Cross-Country Skiing
We’re Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland….
This is one of my favorite holiday songs and to me it's quite fitting for Tupper Lake and the Adirondacks during the winter months. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to have been raised in Tupper Lake. I also grew up with a dad who always enjoyed the outdoors. From a young age he taught me how much fun an outdoor adventure could be and I quickly became his sidekick on the trails. Whether it was downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, or building a snowman in the backyard my dad and I spent countless hours outside throughout the winter.
My winter gear has spent all summer collecting dust in the garage and I'm getting the itch to dust off all of my gear and get outside to play in the snow. As much as I love summertime and the outdoor activities I can enjoy in the warmer weather, I can't wait for the snow to start falling. I am often as excited as the kids when they see the first flakes flying. Once there is enough snow on the ground you can find me bundled up on the trails.
6 Reasons to try cross-country skiing this winter:
1. Exercise
As a certified personal trainer I think this is the main reason why I love skiing so much. Nothing beats burning calories while embracing the outdoors. I often wear my heart rate monitor so I can track my ski and beat my time. The best part is that I usually don’t see it as a workout because I am having fun.
2. Socialization
There's nothing like going skiing on my own because it gives me the opportunity to put headphones on and clear my head. I find it relaxing to focus on my strides and get lost in my music while enjoying the crisp winter air. But who wants to ski alone all the time? Even though I do enjoy occasional solitude nothing beats skiing with a friend. Whether its one other person or a group of us, endless amounts of laughter and a fun time are inevitable especially as we scream like little girls going down hills.
3. It’s Cheap
I know how costly recreational activities can be, and that money can be tight after the holidays. However, you're in luck, cross-country skiing equipment can be very affordable (especially if you go second-hand like I did) and the trails here are FREE! Whether you choose to navigate the endless supply of backcountry trails or want to hit my favorite spot - the groomed Tupper Lake Cross-Country Ski Center, there is one thing to be sure of... there's no expensive pass to purchase.
4. Pet Friendly
I love any activities that I can enjoy with my four-legged friends. They say a dog is a man’s best friend but they can be a woman’s best friend too. There is nothing like having a pet accompany you on the trails. The only thing that makes me feel bad is that I have to choose which one of my two dogs to take with me. I know what you're thinking... Why can't you bring them both? Sounds like the perfect option, but that usually ends up with me falling because one of them decides to run in front of me while chasing each other.
5. Plenty of trails
Whether you like backcountry skiing or prefer groomed trails there are several different options in and around Tupper Lake. The Tupper Lake Groomed XC Trails at the Tupper Lake Golf Club are open to the public and meticulously maintained throughout the season. As for backcountry, there really is something for everyone from beginner to advanced skier. I'll admit I'm a little spoiled and have gotten used to the groomed trails but I'm excited to explore some backcountry trails this winter!
6. Embracing the dark
I know that I often struggle with how quickly it gets dark during the winter, and I can only imagine others do too. You wake up in the dark and it’s already dark by the time you finish work. My friends and I were tired of not being able to get our cross-country ski in before it got dark so we decided to go at night. At first I was a bit skeptical, but five years later it’s now one of my favorite activities! To be safe at night, we always go out as a group, make sure to grab our head lamps and enough warm gear, and we're off! If you'd rather try your first night ski with a bigger group, the winter the Tupper Lake Groomed XC Trails offer several night skiing events that anyone can participate in.
There’s always something to do
I often hear people say, “there’s nothing to do” in the winter. I have to admit that throughout my teenage years those words came out of my mouth more than I would have liked. As I have gotten older I have come to realize that you have to embrace your environment because we are lucky to live where we do.
Don’t give up hope!!!
If I haven’t sold you on the idea of cross-country skiing there are several other adventures that await you during the winter months. For those who downhill ski, Big Tupper is fun for all ages, or grab your sleds and head to the Tupper Lake Golf Club for a day on the hill. If your prefer motorized toys you're in luck because there's plenty of snowmobiling trails in the area. Chances are if you enjoy outdoor activities you can find a new winter activity to try. Go ahead and book your room because your Tupper Lake winter adventure awaits. After a day spent in the crisp outdoors, check out one of our local restaurants that will be ready so serve you a nice hot meal. See you soon!
This week in related Adirondack skiing news:
Take the time to discover Titus.
Ski or snowshoe right out the door at Dewey.
Cross-country along the Coast.
Snowshoe & ski the slopes in Schroon.
Skiing in the heart of the ADKs.