It‘s Never too Late for Skiing: Cross-country Ski Races have plenty of easy events for first-timers

Feb. 2, 2005

Northern Michigan’s winter is in full swing and those of us who live in this area are blessed with great snow, great events and even greater trails to experience winter.
What, you say? Haven’t been out cross-country skiing yet, and don’t feel ready to participate in some of our best winter events like the Women’s Winter Tour, Vasa and White Pine Stampede?
It’s not too late!
There are many excuses used for not getting out and enjoying these events. Some of the most common (I know, I use some of these myself daily) include:

I’m shy… I don’t want anyone to see I’m slow, out of shape…. I don’t think I look good in Lycra… there are many forms of this self-conscious stop sign.

Instead of focusing on those aspects remember this: No one really cares what your time was or how you looked skiing in these events… they are all too worried about what everyone else is thinking about them to focus on you. (Sorry to burst your bubble.) By the end of these fun events we all pretty much look the same: happy with frozen, snot-covered smiles. These events are some of the best ways to meet people; suddenly you all have a common interest for talk topics…(or pick up lines).

I don’t have time. Skiing is complicated, all the gear…

Nonsense my friends. You only need to ski once a week and that will get you well on your way to enjoying some of these events. No one is requiring that you WIN these ski outings. You don’t need to ski EVERY DAY unless your goal is to set records. Each person can choose to include it in his or her weekly routine as it allows. Getting out once a week will assist in increasing your comfort level with skiing, which certainly improves your enjoyment of it. You don’t have to give up your weekly basketball game, or aerobics class; skiing is one way to take your workout outside.
The Northwest area has many areas to take in a quick ski: Hickory Hills, Timber Ridge Nordic Center, the Bay Harbor-Charlevoix Trail, Petoskey State Park, Crystal Mountain, The Vasa Trail, Pigeon River Forest, Wilderness State Park and the Leelanau Trail are a few of the groomed trails. We are also blessed with many State trails such as Sand Lakes Quite Area, Muncie Lakes and Lake Ann trails. Just about any place you live in Northwest Michigan offers a chance to get out and kick up your heels. You can learn more about these locations at www.skicrosscountry.org.

I’m not sure what to do about waxing (and we don’t mean bikini).
Many local shops offer package deals on waxing skis–ask them about it. By the time you figure your time to wax vs. actually getting out there, it’s a great option.
The gear is simple. Today’s skis are light, and designed to be used just about anywhere. Fishscale skis, poles, boots… small, light, easy to fit in your car, let you explore trails and off the trail through the trees. Many local shops have rentals you can experience, in advance of purchasing, and knowledgeable staff to answer any question.


I just don’t have the money to participate in these events.
What, no money honey? Guess what? All these events, the Women’s Tour, the Vasa, and White Pine have touring sections that range in cost from $25 to $35 dollars. Heck, you can spend that on a movie, or a stop at the local watering hole. The best part about these fees is they all have a charity they are benefiting. It’s a win/win. You get an outside party, AND have the feel good sensation of giving to a good cause (along with bragging rights).
Have I convinced you yet to get out there and discover how warm winter can be? I’ve just inspired myself to head out to the trails.
Ski ya out there!

Kaye Krapohl is the founder of the National Women’s Winter Tour, a celebration of women, winter and chocolate. www.womenswintertour.com.
Kaye can be reached at kaye@womensskitour.com.