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Show Sun Advocate Wednesday, December , Section 19QS B Angie Hyre, Sun Advocate staff writer, brings a new dimension to the sport of cross counfry skiing. Toonirnimg HJttalhis ibadk cawmtitry Put me on a pair of water skis or stand Huber said the area had a three-foo- t base with about five inches of powder. This powder became my worst enemy as my wobbling skis found their way deep beneath the surface making it next to impossible to resurface again. I just want to say thanks to those patient and strong men who saw to it that I didnt remain stuck too long. It would have been terrible if the Sun Advocate had to print an obituary instead of a feature on cross country skiing. But I have to admit, despite my inadequacy on skis, the thought of purchasing my own set actually crossed my mind. The beauty of the area and the peacefulness of the sport really appealed to me. Cross country skiing is a sport that you can get in touch with nature and enjoy the marvelous Utah countryside so close to home. For those of you interested in trying the sport for the first time, Sunset rents cross country equipment. Huber said for $8 skis, boots and poles may be rented for a day of scenic exploration. One point of suggestion, talk to Huber or one of the ski experts at Sunset on how to tackle going uphill on cross country skis. I made the mistake of taking a massive hill alone. To make a long story short, I ended up crawling on hands and knees to the top. But then again, I guess everyone has to develop their own style. me on a surfboard and can show you snow bunnies a thing or two. But Saturday I ventured into the unknown realm of cross country skiing a memory my aching body wont soon forget. As a native Floridian, the snow and I have a tendency to clash. For once in my life as a reporter in the mountain country, I would like to stand before all you snow enthusiasts and look cool. However, as much as I tried to keep my sense of sophistication and professionalism, the snow was out to make me look like a fool again. The Sunset Sports Center Demo Day Saturday was a well- - attended event of skiers ranging from the fashionable to the bumbling beginners. Over 200 curious skiers took the drive to Huntington Canyon for a day of beautiful snow and gorgeous scenery. While a promotional event for Sunset, the Demo Day was the perfect opportunity for the curious sportsman to check out equipment and challenge the back country. Ron Huber, ski manager at Sunset, said cross country skiing offers people an alternative to the traditional downhill sport. Absent of lift lines and expensive passes, Huber said cross country skiing is sort of a free-lanskiing where every man is for himself. I know-it-al- ls one-ho- ce vi S ! v v. Sometimes, Ms. Hyre held things up a bit while trying to find a sense of balance on a pair cross country skis Saturday at Huntington Canyon. of 4 v. v 3" ntv 'BSP' "ftp 55 1 t1 I r V Vi t r . vt. s ... 'St, A V S 4V A 4 I ' V, , i f - . Story by Angie Hyre Photos by Joel Cort, Price, sh- ows how the sport should be done as he masters a clean trail through the near snow Huntington Reservoir Saturday. Rick Egan |