X-Country Skiing

[joemd11]

Anyone out there into X-country skiing? I've been thinking of buying some skis and giving it a try. Seems like it would be a good workout and a nice way to enjoy the outdoors during winter. The local ski shop has a package deal for just under $300. We have some areas close by that might be good for this type of activity. Anywho, I would be interested in hearing from anyone with experience in the sport.

 

[keegs]

We're not avid X country skiers but when conditions are right usually make a point to get out there. Here in Northwest Jersey (primary res) there's a number of re-purposed rail beds that make great trails.

 

[MIKE R]

I X country ski. I have a few miles of trails that I groom with a groomer I built. I try to get out at least once a week either skiing or snowshoeing.

 

[joemd11]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to give it try. It is tough getting enough exercise during the winter months and this seems like a good way to do it. I could just walk out my back door, strap on the skis, and go for it. Never thought of using old rail beds. We have one running not too far from the house and we have a power line right-of-way that looks good.

 

[joemd11]

I X country ski. I have a few miles of trails that I groom with a groomer I built. I try to get out at least once a week either skiing or snowshoeing.

Could you post a pic of your homemade groomer? The back edge of my property is a power line ROW. I keep it mowed in the summer and grooming a trail in the winter would be great.

 

[MIKE R]

Could you post a pic of your homemade groomer? The back edge of my property is a power line ROW. I keep it mowed in the summer and grooming a trail in the winter would be great.

Here is some I took today. First time having it out this year because I had to rebuild the sled and just got it back in today. There is still not enough snow to put the tracksetter on the groomer as your skis would end up binging in the dirt once the ski tracks are set. I built the groomer out of 2x6 pressure treated and 2x4 pressure treated lumber held together with 5/16"x 4" lag bolts. Along the bottom runners there is 1/2" Aluminum conduit and the scraping edges are 1/8" metal angle. The concept is very similar to the big snow mobile trail groomers. The blades work the snow and break up any clumps and hunks of snow and the blade that goes completely across the groomer is 3/4" higher than the others as it pulls the snow along and dumps it in the low spots leveling the trail. It is a total of 8 feet long and 36" wide. I made it so it covers my snowmobile ski tracks by 3" either side.

View attachment 295425 View attachment 295426 View attachment 295427 View attachment 295428View attachment 295429

 

[MahindraJoe]

Like MikeR and keegs I live in snow country (Maine) and XC skiing sure beats sitting inside and watching the birds at the feeder. We maintain our field and a neighbors (long gone by) apple orchard with 4-5 k worth of trails. I don't have a groomer either so MikeR's pic's are a huge help in building a groomer. we are used to "cutting trails" when it snows. In past summers we maintained the trails with and old Bolens HT 23 with the deck all the way up. The Mahindra /King Kutter has made this work fun. BTW Joe, kind of work up to skiing for the day gradually, unless your in good shape (and under 30) and hour or so the first time out will be plenty, work into it gradually. It gets addictive once you master the basics good luck.

 

[Tollster]

I was thinking about it too, I need the kind that will allow me to get up hills as well as down, I been waiting for a used pair due to the cost...Me and the dog snowshoe on a regular basis ...weather permitting...

The dog has his own boots made by Ruffwear to keep the fur between his paws from freezing, he is always a conversation piece with women when he has his winter gear on....I don't mind and it get me outa the house more....

 

[forgeblast]

I love to snowshoe and have seen a lot of wildlife in the winter that I would normally not see. I was able to get my little one snowshoes and in the pictures you can see the sled/groomer that I use to make trails with her. I tow her beind me when I am breaking trails and then the next time she can snowshoe with no issues. Its funny she only used the poles for the first 5 mins and then didnt use them at all after that.
The groomer/sled is made from a half of blue barrel with just some loops to connect the rope to the barrel. The sled is slick and does like to filp, but if she knees and sits right near the front I can tow her all over and she doesnt fall out unless she wants to make snow angels.

 

[joemd11]

Mike R, thanks for the pics. That looks like it is within my limited fabrication skills and would make a nice trail.

MahindraJoe, Thanks for the info. I will take it easy. I know X-country is fatiguing and I will probably ache in places I didn't even know I had.

Tollster, I'd like to have my dog accompany me and I will look into some boots for her. She is a German Shepherd and has way too much energy for one dog.

forgeblast, Great pics of your little girl! I need one of those hats to wear!! Good idea using the blue barrel.

 

[MIKE R]

Mike R, thanks for the pics. That looks like it is within my limited fabrication skills and would make a nice trail drag.

I just knoticed how poor quality the pictures were. If you want I can get you some close ups of the blade set up and mounts.

 

[Furu]

I enjoy X-country skiing as well. What I do not like is to go on prepared trails where you basically follow a set of tracks made by others or by some machine. What is fun is to go out on an old logging road or a nice open hillside and just go have fun in fresh unmarked snow. It is far superior to downhill and you do not have to deal with crowds or even other people if you get far enough away from the beaten track. Learn to telemark and you can go anywhere.

 

[MikeFarm]

Hi all

I used to x-country ski in the 1980's and 90's in Australia, in NSW Kosciusko and Victorian High Plains. It's wonderful. However we didn't use any of this "grooming" of trails - it was backcountry bushwalking on x-country skis. Did day trips and overnight trips with occasional week long trips. Its really amazing on a moonlite night on the snow. Sure beats yo-yo skiiing

Mike

 

[joemd11]

Mike, post some more pics when convenient for you. No rush as I don't even have the skis yet. I hope to get the skis by the end of this week. Happy New Year!

I just knoticed how poor quality the pictures were. If you want I can get you some close ups of the blade set up and mounts.

 

[joemd11]

I enjoy X-country skiing as well. What I do not like is to go on prepared trails where you basically follow a set of tracks made by others or by some machine. What is fun is to go out on an old logging road or a nice open hillside and just go have fun in fresh unmarked snow. It is far superior to downhill and you do not have to deal with crowds or even other people if you get far enough away from the beaten track. Learn to telemark and you can go anywhere.

Furu, the wife and I used to do some downhill skiing. We got tired of driving for hours to get to the slopes, spend big $$$ for lift tickets, then freeze our behinds on the lifts, just to do a 45 second ski run. Then get in line to do it all again. Seems like X-country would be much more convenient.

 

[joemd11]

Hi all

I used to x-country ski in the 1980's and 90's in Australia, in NSW Kosciusko and Victorian High Plains. It's wonderful. However we didn't use any of this "grooming" of trails - it was backcountry bushwalking on x-country skis. Did day trips and overnight trips with occasional week long trips. Its really amazing on a moonlite night on the snow. Sure beats yo-yo skiiing

Mike

Mike, thanks for sharing your experiences. I never really associated Australia with snow skiing. I've been to Sydney several times and it is a great city. Would love to see more of the country.

 

[forgeblast]

Skis, Swiss Army - $24.95 :: Colemans Military Surplus LLC - Your one-stop US and European Army/Navy surplus store with products for hunting, camping, emergency preparedness, and survival gear
U.S. G.I. Cross Country/Downhill Skis - $19.95 :: Colemans Military Surplus LLC - Your one-stop US and European Army/Navy surplus store with products for hunting, camping, emergency preparedness, and survival gear
I remembered looking at these a few years ago but went with the snowshoes instead.

 

[MIKE R]

Here is a better picture of the groomer.

View attachment 295571

 

[Egon]

X-country skiing eh.

Now for the equipment, skinny skis light boots for go fast, heavier boots( usually warmer) and wider skis for off trail. Wax less or waxed. Skins?

Or go mountaineering style equipment.

It's all enjoyable and requires a lot of conditioning to really enjoy it. Means you can work to keep warm for long periods of time.

Clothing is quite important to staying comfortable and warm.

And don't forget the Backcountry type adventures. They can be exhilarating.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

You will learn to enjoy Klister in all it's forms and places it hides.

A topic that could take days just discussing.

 

[MikeFarm]

Hi all

joemd11 wrote "Mike, post some more pics when convenient for you. No rush ..."

It may be some time. They are slides Given our ages I'm sure we all have many many photos in our albums that have yet to be scanned into digital format.

Mike