| OCR Text |
Show Skiiers enjoying the quietness of the outdoors as they take an afternoon to go cross-country skiing. The sport is becoming a popular sport throughout ByJerrieFackrell The serene, calm feeling one experiences, enjoying nature at its best, watching a chipmunk crack the pinenuts as he stores the meaty part for his winter meals, enjoying each others company, all adds to the . , ,, excitement of crosscountry skiing through the beautiful wide open spaces and trees of Garfield, Kane and Iron counties. This writer experienced cross-country skiing for the first time as instructor Nick Lund-strom took the time to explain the necessary techniques for the sport. Also accompanying them on the skiing trip were Clair Baldwin and Bob Benfield, all from Panguitch. The best explanation of the way one feels was made by Bob Woodard, writer for the annual cross Country Skiing magazine. He said, "The adventure starts the first time you put on a pair of cross-country skis, and it lasts a lifetime." I found that at first I was very unsure of myself, afraid and unsteady. But after a few short instructions from Mr, Lundstrom I found that cross-country skiing could be easily caught on to and become an enjoyable, fun and satisfying way to spend the afternoon. "Once the equipment has been purchased (one can get this for around $100 per person) the main expense is getting to and from' the places you will participate in the sport," Lundstrom said. Unlike downhill skiing, which is not only expensive to get into but also costs each time you go to a resort to participate, there is no additional expense. A person getting into cross-country skiing should be aware of the different types of skis on the market. There are waxed skis and waxless skis. "There is a time and place for each," Mr. Lundstrom explained. He said if someone is going to spend a week skiing, they may want to take waxed skis with several different waxes and spend the time necessary getting the skis ready for the type of snow they may encounter. "I used to ski primarily with waxed skis," Mr. Lundstrom explained. "But once I started using the non-waxed skis I learned there was less muss and fuss and for short afternoon skiing trips in this area, this proved to be the best method for me." One advantage to using waxed skis, if you get just the right wax for the right snow conditions, is that gliding becomes smoother, enabling the world. Garfield County has many beautiful spots to go Cross-country skiing. Discover Nature At Its Best In Garfield By Cross-country Skiing greater distances. The advantage of using non-waxed skis is the simplicity connected to the operation. There are six waxless patterns on the market; mohair, diamond, mica, radial, fishscale, (which is the type, loused) and step. The difference can be explained if you want to contact Mr. Lundstrom. He will also help you get into the best possible outfit for your needs. He said he would be happy to work with anyone wanting to learn the techniques of crosscountry skiing. Mr. Lundstrom said when dressing for skiing remember to put layers on instead of one or two extremely hot items. For instance put layers of sweaters on. It is better to peel than freeze. "It is better to be able to take a few clothes off than to get hot and prespire." Prespiring causes the clothes to get, wet which in turn would become cold with the weather. (It is surprising how warm you stay while crosscountry skiing in the snow.) It is important to wear a pair of glasses, either dark or regular glasses. Other equipment you need are ski poles, bindings and gloves. (I ended up taking my gloves off it was so warm.) After a few instructions, cross-country skiing becomes more fun, more safe and more enjoyable. Mr. Lundstrom said he loves the sport and is willing to help others learn about it. "After being on crosscountry skis for 15 minutes you are no longer a beginner," he said. He said a few instructions help you learn the basic techniques, helping you to become more confident and will aid in the enjoyment of the sport. But there are polishing techniques to learn to perfect the sport to enter competition. When speaking of the difference between crosscountry skiing and downhill skiing these statements are often heard. "I got tired of waiting the 30 to 40 minutes for a ski lift." "The expense, many times, makes downhill skiing almost prohibitive." "If you want thrills, downhill skiing may be for you, however, if you want to get out, enjoy your family, spend a quiet peaceful afternoon away from the pressures of everyday living, crosscountry is the sport for you. |
