There is a ski industry statistic that cross country (XC) skiers have owned their skis for an average of 17 years. I don’t remember the source of the information and it is probably outdated, but I’ve quoted it for more than three decades and after attending an excessive number of ski swaps, reused ski equipment […]
Over 17 million Europeans are walking with special Nordic Ski Walking Poles (ALL ages and ALL fitness levels) as a fitness activity that turbocharges the typical walking campaign. For those who are unfamiliar, Nordic walking is a fitness recreation that combines walking with specially designed poles to engage the upper body muscles. It can be […]
While comparing Alpine and Nordic skiing does not approach the debate about the best basketball player of all time (Michael Jordan or Lebron James), here is some fodder for the analysis on the snowsport discourse. During a career in the snow sports industry (mostly XC skiing), I have always avoided speaking negatively about Alpine skiing, […]
Socks for cross country (XC) or Nordic skiing are an essential matter and vastly underrated when it comes to skiing comfort. Ski socks are a base layer that is next to your skin. They control moisture and keep out the cold. They can prevent the formation of blisters. They can make your ski boots feel […]
Getting out in nature triggers the biophilic hypothesis (human tendency to connect with the natural world and other living organisms) which involves lowering human stress, boosting mental health, restoring attention, empathy, and cognitive clarity by getting outdoors and benefitting from its support for mental wellness. Studies have been conducted to measure the impact of exercise […]
Before the Golden Bachelor created a hoopla and appeared on TV, Herman Smith Johannsen also known as Jackrabbit Johannsen was known for cross country (XC) skiing at 102 years old. He was a man who popularized XC skiing in Quebec and later in America. He lived until he was 111 and was always inquisitive about […]
SKI Magazine readers once again chose Bretton Woods for the BEST SNOW and BEST GROOMING in the EAST for the 2024 season. For older skiers who prefer gentle skiing and great conditions with fewer difficult slopes, Bretton Woods is the place! Other top rankings for Bretton Woods in 2024 include the best in New Hampshire […]
The snow sports industry has been in a quandary about climate change. Some in the industry see snow sports as the “canary in the coalmine,” which translates to ski areas facing shorter seasons due to global warming. Statistics show that the snow sports population and skier visit numbers have mostly plateaued in recent decades. Relevant […]
The traditional way of skiing (from the 1920’s on) was celebrated at the annual Wooden Ski Day at Carter’s XC Ski Center in Bethel, Maine. The event has been run for about 40 years at Carter’s, which began operating in 1984. In the early days of skiing everyone used wooden skis because synthetics had not […]
About a quarter of the cross country (XC) skiing population is older than 50 years old and as the large segment of population known as Baby Boomers continues to age, they are remaining active – many of them are looking for softer or easier forms of recreation and cross country skiing and snowshoeing fit that […]
Most dedicated winter sports enthusiasts are familiar with the major season passes such as Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Indy Pass, among others. Until recently, these multi-ski area passes have been geared only toward Alpine skiing and snowboarding. Not anymore! Make way for the season pass specifically for cross country (XC) skiing and a deal […]
Killington finally is getting a real base area village center. In the March 2023 local election, residents of the town of Killington, Vermont, passed the TIF (tax increment financing) zone for a new village at Killington Mountain Resort. It will take up to $47 million and about four years to build infrastructure including a new water […]
“You haven’t aged a bit.” “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” “Young at heart.” “So when are you going to retire?” “Still skiing at your age?” We’ve all heard, read or experienced comments like that, because American culture is grotesquely youth-centric. The notion is that it is sad to be old, that wrinkles are embarrassing […]
Herman Smith Johannsen also known as Jackrabbit Johannsen was known for cross country (XC) skiing at 102 years old. He was a man who popularized XC skiing in Quebec and later in America. He lived until he was 111 and was always inquisitive about what was on the other side of the hill. The Jackrabbit […]
Snowshoeing is an excellent way to get some outdoor physical and mental fitness in the winter and it can be a great warm-up for skiers or snowboarders. At alpine ski areas snowshoeing can be a great activity for those joining family or friends who may not want to ski at the resort. Recognizing a market […]
In the winter, the snow-covered hills and mountains in New Hampshire beckon cross country (XC) skiing families, couples, and individuals aged five to 95. Each year thousands of recreational XC skiers make the sojourn to the Granite State for the beauty and serenity of winter outdoor recreation and rewarding wellness associated with cross country skiing. […]
Purity Spring Resort in Madison, NH has partnered with Tin Mountain Conservation Center (TMCC) to bring snowshoe guided naturalist tour programs at the NH Audubon “Gertrude Keith Hoyt & Edward Eaton Hoyt, Jr. Wildlife Sanctuary” and trails located at the resort. These guided tours, led by naturalist and TMCC Outreach Coordinator Heather McKendry, will be […]
Prospective cross country skiers often make a decision opting for either classic skiing or skate skiing. These two forms of cross country skiing are very different regarding where they can happen, what type of gear is used, the techniques employed, how fast the skiing is, and how much energy is necessary on an outing. For […]
Most dedicated winter sports enthusiasts are familiar with the major season passes such as Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Indy Pass, among others. So far, these multi-ski area passes have been geared toward Alpine skiing and snowboarding. Not anymore! Make way for a new season pass specifically for cross country (XC) skiing and a deal […]
The outdoor industry is big business: 57 million Americans engage in outdoor activities, generating an estimated $887 billion in revenue and creating about 7.6 million jobs. Snowsports, which account for about $20 billion in annual revenue in 38 states, rely on Mother Nature for cold and snow. A study conducted ten years ago by Protect […]
XCSkiResorts.com recommends these classic New England towns and areas for a cross country ski vacation: Stowe, VT, is quintessential New England with its white steepled church and main street lined with stores. It’s also the home of the Trapp Family Lodge of Sound of Music fame. Trapp Family Lodge has a 110 km trail network […]
If you’re among the many newcomers to XC skiing, I suggest that you take a lesson. XCSkiResorts.com recommends starting at one of the following locations: Metropolitan Boston — Weston Ski Track, a county-owned golf course accessible by public transportation. Snowmaking guarantees good cover and lights allow for night skiing. A 75-minute session covers the basics […]
For newcomers to cross country (XC) skiing, deciding on the best skis can be intimidating, especially if you don’t want to rely entirely on retail sales people or on-line outlets for advice. The following guidance about selecting and using XC gear is general and intended to help you be an informed consumer. Note that as […]
Last winter XC ski gear was in demand like never before and all segments of cross country ski equipment sold out, with few or no options for retailers to reorder. There also was an uptick for backcountry gear and snowshoes. Retailers are still experiencing demand and supply issues. Coupled with global supply chain challenges, everything […]
XC Has Grown In Participation. Hopefully, Make More Tracks Played A Role. The Make More Tracks Resource Guide and series of articles in each issues since October was conceived to provide readers of SeniorsSkiing.com with information to expand their options in the winter of the pandemic. It was intended to provide info and perspectives about […]