Comments on: Cross-Country: Tracks vs Touring

By: Jim King

Jim King — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 00:19:31 +0000

On- and off-trail skiing are both the best. I’ve often skied the many miles of world-class groomed trails at Stokely Creek Lodge in Ontario, but enjoyed equally memorable days breaking trail farther up the road in Lake Superior Provincial Park. The Algoma region, just north of the Michigan border on the shores of Superior, is a spectacular wilderness that’s very easily accessible.

By: Brad Noren

Brad Noren — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 17:45:31 +0000

I was recently working with a Fisher Ski rep and he brought some demo XC off growmed skis that were developed for the off growmed trail stuff. They were a little wider and had metal edge. So like the Alpine world you now benefit from a quiver of skis for what you wish to do. And yes poles too. One pair of skis in either sport no longer cuts it.

By: Jonathan Wiesel

Jonathan Wiesel — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 17:57:38 +0000

In reply to Ellin Jaffe. Howdy Ellin. I don't remember metal-edged skate skis (my memory is notably fallible) because they'd dramatically change the flex pattern and aren't generally necessary with today's good grooming. If you plan to get new skis, I'd suggest working with a specialty store to get right sizes for boots, poles, and skis. Renting a package is a great low-cost idea to see if you like the technique.

By: Jonathan Wiesel

Jonathan Wiesel — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 17:53:30 +0000

In reply to steve hines. Hi Steve, glad you enjoyed the piece. I had fun writing it! As to staying near Royal Gorge, there's the (somewhat pricey) Hotel at Sugar Bowl, pretty much on the trails. I usually stay in Truckee, where's there's a wide variety of accommodations maybe 20 minutes away.

By: Ellin Jaffe

Ellin Jaffe — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 14:56:35 +0000

Hi Jonathan,
I used to skate-ski about 25 years ago, I could swear I remember metal edges on the skis which allowed greater control. When I have investigated them, I’m told it’s all in the camber now. If I ever got skating skis again what do I look for and how long should they be – I’m 5’3′ and about 140. (Have had little opportunity to cross-country for many years due to few trails in Illinois this year. Snow has not lasted long enough to ski!)

By: steve hines

steve hines — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 11:49:31 +0000

Jonathan, loved this piece! As an older, classic strider I love kicking and gliding on groomed trails. That said, I’ve had a number of fun days with friends on umgroomed forests with each of us taking turns “breaking trail”. For those days I’ve taken to using a wider metal edged ski.

Where’s the best place to stay at/near Royal Gorge?