Why I Like Cross Country Skiing

The first time I skied competitively was when I was at Red Deer College; my running coach encouraged me to join the cross country ski team, but I didn’t last long because I was not a very good skier. It was not until twenty years later when my sons were no longer involved in hockey or volleyball that I had enough time in the winter to take up the sport. I purchased new equipment and started skiing with my backpacking buddies, who were also cross country ski enthusiasts. In the beginning, I had difficulty keeping up with them, but eventually, they got me hooked on the sport and are the ones to blame for getting me interested in competing in the Birkenbeiner.

From the beginning I liked being outside during the winter–it was exhilarating to be skiing on a clear crisp day and experiencing the cold air as it bit your face and filled your lungs. Some of my most memorable skis were on sunny days right after an arctic front moved in bringing with it fresh snow. Bad weather was never a deterrent for me because the physical exertion of skiing would get my heart pumping and keep me warm. It was only when I stopped that I noticed the cold.

I also loved the beauty of the winter landscapes, whether in the parkland or the mountains. One of my favorite places to go skiing is the Spray Lakes area near Canmore where I can experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Having backpacked in this area during the summer, and now as a cross country skier during the winter, I have gained an appreciation for their beauty throughout all the seasons. As I look at the snow-covered peaks I am in awe of their ruggedness, and the forces of nature that lifted them to their lofty heights over millions of years. I am humbled knowing that the Rockies have been here and will remain here for what seems like an eternity when compared to my short life span on this planet.

As I ski there is evidence all around me of wildlife. I am very aware that I am in their home and that they are hiding in the snow or the surrounding forest. There are tracks everywhere: moose, deer, coyotes, martins, and porcupines, to name a few. I often see the evidence of their struggle for survival when I come across an area where a predator has caught its prey and became a meal for not only the predator but the scavengers as well. I can also hear many birds that live in the forest like the chickadees or the woodpeckers. It makes me realize that although all the plants are dormant, the forest is not a lifeless environment, and I feel a sense of reverence for the wildlife that manages to survive in this harsh environment.

Although I often ski alone, I also enjoy the social component of the sport. When I first started skiing with my hiking buddies we would often stop somewhere along the trail and build a fire, cook a smokie, have something hot to drink, and chat. Other times Michelle and Joel would come along and we would head to the mountains and spend the day cross country skiing. Now that I have retired and moved to Edmonton, I have found more time to go skiing with friends and family. Michelle and I enjoy getting together with friends from Red Deer and booking a cabin for a weekend and spending time together either snowshoeing or skiing.

One of my regrets is that I never introduced cross country skiing to my sons when they were younger. Even so, I have been able to get out with Keegan a couple of times, and Brett has expressed interest in going with me as well. Joel, take note; it may be time for you to strap on the skis again as well.

I am unlikely to attempt the full Birkenbeiner again, but that does not mean I will stop cross country skiing, however, I want to continue skiing recreationally for as long as I can because of the enjoyment I have from being outside on a cold winter day with friends and family, surrounded by nature. Cross country skiing not only keeps me fit, it is also beneficial for my mental well being.