The Comeback XC Skier
RBL at Jackson XC
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 I don’t remember the source of the information and it is probably outdated, but I’ve quoted it for more than three decades and after attending an excessive number of ski swaps, reused ski equipment sales, and local yard sales, I can attest that indeed there are a lot of really old XC skis out there. Every now and then I buy an old pair of wooden XC skis that are in pristine shape so I can use my pine tar stuff to recondition the ski bases and use them once a year.
This talk about old XC ski gear got me to thinking about the “comeback skier.” You know, the people who tried XC skiing in the past, and then put the gear in their garage and took a rest- of-their-life hiatus. In general, many of these folks tried XC skiing and felt it was too much work particularly when comparing it to alpine skiing where they could ride a ski lift up a mountain followed by skiing back downhill. A ski industry term for these people is “lapsed skiers” but recently the skier participation statistics are showing a resurgence in XC skiing which may be a resurrection or revival and is likely connected to the aging baby boomers and a new group of younger people interested in winter recreation, wellness, and getting outdoors.
This potential returning lapsed XC skier may have originally thought that the sport was not their cup of tea, but Father Time and Mother Nature may have conspired to change the outlook on XC skiing for older and younger people, respectively.
There are reasons that one might consider coming back to XC skiing. The sport is soft on the body and you can do it at your own pace. You can ski on the flat terrain which is relatively easy rather than climbing uphill on trails that will require returning on high speed adventures that could cause concern. You could XC ski for a short time such as a half hour, which would cover a short distance. I go XC skiing for about 4-5 kilometers (2-3 miles) on flat terrain and it takes about 45 minutes, but that distance may require a bit more time for the comeback XC skier.
TIPS FOR THE COMEBACK
For the first few days of the comeback, keep it on a manageable level of time and effort while you become accustomed to it. Like anything, if you do it regularly you will improve in every aspect XC skiing. You probably have light layers of clothes (base layer, outer layer, good noncotton socks, light gloves and a hat) that can be used for XC skiing.
Perhaps you would consider going out with a ski instructor to get tips that will make the sport easier and give you some goals to achieve. In fact, it is highly recommended that returning XC skiers rent XC ski equipment and take a ski lesson to see if it is something that might be pursued further. The newer XC ski gear (skis, boots, poles) may surprise the comeback skier because the gear makes the sport much easier than decades ago. Waxless skis give better grip and glide than ever before, XC ski boots are both supportive and comfortable, bindings can be adjusted out on the trail, and even the new pole straps are helpful.
Ellen Chandler, executive director at Jackson XC and board member at Ski NH commented “Sometimes these former skiers bring their old gear which has not benefited from sitting around for the past 20 years. We do get some rescue calls when old boots “blow out” on the trail. Boots are the weak link. Also, some things have improved with the passage of time, so a person who can reenter the sport with new, responsive boots (plastics have improved over the years) attached to skis with bindings that have benefited from improved engineering, and a ski with a more subtle but effective pattern base, or a “skin base,” is setting themselves up for success.”
XC skiing still does not cost an arm and a leg to either acquire equipment or visit a commercial XC ski area like Jackson XC, where a trail fee is paid to access groomed trails and maybe they’ll even use snowmaking. At the ski area you can get rental gear, a trail pass, and take a lesson for a package price. Jackson XC 2025 Day rate – $25 for adults; Rental day rate – $25; Group lesson Super Saver package – $89 and it is lower for kids and seniors.
In the Rocky Mountains, the folks at Breckenridge Nordic Center will give a 20% discount if you register on the Internet for a group lesson. They specialize in working with people who have never been on snow and share the joy of the XC skiing by helping skiers learn efficiency and control. Josh Dayton, who runs the operation has produced a 9-minute video that can be accessed with a QR code by skiers to watch in advance of their experience on the snow which covers the touch points about controlling the skis and maintaining balance. It’s great for first timers or folks who want a refresher in the basics! All staff at the resort are ambassadors who offer ski tips to anyone. As soon as the skier steps out the door there is a staff person there who helps skiers put the equipment on, review the trail map, talk about body balance, and so on. When people come to Breckenridge Nordic with old equipment, they get offered a free upgrade to see the difference that new gear can make in the skiing enjoyment. Here’s the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i6978nfvEw
After XC skiing, expect a little soreness if you have not used the specific muscles associated with XC skiing recently, but typical over-the-counter medicines, rub-on creme, or pads should take care of any of those problems. If you go XC skiing at a groomed ski area a few times, you will quickly get the feel of gliding along the snow in the tracks or on packed trails; you’ll be traveling at a slow speed that provides immersion in the outdoors and nature; you’ll be enjoying one of the best forms of exercise and with a regular schedule of XC skiing, wellness (physical and mental) will be yours to experience in very little time.
- The Comeback XC Skier - December 1, 2025
- Nordic Walk for a Fitness Option - October 23, 2025
- Comparing Alpine and Nordic Skiing - March 19, 2025
Yes!!! Finally started (classic) XC skiing while a graduate student in Norway in early December 1999 (at 33) outside of Trondheim where I was able to outfit myself with an intro ski package for a reasonable price. Still going strong in Michigan now at 59 — several pairs of skis, boots, and poles later — learning the rudiments of skate technique and plan to continue the sport for the rest of my days with the goal of eventually testing for my Level One PSIA instructor certification. As they say in Norway “Kryss fingrane!” (cross your fingers). Happy Winter!
Stokes
Of course SeniorsSkiing readers know that the Comeback Skier is by Roger Lohr (photo at the top). Schissler probably took the byline cause he wanted revenge for my advice that we try an ungroomed bumpy trail at Bretton Woods a few years ago. I was forgiven for that suggestion, but unbeknownst to me it must’ve been the only ungroomed trail on the mountain. Love, peace & happiness, and Happy Holidays to all!
Hey Roger, how else do you expect me to get an XC byline? It’s not like I’d ski to do it! With regards to Bretton Woods, you know the old saying Roger-forgiven but not forgotten. Enjoy the holidays.