This post is part of the “Olympic Dreams” series where I try Olympic sports and explore Olympic host cities. Read more Olympic Dreams posts HERE.
“It’s a really great workout.”
That was everyone’s reply when I told them I was going to try cross country skiing for the first time that weekend. After my introductory lesson was finished, I set out on my own, and was falling head over skis and sliding face first down a slight, icy grade when I realized “It’s a really great workout” was polite code for “It’s going to kick your butt.”
White Grass Touring Center
White Grass Touring Center is located in Canaan Valley in Tucker County, West Virginia. It’s about three hours away from both Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, PA. White Grass sits on around 2,500 acres of private, state, and federal lands and contains 30 kilometers of regularly groomed trials. The trails pass through the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge and connect to trails in the Timberline Ski Area and Canaan Valley State Park.
A combination of unique geography and snowfarming practices keep White Grass skiable longer than most nearby areas. I was there late in the season – a sunny Saturday in March. A mid-week snowstorm had dumped inches of fresh powder, but clear tracks were established on nearly every trail when I arrived.
Cross Country Skiing Lesson: Getting the Basics
Upon arrival to White Grass Touring Center, I entered the lodge and asked for a ski rental package and a lesson. I was told to join instructor Tony’s group at 11:15. Lessons meet directly outside the lodge, at the base of the Weiss Knob Slope and near the beginning of Gandalf’s Glade trail.
The lesson started with instructions on how to put on cross country skis. Like downhill skiing, cross country requires specialized ski boots. Unlike downhill skiing, cross country boots only connect your foot to the ski at the toes. Your heel is free.
The second part of the lesson was on a skill that I used the most – how to get back up when you fall. Most falls in cross country skiing are not so epic that they result in a yard sale situation – where a skier’s gear flies off. On all of my falls my skis stayed on and my poles stayed in my hands. Tony taught me to put my skis downhill (lower than my body), get into a crouching/proposal type position, and stand up.
The rest of the lesson was spent on perfecting the motion of cross country skiing. We started by simply walking with our skis on. It moved us forward, but wasn’t very efficient. We began to “kick and glide” and add in the use of our poles. The lesson concluded with learning how to wedge, a technique used to slow down – just like in downhill skiing. For all of the downhill skiers in the group (everyone except me), they learned how to do a turning wedge – a technique that helps you control not only the speed but also the direction on a downhill descent.
Time to Explore
After the brief lesson, we were set free to explore on our own. In less than 10 minutes of freedom I discovered another technique to slow myself – fall down. I worried about my speed on my first tiny downhill turn so I bailed out and fell down. I practiced Tony’s proposal recovery method and was back up and skiing.
Cross country trails are marked just like downhill routes. Green circles for easy. Blue squares for intermediate. Black diamonds for difficult. My goal was to explore as many green circle routes as I could.
I started by doing a loop in the realtively flat Snowfarm area. Feeling more confident, I skied out to Gandalf’s Glade and out to the Harr Shelter. I eventually made my way out to the Pipeline before working my way back to the Lodge. After a quick snack, lots of water, and shedding a layer (have you heard that cross country is a great workout?) I skied up Cross Cut and started up Three Mile Trail.
Worth It
High atop Three Mile Trail I found what had attracted me to cross country skiing in the first place. Snow covered trees and a quiet, pristine environment.
I used to think that my outdoor exploration had to take a hiatus once the snow was on, but I now have the skills to get out and explore all year long.
I took this trip during a particularly stressful time. My brain needed to be off of work so I put all of my frustration into climbing Three Mile Trail. My lungs were full of mountain air and my head was clearer than it had been in weeks.
Done…For Now
My first day of cross country was not an easy one. I fell more times than I can remember. I had bruises on my leg that lasted a month.
The descent of Three Mile Trail was stressful and I employed my “fall down to slow down” technique more times than I am proud of. On one particularly hard fall I hit my head and my hands were covered in snow and ice. The sun had dropped lower than the surrounding mountains and I was now cold. It wasn’t fun anymore. I was ready to be done. But I still had a mile to ski to reach the Lodge. So I skied on. And in those final few minutes of skiing, something finally clicked and I got the hang of the wedge. I descended the final few sections without incident and was already looking forward to next season.
Learning About Learning
Learning new skills can be scary. What if I’m not good at it? What if I fail? What if I hurt myself? What if I embarrass myself?
I asked all of those questions. And, for the most part, reality gave me the answers I didn’t want. But I discovered that one brave moment of trying is more beautiful than a thousand moments of thinking, wishing, or questioning.
What have you been wanting to try? Let me know in the comments below. Then go do it!
Visit White Grass Touring Center
Open 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week, as conditions allow.
Pricing:
Area Use Fee: $20
Rentals: $20
Lesson: $15
More information can be found on the White Grass Touring Center site.
If cross country skiing isn’t your thing, White Grass also offers snowshoe rental packages and a heated Lodge complete with a cafe serving up homemade food and local brews. Make time to check out Blackwater Falls State Park while you’re in the area.
Ready to try cross country skiing? Pin or share the image below to let everyone know it’s time to kick and glide!
