X-Country Skiing

joemd11 · Dec 30, 2012

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 · Dec 30, 2012

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 · Dec 30, 2012

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 · Dec 30, 2012

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 · Dec 30, 2012

MIKE R said:
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 · Dec 30, 2012

joemd11 said:
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.

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MahindraJoe · Dec 30, 2012

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 · Dec 30, 2012

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 · Dec 30, 2012

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 · Dec 30, 2012

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.