Watertown— Snow sports are one popular way some North Country locals pass the time during the winter. If you are not interested in snowboarding or skiing, cross-country skiing might be just right for you.
To get started, you can rent cross-country skis for as little as $10 a day or purchase them starting at $340 for boots, bindings, skis, and poles. According to Todd Phelps, owner of Black River Adventurer’s, cross- country skiing is a relatively low injury sport, that equally provides a total body work out.
If you are a novice or an avid skier, learning the proper way to hold your poles and other techniques is important:
“I’ve seen many people go out and they might have been cross country skiing for a long time, yet they don’t hold their poles correctly and many little other things”, said Mr. Phelps. However, he continued to explain that people still have fun regardless.
It is important you research which type of skis works best with your skill level. According to Phelps, there are many different types:
-Race
-Back Country
-Mountaineering
-Golf Course (entry level)
There are plenty of places you can try cross-country skiing, whether you are renting or purchasing. The golf course at Thompson Park is a popular trail and also along route 177 near Tug Hill. If you go a little bit farther there is Winona State Forest, which is down by Sandy Creek. The most important thing to remember when cross-country skiing is to have fun and stay safe. It is wise that if you are going cross-country skiing for the first time, go with at least one other person that is experienced.
