{"id":1705,"date":"2016-02-05T21:39:52","date_gmt":"2016-02-05T21:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nextstopadventure.com\/?p=1705"},"modified":"2018-05-02T04:53:17","modified_gmt":"2018-05-02T04:53:17","slug":"cross-country-skiing-in-park-city-utah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextstopadventure.com\/index.php\/2016\/02\/05\/cross-country-skiing-in-park-city-utah\/","title":{"rendered":"Cross Country Skiing for Beginners [Utah Adventures]"},"content":{"rendered":"

This past weekend, I decided to give cross country skiing another try. It snowed on Saturday, and I was just dying to get out there and enjoy it. Plus, I hate feeling cooped up in the house all weekend. The winter seems to do that to me.<\/p>\n

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I had heard there were some spots to go in Park City, which is pretty close by so we picked one of the popular beginner areas, Round Valley<\/a>. I also looked into rentals at REI Salt Lake City– They were $14 for members for a day rental of skis, boots, and poles. Great deal and much cheaper than downhill skis!<\/p>\n

For clarity, I am discussing cross-country skiing or classic skiing in this post. \ud83d\ude42\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Benefits of XC Skiing<\/h2>\n

Did you know that classic cross-country skiing burns an average of 475 calories per hour?!\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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(Source<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Depending on your speed, terrain, and weight, classic skiing can burn as much or more calories than your typical gym-equipment. As an added bonus, you can’t beat that view and fresh air.<\/p>\n

This is a full-body\u00a0cardio workout and great for the joints as well. While it has a similar motion to running, the glide of your skis on the snow actually significantly reduce the impact to your knees and precious joints. It’s also lower risk than downhill skiing since your heels are freed, and you’re less likely to twist something.<\/p>\n

Pack Your Gear<\/h2>\n

Skiis<\/strong>: The skis for cross country skiing (or classic skiing) are typically more narrow than downhill skis. I also noticed they are also quite a bit lighter! At REI, they had a guide to help pick the correct skis for your height and weight.<\/p>\n

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The basic guidelines are…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your Height in Inches x\u00a02.6 + 15 = Approximate Classic Touring Cross Country Ski Size<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ski Size<\/strong><\/th>\nSkiers Weight (Lbs)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Small (160-165cm)<\/td>\n<140<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medium (170-175cm)<\/td>\n132-185<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Large (180-185cm)<\/td>\n176-209<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
X-Large (185-195cm)<\/td>\n>209<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

(Source<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Boots<\/strong>: Classic touring boots will work for anyone who is just looking to venture out onto the groomed tracks.\u00a0REI suggests to look for a “combination of flexibility for striding and torsional rigidity for turning and stopping.” The boots were fitted to my normal street shoe size, and fit true to size (in my case). They went up to my ankle or so, and had lace covers that zipped up to cover everything into a nice, compact package.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_7188_1\"Poles<\/strong>: The poles should go up to armpit to mid-shoulder. The poles are especially useful for planting and helping pull you uphill portions. This is why they should be a decent length to get that reach in while you are moving forward.<\/p>\n

Clothing<\/strong>: As with any winter activity that gets your heart pumping, remember to keep a balance of warmth and wicking. Wear a base layer that wicks sweat away plus multiple lighter layers that you can shed as your heart rate increases.<\/p>\n

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Upper body:<\/em> I wore a short sleeve tech shirt plus one down jacket. I also brought a thinner technical jacket layer that zips up, and I wish I worn that instead of my thicker jacket. I also wore a warm hat and my favorite Vinyasa Scarf from Lululemon<\/a>! Don’t forget the gloves to keep your fingers warm.<\/p>\n

\"tights\"Lower body:<\/em> On the bottom, I wore Nike tights<\/a> specifically meant for cold weather workouts.My toes have been on the struggle bus in this cold weather, so I wore SmartWool<\/a> socks, and they were cozy as can be. They kept my feet warm, but not hot and sweaty. They were the perfect fit for me.<\/p>\n

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<\/h2>\n

Where to Go<\/h2>\n

If you live in a winter climate, there are probably plenty of options for ski trails in your area. In the Salt Lake area, there are many.<\/p>\n

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These are some popular spots you’ll find cross-country skiers:<\/p>\n