Just as bicycling is my summer sport, skiing is my winter sport.
A lot of what I said about bicycling goes for skiing. It is a great sport.
Or maybe a should say "they are great sports".
You see, I both downhill and cross country ski. Believe me, they are very different.
When most people think of skiing they think of downhill. It's fast, exciting and action packed. Alpine makes better TV than Nordic.
I started skiing at 12. I thought I was pretty good. I even skied in Colorado. Twice.
Then I moved to New Hampshire.
I found I had a long road (or trail) ahead of me.
I still do.
For my first few years in NH I skied every weekend day from early December to late March, putting in 25 to 30 ski days a year.
I don't do that any more, but I do take more multi-day ski trips. I still get into the double digits, usually 15 to 20 ski days a year.
I enjoy all types of skiing. I do the bumps, the trees, the steeps, the cruisers, the easy stuff. Everything. Every day on skis is a good day.
I'm not a super expert and have a long way to go, but learning is part of the fun.
Peace and quite. Communing with nature. Smooth, flowing movements.
Not your average ski day.
Unless you're into cross country.
Even though cross country can be a lot of work, it is also relaxing. No crowds. No liftlines. Things happen a little slower.
Speed is possible. In fact, a nice sprint now and again is great. It really gets the blood flowing. There are also the downhill sections, which can get the adrenaline flowing.
I find Nordic skiing to be a lot like cycling. It's just you, alone, in this big world, zipping by, taking it all in.
People who need a thrill a minute think cross country is boring. Too much work. Well, I hope they continue to feel that way and leave the woods to me.
Some skiing links - coming soon.