What is Cross Country Skiing?
We offer classic style cross country ski trips locally and in the Uinta National Forest. Classic cross-country skiing is the original form of Nordic skiing. Unlike the skate style of skiing, which is a more similar motion to roller blading, classic style skiing entails sliding one ski forward at a time often in a groomed track.
Before Your Trip
Prior to your trip the most important thing we need from you is everyone’s shoe size, and height. We will also need a liability waiver for each participant, which you will find attached to your reservation under the blue “View Required Documents” button.
Local Tours:
Please expect to be gone about 2.5 hours door-to-door. The tour takes place at the Round Valley trail system just 10 minutes from Main Street in Park City, Utah. The time listed on your reservation is the pick up to drop off time, if you are meeting us at the trailhead, expect to be finished a half hour earlier. Local tours are great for beginner cross country skiers, as this trail system is groomed regularly so conditions are more reliable.
Uinta Tours:
Please be prepared to be gone for about 4-5 hours door-to-door. The Uinta mountains are typically a bit colder than town, so bring layering options with you as well. The drive will be about an hour both directions to get you to more solitary trails. If you are interested, there is a smokehouse we can stop at on either the way out or back from your trip for any snacks or lunch items. If you’re interested simply let your guide know you’d like to stop when they pick you up! Make sure you bring your own credit card as this is not included in our trip. Uintas trips are great for those already familiar with cross country skiing or those looking for a more backcountry experience. National Forest trails tend to get less funding than our locally managed trails in town, as a result, we cannot guarantee that anyone’s been out to groom the day prior to your trip.
FAQs
What is Included?
When your guide picks you up, they will have cross country skis, boots, poles, water, and some light snacks like granola bars and/or chips.
What Do I Wear?
Merino wool is a great base layer material that can regulate your body temperature. Anything wind/waterproof such as snow pants and a jacket are great for outerwear as well. Additional layers should be added as needed, but please keep in mind you will warm up as you cross-country-ski and you do not want your sweat to freeze, be bold and start cold! Hats, gloves and sunglasses are great to have with you as well.
What Should I Bring?
Extra layers are never a bad idea to bring along, and you can leave them in the vehicle, or bring a small backpack if needed. Your guide will have a backpack for your water and may have extra room for a layer or two as well. If you’d like any snacks or treats besides granola bars you are more than welcome to bring that as well.
If I Hate Downhill Skiing, will I like Cross Country Skiing?
Cross country skiing can be a great activity for those that don’t enjoy the steeper pitch of downhill skiing, but are still looking for something more active than snowshoeing. With that in mind, still be prepared for a learning curve if you have not spent much time on skis. While you are moving at a slower pace, and the trails are not nearly as steep, these trail systems still offer rolling hills, so short, slight downhills are still to be expected.
How Hard Will I be Working?
Classic style cross country skiing is not as much of a cardio workout as skate style skiing. Less movement is needed to make your skis slide. It will take some practice to become proficient, making learning more strenuous. We can take the pace as leisurely to aerobic as you’d like!