Crazy Hiker Chick: Cross Country Skiing

I traded my snowshoes for a pair of cross country skis on Friday afternoon - but ONLY for one afternoon. I have always wanted to try cross country skiing and here was my opportunity. Check another item off the old bucket list!

Free Beginner Lessons

Solitude Nordic Center offers FREE classic ski lessons for beginners (Day Pass and Rental not included), on the 1st Friday of each month at 3:00 PM. Beginning Friday, January 3rd, 2014, our skilled instructor will teach you the basic technique in classic cross country skiing. For more information, please call the Solitude Nordic Center at 801-536-5774. Day pass and ski rental was a total of $25.

I am a terrible downhill skier (don't really enjoy skiing) and I don't know why I thought cross country skiing would be easier. As long as I was on the flat surface of Silver Lake I did fine, but going down a tiny hill and picking up speed caused me some trouble. It was much harder for me to snowplow on these skinny skis. Classic cross country ski trails are groomed with pairs of parallel grooves cut into the snow. (Pictured below) Following the grooves definitely made the task easier. Now if I could only relax and glide and enjoy the scenery.

I do have a greater appreciation for the sport of cross country skiing by having tried it. And hey, I only fell hard a couple of times and I could barely walk the next day so I think I'll stick with snowshoes. Cross country skiing was one of those "good experiences" I don't think I will repeat. Let's just say I could never quite get into the "groove" of cross country skiing. It was sure beautiful in the mountains though!

It is nice to have a friend to try new things with. Thanks Martha!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Part II

As if my legs weren't sore enough from skiing on Friday, I decided to do a little hiking on Saturday morning. It was such a beautiful, sunny, warm day. Who wants to stay inside on a day like this??!! NOT ME! I chose the Red Butte Skyline Nature Trail in the foothills surrounding Red Butte Gardens. This is a great early spring hike offering a nice panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley. Plus it is a fantastic workout and a girl has to exercise, right! From North Campus Drive (University of Utah) turn onto Red Butte Canyon Drive and park near the gate that closes off the canyon road. I hiked up the paved road for about half a mile until I came to a foot bridge crossing the stream to my right. There is a second bridge to cross and then a gradual climb up. Still too early for green vegetation, but I'll come back in April or May when the wildflowers are blooming. As I mentioned the views of the Salt Lake Valley are worth hiking for. There are several trails to choose from in this area so I was able to take a different route back to my car.