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Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50
Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50

Nordic Skiing: Getting Started

Nordic (cross country) skiing can be enjoyable, challenging, fun and funny, especially when you are "kissing bark." Some people like to skate which is a fast technique, others like the older technique of walking with skis. Either way is a good workout, using both upper and lower part of the body. Decide if you would like to challenge yourself with a more extreme skill, or would just like to go out, get some exercise, and enjoy the beautiful day. Then, make sure you ask the right questions to prospective ski partners and finding out how long a trail will take you to ski.

Once, I asked the ski resort how long a trail would take, they told me, forty-five minutes. Two hours later, it was getting dark and I still was not back. I was by myself, and knew that the trails would not be swept. There is no reason why you should have a scary experience like that. We now know to ask if it is skating or walking speed.

Email us your favorite nordic skiing stories!