Your First COP Cross Country Ski Trip
by Glenn Beachy - Jan 2, 2002
As you may be aware, COP offers cross-country skiing as an activity which fits in with our wide range of self propelled activities. In some way it looks attractive to you but for some reason you have not tried it yet. You may have questions about the suitability of skiing for you and I'll try to answer some of them in advance.
Unless otherwise noted in a trip description all COP cross-country ski events are geared to beginners. Let's face it, there is not enough snow around here for even the trip leaders to be elite ski athletes. If you are a runner or backpacker you will find that you take no pounding on each step as you do in those sports. If you maintain a walking pace when skiing almost anyone can do it. If you really want to experience the glide you have to trust to balancing on one leg. Runners and backpackers will not have much a problem here. In fact, anyone can learn to ski property but if you have some underlying condition with your knees you do put them at risk just being on skis. Almost all skiers have had the experience of toppling over when standing on skiis while carrying on a conversation or looking at the scenery.
Clothing - many beginner skiers overdress and end up with their jackets tied around their waists. If you are just a little chilly when you step outside you have probably dressed just right. You will warm up as you go. For normal ski temps (15 to 30 F) I wear polypro long underwear (NO COTTON), nylon windpants, a fleece top, nylon windbreaker, hat, sunglasses and gloves. In colder temps I add shoe covers, a balaclava, a vest and switch to heavier gloves (or add liners). Colder than minus 10 I'll drink cocoa and read a book by the fire.
If you plan on skiing some distance from the car or are anywhere in the backcountry carry in a fanny pack or day pack the following:
The ten essentials: a map of the area, a compass, a flashlight with extra batteries, extra food, extra clothing (something warm to don at rest stops - down jacket e.g.), sunglasses and sunscreen, pocketknife, matches, firestarter, first aid kit - plus a full waterbottle, ground insulation - a small foam pad emergency blanket (mylar) or space blanket, whistle for signalling.
If you're in a city park I'd at least carry some water and a snack. It is easy to get dehydrated in dry winter air through breathing even if you're not sweating much. When skiing in a group only one person needs to carry the first aid kit, compass, map and firestarter. Sunscreen may seem odd in the winter but the damage can be doubled when reflected off the snow. Carrying these other items may seem like overkill as we usually ski on established trails but you may be far from the trailhead when the unexpected happens.