Our winter this year has been long and snowy, with frigid temperatures. This makes it difficult to enjoy winter sports and snow and nature. But not impossible. You just need to dress for it and listen to your body.
My daughter and I were off again to New Germany State Park in Maryland to cross-country ski. This time, during the day. But the temperature was below zero. The sun shone brightly as we entered the Activities Center to rent those blasted skinny skis.
Cross-country skis are much narrower than downhill skis. And much too long for me. Cross-country boots are slimmer and smaller, with metal bars under the toe that you must insert into a clamp on the middle of the cross-country ski. The back of the boot is not attached to the ski like on downhill skis. The object is to slide your ski forward with the front of your foot and step. Then bring the back ski forward and step. It still sounds easier than it is.
My daughter and I put on warm, knee-high wool socks before donning our cross-country ski boots and then pulled our snow pant legs over the outside of the boot tops. We left our snow boots at the Activities Center. Then we carried our skis and poles—those lovely, sturdy poles that help me stay balanced on the skinny skis—to the start of the trail. We didn’t need any candlelight this time.
Because of the frigid temperatures, we wore thermal fleece hoods that rose to our noses. Our hat or hood came over on top of that. Leather, thermal gloves kept our hands warm. The snow was powder. Deep powder. This helped me, a little, to stay in the grooves of the previous skiers. I did NOT tangle the backs of my skis. Well, not as much as last time, anyway. This is only my second time cross-country skiing.
Once we entered the forest, the evergreens, rhododendrons, and brush kept the biting wind at bay. A calm fell between us. Quiet. The only sound, the soft swishing of thin skis across the powdered snow. Well, my daughter’s skis, anyhow. Mine still made a clumping sound, often, as I valiantly tried to stay upright. Slowly plodding forward.
Left. Right. Opposite arm, opposite leg forward. Plant the pole deeply. Don’t cross the skis. Either the fronts OR the backs. I had to concentrate on centering my foot on the narrow ski as I step down. It was still like walking on a tightrope.
No. We weren’t the only ones out cross-country skiing that day in frigid temperatures. Couples. Singles. People with dogs. The dogs had on doggie booties to protect their feet from the frozen snow. And yes. My daughter slowed her pace to match mine.
It was a little over two miles into the forest and then back to the Activities Center. We took our time. Resting, or rather stopping, in a standing position. Stomping our feet, up and down, in one place to keep the toes from freezing. Rubbing our gloved hands together. Flexing our fingers now and again.
We didn’t see many birds or animals in the forest that day. Probably because of the frigid temperatures. Maybe they were hunkered down somewhere trying to stay warm.
I didn’t fall on the cross-country ski trail this time. It didn’t matter that my calves screamed for days after our cross-country skiing adventure. The beauty of the trail, the fresh air, made the sore muscles worth it.
After returning to the Activities Center and shedding our ski boots, we warmed ourselves by the open hearth before donning our own boots and heading for home for a nice hot meal.
Even in winter hiking [or cross-country skiing], you should bring power snacks and water. We did. Snow pants are a must, simply because they are water resistant and insulated. Ski jackets or a windbreaker on top of a wool coat helps cut the wind. And of course, listen to your body. If you need to turn around and head back to a warm shelter, do so. You still ventured outside in winter, which is good for your body as well as your mind.
Have you tried to venture outside in frigid temperatures this winter? Please share your experience in the comments section of Camping with Five Kids. We all need a bit of fresh air. Even in winter!