is that both owner and dog get out of shape during those winter months! However, learning to skijor could be the perfect solution to get great exercise for yourself and your dog!

Skijoring is a Norwegian word that means “ski driving”. A team of one or more dogs pulls a cross country skier and the skier “drives” or directs the team as he or she skis behind. The sport has been around for centuries in Scandinavia and is gaining popularity in the United States. It is a simple sport to learn and can lead to many magic winter days for you and your canine friend. Skijoring helps you and your dog keep fit and healthy in the winter months. It can also deepen and enhance the relationship you have with your dog. Indeed, learning to work with your dog as you become a team together is one of the greatest rewards this sport has to offer.

The human element (Hu)
Skijoring consists of the human element (Hu), the dog element (Do) and the team that they become (Sj). As the human part of this team, you bring your skiing ability and dog training and handling skills. Remember also that it is up to you to make responsible decisions for both you and your dog. You can skijor with any type of cross country ski and using any technique: touring, classic or skating. The ski type and technique you choose will depend mostly on the type of experience you are looking for, and also on how fast you and your dog will be traveling. If you are planning to head into the woods for a slower paced tour or even a winter camping experience, then touring gear for you is the best choice. However, if you have a fast running dog on a groomed trail, you will be traveling at a much quicker pace and skating would be the best choice. While you do not need to be an expert skier to skijor, you MUST have some basic cross country skiing skills. You MUST be able to control your speed, stop and keep your balance on skis BEFORE you hook up to your dog. Moreover, skijoring is a TEAM sport. You should expect to work just as hard as your dog. Your dog may be pulling in front, but you are also actively skiing and working behind as well. It’s not a free ride! If you are new to cross country skiing, a few lessons and some practice on the skis without your dog at first will be a great benefit to both you and your dog.

Equally as important is your dog training and handling skills. It is helpful before skijoring with your dog, that you and your dog have done a basic obedience class together. It is important in training (of any kind) to be POSITIVE, PATIENT and CONSISTENT. Whether you are training Fido the dog, Shamu the whale, John Doe husband or Jane Doe teenager, positive reinforcement of desired behavior has huge benefits! Short, simple training sessions in the beginning will also yield great results. Set up the situation so that you and your dog can feel successful and gain confidence. Let skijoring enhance and deepen the relationship you have with your dog as you learn to work as a team together.

The dog element (Do)
Dogs bring to this team their instinct to chase and be part of a pack, their unique physiology and their wonderful individual personalities. No matter the breed, deep within a dog is still a strong instinct to hunt as a pack. While sometimes this instinct can result in unwanted behavior, when carefully shaped and trained, this instinct is what enables your dog to pull. In the beginning, hooking your dog up with an experienced skijoring or sled dog is one of the easiest ways to teach pulling. Another method that works is to have someone ski slightly in front of your dog and call it, while you let it pull you. With some practice, patience and encouragement, any athletic dog over 30 pounds that loves to run and naturally wants to pull out front when on a leash will work great in skijoring. Some dogs may learn to pull immediately and others may take a little more work and encouragement. A few may never quite catch on. If you do have a dog that does not pull after trying everything, keep things in perspective. Remember that this is your companion. The most important thing is your relationship to your dog and you will find other ways to spend enjoyable time together.

Your dogs’ physical well being is entirely your responsibility!. A few things to remember:
-Dogs need adequate water,
-Do NOT run a dog on a full stomach
-Above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs can overheat when working. At these temperatures, keep skijoring sessions short, make sure you dog has water and be on alert for any heat stress.
- At extremely cold temperatures, dogs with thin coats (such as pointers) can get too cold and even get frost bite. Again, use good judgment when skijoring at very low temperatures or when the wind chill is frigid. (Also, take care of yourself at these temperatures…. and watch that wind chill!!)
-On trails with abrasive snow conditions protect your dog’s feet with booties. Some dogs with especially furry feet can get nasty snowballs stuck between their paw pads. You can trim the hair on their paws and use a variety of oils (ie, Musher’s Secret) to prevent snowballs. You can also just get your dog used to wearing booties. (Most dogs wonder at first what is on their feet and they can be both fussy and comical! This is normal. Again, patience and positive reinforcement will help them become accustomed to the booties with time.)
-Watch your dog’s weight. Too much weight strains a dog’s joints and it cannot exercise safely or properly. If your dog is not used to a lot of exercise, start with short sessions and work up from there. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the ideal working and running weight for the breed of dog you own.
-Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog's health!

Becoming a skijoring team (Sj)
Not only are you connected emotionally to your dog while skijoring, you are also connected physically with skijoring equipment and via the verbal commands you give your dog. Skijoring equipment is quite lightweight and simple. Let’s start with the dog. As mentioned before, booties are helpful. Your dog will also need a harness. Most skijoring harnesses are called “X-Back sled dog harnesses".
They are a webbed harness that, when pulled to a complete length, stretches from your dog’s neck and chest to the base of their tail. A good fitting harness should allow a dog to run and pull efficiently and safely. When fitting your dog with their first harness, it is best to have an experienced and knowledgeable skijorer help you. Next is the lead that connects your dog to you. It is best to have what is called a bungee lead (a leash with a bungee cord sewn inside of it) in order to prevent jerking motions and ease the stress of pulling on your dog. You also have a harness around your hips and legs. These come in a wide variety. A simple rule of thumb is that your harness, like your dog’s, should fit and allow you to move and ski efficiently. Again, an experienced skijorer can help you with your harness selection. A final important piece is a safety release between your harness and the line connecting you to you dog. Most skijoring outfitters will have this release and can show you how to use it.

Now you are ready to go! You can ski, you have checked that your dog is healthy and in good shape for the day, you have your equipment and you are hooked in! With a friend in front to encourage your dog, let them start pulling and give the command “Lets Go”.

There are many commands you will learn on your journey as a skijorer; commands for “lets go”, “whoa” (or stop), “on by” (meaning “leave that irresistible distraction alone and keep going”), “gee”(go right), “haw” (go left), “come around” (turn around) and more. It is best to take a class in skijoring to help you get started on the right lead. Start with the basics, keep it simple and take things one at a time.

Sharing the Trail
When I was a teenager, my Dad used to tell me “Privileges come with Responsibility” and I would role my eyes. But my Dad was right. What does this have to do with skijoring? Trail etiquette! As the demand for more dog friendly trails increases, Nordic centers across the state of Colorado are creating dog trails within their trail systems. By respecting the usage guidelines on these trails, cleaning up after your dog and having a well behaved team, you will set a positive example of what a great sport skijoring can be, and how it can easily integrate into cross country trail systems.

Loose dogs can be an annoyance and even a danger to both other skiers and to a working team of dogs. However, by its very nature of the lead connection between dog and skier, skijoring is a way we can ski and exercise with our dogs and keep them on-leash and under control at the same time!

Final thoughts
Skijoring is a journey. It’s a journey along many winter trails with your dog. It’s a journey in learning to understand your dog and yourself better as you become a team together. It’s a physical journey, a health and fitness journey, an emotional journey, sometimes even a spiritual journey, and definately a joyful journey.
Happy Trails!

I would like to thank Fritz Howard for his valuable insight and contributions to this article. Fritz is a professional skijorer and skijor instructor in Leadville and is responsible for introducing and mentoring a huge number of people into this wonderful sport!

Upcoming Skijoring clinics:
Sunday March 9, 2008 you have two opportunities to join a skijoring class:

Breckenridge: 9:45 am to 12:30 pm at the Dog Terra event held at the Gold Run Nordic Center. Among several fun dog events, they will offer a series of Mini skijor sessions based upon experience. There is a limited supply of skijor equipment for loan. Skis and boots can also be rented. This is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) event! For more information call the Gold Run Nordic center at (970) 547-7889.

Leadville: 10 AM to 1 PM at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. Cost is $35, which includes a trail pass. Loaner skijor equipment - lines, belts and harnesses – is supplied. For more information call Fritz Howard at (719) 486-3245.

posted February 8, 2008
"WHAT HAPPENED TO FAMILY VACATIONS?" by Lillian Ross

WHAT HAPPENED TO FAMILY VACATIONS?
Once upon a time, family vacations meant spending time with each other, and having fun together . The key word was "together".
But, today, many vacation destinations encourage separation. Drop the kids at a resort day care, or a children's activity center, while mom and dad have fun on their own. What's wrong with this picture?
One way to keep that cohesive bond with family members is to engage in a sport together. Not just any sport, but one that a family can enjoy ...for life. Togetherness is alive and well at cross country ski centers across Colorado.
Unlike downhill skiing, where ability levels tend to separate family members, cross country skiing keeps everyone together, especially when mom, dad, and kids take a family lesson. In an hour or two, everyone is gliding along a forested trail, without the worry of being hit by an out-of-control alpine skier or snowboarder. The quiet serenity of a snowy path through the woods makes you realize why you chose this spot for a winter vacation...away from crowds and lift lines. KIDS QUICKLY DISCOVER THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CITY SNOW COVERING CEMENT, AND THE PRISTINE SNOW IN A MOUNTAIN FOREST.
Children as young as four years of age can join mom and dad in a beginners' cross-country ski lesson.(Toddlers can hitch a ride on a backpack, so the whole family can enjoy the sun, and snow and the forest.)
Unlike downhill (alpine) equipment, cross-country skis and boots are user-friendly and not intimidating. They're lightweight; boots are comfortable, warm and easy to put on. And, the skis, equally lightweight, are effortless to maneuver on the snow, especially with poles to assist with balance.
FOR FIRST-TIME SKIERS, ADULTS AND CHILDREN, YOU'LL FIND THE LIGHTWEIGHT CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS HELP DEVELOP BALANCE QUICKLY. THIS IS A BOON FOR TRANSITIONING TO OTHER SNOW SPORTS.
Rent your skinny skis and featherweight boots at any cross-country ski area. Many of these Nordic areas are affiliated with major ski resorts throughout the country. Trails here are groomed with "set track", enabling you and your skinny skies to stay on course as you glide through the woods.
Following your lessons, you and the kids can return to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate at the cross country center.
Families who adopt nordic skiing as part of their lives are never at a loss to engage in a winter activity. Rental rates are affordable, as are purchase prices for cross country equipment. When a family has its own gear, a nominal trail fee is all that's required to revel in a glide through the woods, a picnic lunch, and a day in the sun.
As an added bonus, the exercise afforded by cross-country skiing ranks up there with the best there is. All muscles come into play for a great workout.
Later, when everyone's comfortable on set-track courses, you may branch out and choose to try skate-skiing (with motions similar to ice skating).
For more information, contact the Colorado Cross Country Ski Association at www.coloradocrosscountry.com to find the ski areas closest to you.
Lillian Ross is an avid skier. She has worked in New York publishing, Denver advertising, and the Colorado ski industry. She headed the public relations program for Keystone, Breckenridge and Ski The Summit. She also has been a travel columnist for the Denver Post.

posted February 1, 2008
"HIDDEN TREASURE ON THE MINERAL BELT HISTORICAL TOUR"
by Louisa Morrissey

The Keep Winter White Nordic Tour Series continued this past weekend in Leadville. The Leadville Nordic Club organized a relaxed tour event, inviting participants to leisurely ski the mellow railroad grades of the Mineral Belt Trail around the circumference of the old mining town of Leadville. Local businesses such as Provin’ Grounds Coffee House and the Tennessee Pass Cook House provided refreshments along the route.

I did this journey today with the companionship (and help) from my two dogs, Linus and Lucy, as I chose to skijor this course. We began the tour at the Colorado Mountain College, skiing by educational signs provided by High Country Conservation Center. Each pair of signs presented first a disturbing fact about the environmental cost of energy and resource consumption and the repercussions of filling landfills….not just loosing space, but in producing methane gas. However, the matching sign gave people easy and achievable ways to make a change in their lifestyles, which cumulatively can make a difference on a global scale.

After a quick start, we meandered though the forested trail and rolling terrain. The trail was impeccably groomed by the CMC staff and in particular by Paul Rauschke. Skiing up the gentle grade of California Gulch, I could see relicts from the old mines, ghosts of scaffolding and carts, and signs along side to explain their significance.

After a cookie stop, we made the final climb up and out of California Gulch. The sight at the top was breathtaking. I pulled the dogs to a stop to take it all in. Below was the quiet town of Leadville, and beyond that the upper end of the Arkansas River Valley. Across this expanse rose the 14,000 plus foot Mt. Massive; Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in the state, and the Sawatch range extended south. The morning was still clear and sunny, but a new storm was approaching from the west, and the mountains were stark white against the dark clouds. When I used to do cross country ski races I was often distracted by the gorgeous scenery surrounding the venue. I would have to refocus on the trail and the race. Today, as a participant in a tour, not a race, I could take the time to just stop for a few moments and soak it in. Until, of course, the dogs got restless to go forward!

Onward we went to the Matchless Mine. This unique refreshment stop along the route was sponsored by the National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame. The museum curator was there to tell us everything she knew about the legendary Baby Doe Tabor; her rise to fame and fortune during the hey days of Leadville’s Silver Boom, and how, even after the fall of the silver market, the closing of the mines and the death of her husband, she still refused to leave the Matchless Mine, and lived there in a small cabin and in poverty until her death.

I told the curator about how my grandfather had been Baby Doe’s lawyer in the final days, when he was one of the few people she would let into the old cabin. About how my great grandmother came to Leadville in the late 1800’s as a young single mother (not a thing easily accepted in those days!), how she worked in Leadville as a dance hall girl and then met my great grandfather who was a mining engineer there. My grandmother was born quite near there in a place called “Poverty Flats”. I am not sure the curator believed me…she seemed skeptical. But she did get a good laugh as I tried to turn around in the deep snow and the dogs, in their enthusiasm to move on, pulled me over!

The trail then descended to the historic town of Leadville. We skied by the old Victorian Houses, now getting some loving care and restoration by new owners. We skied on to the high school and then up the final climb back to the start/finish at the Colorado Mountain College.

Along the way I had the chance to chat with fellow participants in the day’s tour. Most remarked about how they had gotten in a rut skiing at only one or two Nordic centers close to where they live. They said it was so nice to be able to get out an ski somewhere new….and that this trail was a real find!

I could not agree more. While I had learned about the rich mining history of the town surrounding me and reflected on the interesting history of my own family, the treasure I had really found that day was the Mineral Belt Trail! The trail is groomed by the Colorado Mountain College and is open to the public at all times for skiing and snowshoeing…with or without your dog. It winds through forests, up and down gentle grades, out to stunning vistas, and the route we took that day was about 15 km in length. If you feel you are “in a rut”, then come to Leadville and check out this hidden gem.

Posted January 29, 2008
The “Keep Winter White” Nordic Tour Series continued this past Sunday in Leadville with the Mineral Belt Historical Tour
by Karl Remsen

"I can say, without a doubt, this was the best day of skiing I've had this year!" a Front Range Nordic skier mentioned at the end of the 1st annual Mineral Belt Historical Tour this Sunday.

The tour was part of a statewide series known as the Keep Winter White Tour, sponsored by both Rocky Mountain Nordic and Colorado Cross Country Ski Association. Five separate tours are taking place this winter in Colorado with a focus on green recreation, good skiing, and supporting the cross-country ski community.

Sunday, nearly forty participants traveled the length of the Mineral Belt Trail on the tour hosted by Leadville Nordic. They enjoyed food from Provin' Grounds, Tennessee Pass Nordic Center and Cookhouse, and local contributors at three stops. They also ventured into the Matchless Mine where the National Mining Museum and Hall of fame sponsored refreshments and gave everyone a dose of history with the tale of rise and fall of the Tabors.

Impeccable grooming by Paul Rauschke and the Ski Area Operations program at Colorado Mountain College was the highlight of the day. "I had no idea the skiing was so great back here," exclaimed Gene Dayton, owner of two Nordic centers and a thirty-year resident of Summit County.

High Country Conservation helped to sponsor the event and provided some educational signs about how users can reduce their impact on the environment. In addition, Rocky Mountain Nordic will pay for the carbon offset for the event, including the travel that participants did to get there, making it entirely carbon neutral.

"Everyone walked away with a smile," noted Tour Director Karl Remsen. "We had 90% of participants come from out of county, and they were all impressed with the skiing here in Lake County. Everyone mentioned that they would be back, either for a weekend, for the Leadville Loppet, or for next year's tour."

All of the money raised by the tour will support skiing and skiers in Lake County and maintaining the Mineral Belt Trail. If you are interested in future tours across the state, check out www.coloradocrosscountry.com or www.rmnordic.org.
Karl Remsen is the coach of the Leadville Junior Nordic team and the organzer of the Mineral Belt Historical Tour. Thanks Karl for putting on such a great event!

The next stop on the "Keep Winter White" Nordic Tour Series will be the Bappa Tour in Aspen on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Click here for more details!

Posted January 15, 2008
Tour the Summit kicks off the “Keep Winter White” Nordic Tour Series
by Louisa Morrissey

The morning sun starts to light the Ten Mile Range behind Breckenridge. A spectacular January day begins in Summit County. For one day a year, the recreation path between the Gold Run Nordic Center and the Frisco Nordic center is groomed to perfection, and beckons skiers and snowshoers of all abilities and ages. It is the Second Annual Tour the Summit recreational ski and snow shoe tour; a day to celebrate winter recreation with family and friends, and also to renew our commitment to preserving our fragile alpine environment.

As skiers and snowshoers start along the trails at the Gold Run Nordic Center, they are first presented with a frightening fact about what is happening to our climate as a result of our industrialized and consumer driven culture. It can seem daunting. What could one person do to change anything? In fact, change can be simple, inexpensive and achievable! The sign immediately following offers a simple action that, taken collectively, can result in global change. For instance, did you know that it takes 12 million barrels of oil to make the 100 billion plastic shopping bags used in just one year in the United States? Participants are reminded that the rucksack supplied to them at the beginning can be used in the future as a grocery bag!

Fast, slow, young and old continue along the path to enjoy cookie stops, hot drinks, and chocolate, all provided by local restaurants. They may be surprised to find there are no paper or plastic cups along the way. But they are reminded that they were supplied with a unique Tour the Summit mug at the start of the event. They can use this for everything from water to hot chocolate to beer and soup! They continue to learn about how they can create change in their own lives, and collectively on a global scale, to reduce green house emissions.

Finally they reach the Frisco Peninsula. Those who have known these trails before recent years may be in for a shock. Recent and devastating pine beetle kill has resulted in a full-scale removal of all dead and infected trees though out the Frisco Peninsula. What was once a forest is now an expanse of white snow and open space. Trails once shaded by trees are now exposed to wind and sun and require constant attention from the grooming staff. While beetles are a normal part of a forest’s life cycle, severe drought caused by climate change and fire suppression due to development of mountain communities have resulted in an exaggerated effect of the pine beetle infestation.

Now it is into the finish complete with hot soup and beer (that is, if you haven’t already encountered the New Belgium beer sled on the trails!), Families and friends gather in the sun on the deck of the Frisco Nordic Center for a relaxing afternoon and a well-earned reward. For some, the trail between Gold Run and Frisco has been a challenge in how fast they could ski. Others have simply enjoyed a family outing on a beautiful winter day. Some folks completely new to cross country skiing are celebrating completing a trail they never imagined they would! There are 2 year olds and 70 year olds….able-bodied and disabled skiers….each enjoying the day and leaning how we can all work together to preserve winters days like this for future generations.

The Tour the Summit was a huge success! We had 250 participants, a large majority of them families. Everyone had a big smile on their face and it is clear that this event is becoming firmly rooted in this community and is quickly becoming a local tradition. The event represents a cooperative effort between the towns of Frisco and Breckenridge, the Frisco and Gold Run Nordic Centers, the Summit Nordic Ski Club, the High Country Conservation Center and numerous local shops and businesses.

The next stop on the tour is the Leadville Mineral Belt Historical Tour on January 27. This tour will emphasize the unique mining history of Leadville, as participants will literally ski through the historical mining markers along the Mineral Belt Loop. Again, local restaurants will provide food along the way and a strong environmental message will be presented about how we can preserve winters like the past and present for our future generations. For more information about the Mineral Belt Historical Tour go to www.leadvillenordic.org or check under the events tab on this site for the Keep Winter White Nordic Tour Series.

Posted December 29, 2007
"The Family Outing, Nordic Skiing with Kids" by Louisa Morrissey

There is a saying: “the family that skis together, stays together”. For sure, a ski outing can be a fun experience for the entire family. It can be an expererience that creates lifelong memories. In our minds we imagine a pleasant ski and picnic against a snow covered panorama of mountains, forests and streams. We see a sunny day, or a day with the snow softly falling. We picture in our minds smiling faces. We don’t usually imagine a day with a cold strong wind, a driving snowstorm, wet cold clothing or tired crying kids.

While we cannot control the weather, here are a few suggestions on how to make that family outing more like the first scenario than the second:

Kids and Comfort
One of the most important things to keep in mind with kids is comfort. A cold kid will not have fun. A tired kid will not have fun. A hungry kid will not have fun. If kids associate being cold, tired or hungry with Nordic skiing, they will not want to do it.

As with yourself, dress the kids in layers with the inner layer made of fabric that can wick away the moisture from their little sweaty bodies. The mid layer should be insulating, and also wicking. Finally, an outer layer that is breathable and wind/water proof will help insure they will keep dry and warm without overheating.

One of the most important clothing items for kids are good socks! Cotton socks will get wet and cold almost instantly. Never use cotton socks! Invest in some wool blend or poly pro socks that will keep your child’s feet warm even if they do happen to get a bit wet. And always bring a spare pair of dry socks in your pack with you.

Top it off with a good hat and waterproof gloves. Keep those little hands and fingers warm and dry! As with socks, keep an extra pair of dry gloves with you in the pack. Hats are the easiest way to regulate body temperature. We loose the majority of heat through our heads. So if the little one is cold, put on the hat. If they are too hot, then take it off for a bit. If it is really cold, put on two hats!

Remember sunscreen and sunglasses, and you are ready to go!

Kids and Distance
For the most part, the long slog is a grown up thing. Maybe it’s like developing an appreciation for wine and cheese. Enjoying the long distance cross country ski for hours is something we come to appreciate more when we are adults. Kids tend to enjoy outings in smaller sizes. Take what you would consider a short excursion (maybe 5 km) and at least cut it in half! With very small children, sometimes even 300 meters can be plenty! If your child wants to keep going, of course, let them! But let your kids decide how long the distance will be.

Even though the distance is short, take the time to enjoy every bit of it. Explore the snow, the forest, the animal tracks. Make a snowman, a snow angel, a snow dog, a snow castle. You get the picture! Dig a little bench in the snow, or even a small snow cave! Find a hill to go up, and even better, down! Kids will occupy themselves quite happily going up and down a hill over and over (and over) again! Build a little jump at the bottom of the hill, and they will be ecstatic!

Just like the saying, “Its not the destination, but the journey”, with kids, its not how much distance you covered, but how much fun you had together in whatever distance you skied, even if it is just a few meters!

Kids and Food
Kids get hungry when they are playing on their skis! A thermos of hot cocoa or hot cider will warm them up and give them a bit of energy. Other small, energy filled and healthy snacks will also be appreciated. You know your kid. Bring their favorite snack and something warm to drink, and they will love you for it!

Keep it FUN
In general, if you make sure your kids are comfortable and having fun, they will come to enjoy cross country ski outings with you. Keep it short. Keep it kid sized. Use your imagination. Think like a kid. Let them have fun!

Skiing will become a time your kids will look forward to. A time to enjoy together as a family, regardless of the weather!
Louisa Morrissey has taught classic, skate and telemark skiing in Colorado for 20 years, to all ages of skiers. Her favorite age to teach are always kids....no matter how old they are! Currently she works at the Keystone Nordic Center and is the President of the Colorado Cross Country Ski Association.

Posted December 22, 2007
"Keep It Simple" by Knut Nystad

Keep it simple!

This time I thought why not write a little about classical waxing. It is really not that difficult. With a little practice most people can take care of it in a few minutes, ensuring that the ski trip will be a fantastic adventure outside, instead of a dreadful night mare.

I just made it home from Davos and from Rybinsk. For those who do not know where those places are, one is a fancy place in Switzerland with all the benefits anyone can think off (and then some), the other a poor place somewhere in the Yaroslow region northeast of Moscow, where most people have to survive on less than $300 per month. On the friendliness scale there was no doubt that money is not everything. Next we head off to Tour De Ski, a great skiing adventure that puts athletes and service crew to the test.

Regardless of where we go we have a stressful time schedule preparing skis for some of the best athletes the world of Nordic skiing can offer. It goes without saying, with a large team like ours, time is of the essence, Hence we keep waxing simple. Here are some simple steps to ensure success for your next skiing adventure, whether it is a local race, or just sliding around at a Nordic center somewhere.

Dry Wax (also called “Kick Wax” or “Hard Wax”)
1 – Clean your skis with wax remover
2 – Mark your kick zone
3 – Sand your kick zone lightly with a 100 grid paper
4 – Crayon on a layer of green wax, iron it in and cork lightly
5 – Let the ski cool of for a minute
6 – Crayon on a layer of blue wax, iron it in and cork lightly
7 – Let the ski cool off for a minute
8 – Crayon on 3 thin layers of blue and cork in lightly
9 – Pick the wax of today, crayon on the ski 3 long and 3 short layers. The long ones should be the full length of the kick zone, and the short ones in the middle of the kick zone. Never wax behind your heel.
10 – Bring a scraper, a warmer and a colder wax, a good portion good mood and you are ready!

A world cup skier seldom has less than 8 layers of kick wax when racing. Just remember to keep the layers thin.

Klister
1 – Clean your skis with wax remover
2 – Mark your kick zone – slightly shorter than waxing with dry wax
3 – Sand your kick zone lightly with a 100 grid paper
4 – Apply a thin film of green klister, iron it in.
5 – Let the ski cool off a little
6 – Apply a thin film violet klister, iron it in

7 – Let the ski cool off a little
8 – Apply the wax of the day. Do not heat it. Rather, use your fingers and your palm to distribute it evenly along your kick zone. Wax slightly thicker in the middle of the kick zone. If there is some fresh snow, let the ski cool off a little and apply a few layers of dry wax and cork lightly.
9 – Bring a scraper, a warmer and a colder wax, a good portion good mood and you are ready!

To remove the wax try a little trick I learned.
1 – Spray some wax remover on the kick wax prior to scraping it off.
2 – Scrape off the wax
3 – Add some wax remover to a piece of fiberlene, a piece of paper or a rag and scrub. If there is a lot of klister under, you might want to use a piece of fibertex. It will for sure do the job!

Enjoy your skiing experience. Maybe some day soon we will meet up in a country known for its banks, watches and chocolate, or in a country where time seems to have stood still for some years. Regardless we will have a good time and enjoy our skiing experience.

Happy skiing!

Knut Nystad

Editor's note: When I asked Knut for a brief bio to put here, he modestly said: "what about saying nothing? That is actually much better. Then people can select if they want to believe in it based on what it says, and not who wrote it!" Thank you Knut for contributing this article, and we look forward to more articles from the other side of the pond when you have time!

Posted December 20, 2007

"Taking Physical Therapy Outdoors" by Lillian Ross

Nothing's more of a downer than spending an hour inside a physical rehab center pumping away on machines. Especially when the weather outside is clear and crisp, and you'd give anything to be exercising in the great outdoors.

There are a couple of sports with your name written all over them. Sports that gently get you back in the swing of things after an illness, surgery or an accident. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Whether you're recuperating from a broken arm or leg, or getting your strength back following a long convalescence, a simple walk in the woods on snowshoes can do more for mind and body than any treadmill.

Perhaps, you've heard the adage: if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Today's snowshoes are user-friendly--lightweight, smaller than in days of yore, yet stable for anyone of any age. Wear your own hiking boots on the snowshoes, slip into a pair of ski poles and you're totally balanced and good to go. (Your ski poles offer an added benefit--great exercise for your upper arms.)

Rent your snowshoes and poles at any cross-country ski area. You can enjoy the sport at a variety of centers ranging from family-owned and operated areas, serene ranches, bed and breakfasts to upscale spa resorts.

Choose the snowshoe trail that bests suits your physical therapy ability--novice, intermediate or advanced. If it's your first jaunt, pick an easy, flat trail that meanders through snow-covered woods. Take your time; snowshoe as slowly and as far as you feel comfortable.

If your therapy level allows a bit more activity, try the ultimate benefit of cross-country skiing. Doctors have applauded cross-country skiing as one of the best exercises for men, and THE best exercise for women, working all the feminine muscles in unison.

Unlike alpine skiing, cross-country is easier to learn. There are no crowded slopes to navigate, where an out-of-control skier or snowboarder could run over you. The equipment is lightweight and not intimidating. And, you can relax and enjoy the environment as you glide on the set track terrain, giving your body a gentle workout, then working up to a more aggressive exercise regimen.

If you decide to cross-country ski, take a lesson. After just two hours, you can gain the beneficial exercise and therapy afforded by the sport. Lessons are offered on flat terrain, so the fear factor of skiing down hills is eliminated. However, if you do come upon a gentle downhill area, and you choose not to ski it, merely take your skis off and walk down the slope until the terrain flattens to your liking.

After some lessons, and you become comfortable on set-track courses, you might choose to branch out and try the more advanced skate-skiing (with motions similar to ice skating.)

Check out this website for detailed information about the nordic center or guest ranch nearest to YOU!

Lillian Ross is an avid skier. She has worked in New York publishing, Denver advertising, and the Colorado ski industry. She headed the public relations program for Keystone, Breckenridge and Ski The Summit. She also has been a travel columnist for the Denver Post.

Posted December 8, 2007

"The Psychiatrist Wears Skinny Skis" by Lillian Ross

Emotional trauma, most often, is more difficult to cure than a physical mishap. A divorce, the loss of a job or loved one can accelerate a bout of all consuming depression.

Working your way through the cobwebs that cloud and inhibit clear thinking can be frustrating. Finding solutions that don't include anti-depressants or drugs may seem unlikely.

Until you become the psychiatrist on skinny skis.

Cross-country skiing is more than just a cool winter sport. It's a body builder, a butt sculptor, a shoulder shaper, but very importantly, a problem solver.

A mountain environment is a natural therapeutic cocktail: exquisite scenery, forces of nature, fresh air...producing a healthy soul, a whole, balanced person. Add to this the serenity and isolation of cross-country skiing offering an aura of peace, and wrapping you in complete calm.

Exercise has long been touted as a natural cure for what ails you. And, doctors have applauded cross-country skiing as one of the best exercises for men, and THE best exercise for women, working all the feminine muscles in unison.

Gone are the crowded slopes of downhill (alpine) skiing, the lift lines, and the heavy equipment. Eliminating the stress of downhill skiing, and the fear of being hit by an out-of-control skier or snowboarder, allows you to relax and let the elements of the environment permeate your soul.

Unlike alpine skiing, cross-country is easier to learn. Equipment is lightweight and not intimidating. Then, there's even an easier route to your feeling of well being. Snowshoeing. If you can walk, you can snowshoe, and the mental health benefits are instantaneous.

If you decide to cross-country ski, take a lesson. After just two hours, you can gain the beneficial exercise and therapy afforded by cross country skiing.

Rent your skinny skis and comfortable, featherweight boots at any cross-country ski area. You can enjoy the sport at a variety of centers ranging from family-owned and operated areas, peaceful ranches, bed and breakfasts to upscale spa resorts.

Many of these Nordic areas also are affiliated with major ski resorts throughout the country. Trails here are groomed with "set track", enabling you and your skinny skis to stay on course as you glide through the woods. Lessons are offered on flat terrain, so the fear factor of skiing down hills is eliminated. If you do come upon a gentle downhill area on your course, and you choose not to ski it, merely take your skis off and walk down the slope til the terrain flattens to your liking.

After some lessons, and you become comfortable on set-track courses, you may branch out and try the more advanced skate-skiing (with motions similar to ice skating).

Check out Nordic Centers and Guest Ranches on this website to find the center nearest you!

Lillian Ross is an avid skier. She has worked in New York publishing, Denver advertising, and the Colorado ski industry. She headed the public relations program for Keystone, Breckenridge and Ski The Summit. She also has been a travel columnist for the Denver Post.

Posted December 5, 2007

"Snow Dance" by Louisa Morrissey

“Lets do the snow dance”, “ I will go do my snow dances”, “Make sure you do your snow dance”.

We hear these phrases in snow country at the beginning of the ski season and any time we have a dry spell during winter. In a vague way, we all know what this means. As skiers we are desperate for the white stuff and yet have no real way to control the weather, save in our demonstrations of magical snow dances.

But really, what is a “snow dance”?

For some it conjures up images of dancing around a primeval fire or howling at the moon. For others perhaps it means some ancient tradition from the Scandinavian cultures. And for some of us, it could be as simple as washing our car, daring the weather gods to make it dump! I must note however that tempting the weather gods rarely seems to work. They usually seem to act on their own time and will, and often in stealth like fashion. Still, we do our dances.

There are other snow dances in the early season. These are more in anticipation of the ski season to come. Trail crews do the backbreaking work to remove stones, rocks, stumps and trees from the trails before the snow comes. Grooming machines are tuned up and readied for the season. Nordic center staff bring out rental equipment and ready the center in anticipation of winter visitors.

Then, the first tantalizing storms come. If one is lucky, these could be big and we have an “early season”. The cross country ski centers have enough snow to pack and groom, and we are gliding down perfect trails in early November! We say to one another, “Can you believe this is just November 2?” We say this because we know these years are special. Most of the time, trails begin to open near Thanksgiving weekend.

Other years, the weather gods ask us for more patience and demand from us more creativity. These are those frustrating late seasons! And everyone mentions the snow dance. This is when the dance of finding the snow begins. It is a fun exercise in exploration and discovery; it is one of finding where the wind blows the snow into guarded pockets, where the road stays in the shade all day to hold the snow. It is a search for what the high alpine environment can offer in terms of skiing - any form of skiing! It is a dance perhaps started by frustration, but ending in discovery. We discover more about the land around us; where the wind blows from, where the shadows fall. In this discovery, we come to see ski trails in a different way; we gain a deeper understanding, and perhaps we become closer to our gods.

Whatever a snow dance really is, in some way it is a spiritual connection to the natural world; a world that provides us with a most magical and precious element. An element that shapes our lives, fosters our skiing passion and creates the friendships and communities we have from skiing. It is the Snow element.

Louisa Morrissey has taught classic, skate and telemark skiing in Colorado for 20 years, as well as shoveled trails, organized races and events, and worked in a variety of Nordic centers. Currently she works at the Keystone Nordic Center and is the President of the Colorado Cross Country Ski Association.

Posted November 30, 2007

"Experience the Fun of Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing"

by Therese Dayton

Is this your year to try cross country skiing and snowshoeing? The aerobic benefits and enjoyment of the outdoors and scenic vistas will warm your heart. These are the warm winter sports, and you will be surprised at how easy they are to learn when you have the right equipment, well-groomed trails, and quality tips to get started. If you can walk you can learn to cross country ski and snowshoe.

You are sure to love this sport and the great customer service professionals waiting to serve you. Instructors love beginners and athletes from other sports, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing are great for cross training. It is advisable to take a professional ski lesson before venturing out on your own. Lessons, instruction, clinics and guided tours are offered in group, semi-private, and private sessions, and many areas offer a “Free Learn to Ski” program. Ask about these special programs and seasonal events. We have everything you need to get started.

The technical development of ski equipment has come a long way since the Norwegians invented skiing some 4000 years ago, for transportation from town to town. This has made the control of ski equipment and ease of turning the skis more enjoyable for novice to advanced skiers. These fun sports are great for the whole family.

Of course, professional instructors will start you off on flat ground, and you can choose easy beginner trails with little hills. Then, as you master rolling hills through spruce forests and open meadows, you can work your way up to Olympic-level challenges on black diamond trails. Either way, you will be breathing fresh mountain air and enjoying breathtaking views.

Nordic Ski Centers, Guest Ranches, and Tour Guides across the state offer groomed track skiing, scenic nature snowshoe trails, telemark skiing and ungroomed back-country skiing on mapped and marked trails for your winter adventure.

Most Nordic Ski and Snowshoe areas are full-service, offering daily groomed ski trails for skate and classic style skiing, snowshoe trails, retail shopping, ski rentals, food service, day tours, guided trips into the backcountry and overnight hut trips.

Find the Colorado Cross Country Ski Area member nearest you at
www.coloradocrosscountry.com

Therese Dayton is Program Director at the Breckenridge Nordic Center on Ski Hill Road, in Breckenridge, (970) 453-6855, e-mail: nord@colorado.net

Posted November 24, 2007:

"Feel Alive Again…
Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing & Sledding with your Family"
By Therese Dayton

We invite you to join us for a soft adventure in the woods of Colorado. Seek and you will find the Nordic atmosphere to be a casual and friendly place to visit. The warm winter sports of Nordic skiing, better known as cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are fun and easy to learn for kids and their parents. The grace of gliding on manicured snow will make you feel alive again. Snowshoe trails are single-track nature trails. You can choose a self-guided trail or take a tour, what ever you choose the health benefits will be outstanding and you will have more fun than you can imagine.

We start in sunny locations with warming lodges and plenty of flat terrain for beginners. Then head for the rolling hills, open meadows, and beaver ponds for intermediate level skiing. What goes up must come down and the expert trails are not to be missed for advanced skiers. Trail passes are generally required to cover grooming expenses, so please check before heading out on a groomed trail. Most areas have close in parking, trailheads with trail information, lodges with rest facilities, cozy fireplaces, and offer more kilometers of skiing and snowshoeing than you can enjoy on a weeks vacation.

Child pulk sleds kick sleds, and child small to adult large ski and snowshoe equipment may be available onsite or in a nearby town for rent or purchase. If your children can walk, they can learn to cross country ski/snowshoe. Bundle up your infant/toddler and take them along with you in the fully enclosed child pulk sled that glides over our snow packed trails with ease. Trails are usually mapped and marked, so you are sure to have an enjoyable soft adventure. Ask for a professionally trained instructor for your lesson needs. Most good instructors love beginners, little people, and athletes from other sports. Lessons and guided tours required an advanced reservation for children/adults and can be offered in group and/or private sessions.

Bring a backpack with personal items, remembering to include hats, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, energy snacks, and light to heavy layers of clothing that are all available at the retail shops. Video and photo cameras will help you capture the romance and beauty of our wooded trails and scenic vistas. Find the state wide Event Calendar online at www.coloradocrosscountry.com. Calendars list citizen and family events, including fun snowshoe walks and kid’s treasure hunts with prizes. Find the team of Nordic professionals near where you are staying and discover the fun of Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing.

Therese Dayton is the Program Director at the Frisco Nordic Center - Peninsula Recreation Area, 18454 Colorado Highway 9 in Frisco (970-668-0860) & Breckenridge Nordic Center - 1200 Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge (970-453-6855), E-mail: nord@colorado.net, or Find us Online: www.FriscoNordic.com