What is Christmas without lots of snow? I guess this year we’re just missing out, or so it seems. I’ve never seen anything like it in 40 years! At least the shoveling is not bad in the Valley but there is snow in higher country if you know how to get to it. SMR was able to pull off the Junior Nordic Qualifiers for the best young skiers in Colorado without a hitch in that higher country and get all glowing reports from everyone. Kudos to one of the top grooming teams in the nation!
Grand Nordic wasn’t as lucky with safe teaching areas around the SMR Nordic Center for beginners and intermediates. When snow is already thin, if you groom it, that snow gets destroyed. The groomers couldn’t make tracks to teach with or what base existed would have been destroyed so everyone in the Free Lesson Dec 21 was automatically signed up for the January 25 lesson. No tracks means more falls, uncontrolled sliding, and feeling very spastic, none of which make a beginner skier comfortable…And now fun events like the Red Barn relays are postponed until January 17.
Jeff Paulson, SMR Nordic Director, offered some suggestions. Be willing to walk a short way to easier trails and you can still have a fantastic fun experience as one family of four from Hawaii found out. Wait until the snow and crust softens up in late morning or afternoon and you’ll have a great time! If you are a better skier, ask at Nordic Center where you can access the higher trails that are well covered, no rock skis needed!
For those who can’t get to higher ground like Blue Ridge or Eagle Valley and don’t want to walk to trails, do some dry land practice to get ready for the snow that will eventually come. Mountain Biking or Trail Running is the perfect off-season cross-training activity. “Tackling ups and downs on uneven trails challenges your cardiovascular system and muscle endurance in ways that mirror long ski days” says Colorado Cross Country Skier Association. That means look for trails that roll and practice dodging those tree roots. Learn to listen to your body, your heart rate and what your muscles are telling you. Slow down if needed but don’t stop – keep pushing a bit but walking steep sections saves energy and lets you move faster later. Add some lunges or single-leg hops like you see the school kids do! Stop and try to balance. Power hike up the hills with strong arms and then use shorter quick steps coming down. I even use poles for more stability, and it strengthens the arms as well.
Learn some trail etiquette like letting someone know you are passing. A cheerful “Heads up!” or “on your left” helps avoid surprises. Yield to uphill runners, hikers, skiers. Take out everything you carry in, especially those knotted dog bags that you were going to pick up later!
Remember, we came to enjoy the outdoors and trails whether we have snow or not. Soak in the peace and quiet and beauty of nature! And make it a fun family affair…
