Early morning dawn crests over the mountain top, casting hues of crimson and gold over last nights snow fall, we hold our breaths, captive to the pristine blue sky above. Winter has arrived and we are awaiting first tracks into the virgin snow. Whether strapping on skins in the back country, savoring miles of cross-country trails, enjoying a day at the resort or yearning for the reverberation of heliskiing, there is a type of skiing which best fits your lifestyle and pocketbook.
Much has changed since the discovery of the first ski found in Sweden over 4500 years ago, short and blocky, it was used primarily for transportation and work. The advent of sport skiing became popular during the 1700s when the Norwegians popularized the Telemark ski, or Nordic ski with a binded toe and free heel. It wasn't until the Europeans discovered steep terrain, chutes and bowls in the Alps that they began developing a fixed foot, known today as the alpine ski.
Cross Country skiing, known as Nordic or XC, attracts families, athletes, and weekend adventurers seeking winter solitude and escape from overcrowded resorts. A drive to the Nordic park finds miles of marked trails that weave through the forest, from rolling mounds to moderate hills, there are options for all abilities and ages. The gear is manageable with narrow skis, soft leathery boots attached only at the toe and fixed length poles; once purchased, your expense is limited to nominal trail fees and transportation. Techniques vary from Classic rhythmic gliding, utilizing the entire body to Skate skiing, similar to rollerblading or ice skating on skis. Without skins, XC skiers rely on "herringboning" to traverse hills, imagine pointing your boots outward and running uphill. As the day ends, families congregate in the Nordic hut where picnic tables and a large fire allow little hands and feet to warm.
Alpine skiing dominates the resort world and has now become the most popular American winter pastime. With high speed gondola lifts, miles of groomed runs, sport parks and mid-mountain lodges, resort skiing attracts bunny hill novices to advanced double diamond alpine skiers. The latest gear include shorter parabolic "shaped" skis or curved skis, long gone are the straight skies where length paralleled experience. Quick release bindings with a fixed foot for carving those perfect turns hold the solid boot in place. Keeping your knees together for smooth turns, it's all down hill. From a half day ticket to a season pass, you can be shuttled up the mountain in search of your favorite green, blue or black run and at the end of a long day, you can remove your boots, sit by the fire and share stories at the lodge.
Telemark skiing is primarily seen in the back country. A fixed toe and a free heel allow the skier to climb miles of switch back mountain terrain and ski down steep unpredictable terrain. The quintessential "turn" of a Tele skier gets notice at the resort, with alternating bent knees, they kneel into each turn, digging in with the poles. Leather boots and woolen pants separate the seasoned from the beginner, but lighter gear has revolutionized this physically demanding sport. It often takes years of practice to perfect the Tele turn, so grab your rentals and start your lessons on your next trip to the mountain.
Randonee skiing has seen a resurgence among back country enthusiasts, a chance to tour out of bound terrain with a fixed toe and free heel for climbing, but the ability to "lock" the heel into a fixed alpine ski when ready to cruise down the mountain side. Long gone is the need to perfect the Tele turn in order to escape the resorts. Resembling alpine boots, Randonees differ in the ability to toggle between a stiff ankle for downhill piste and a flexible bellow for increased ankle flexion, this allows one to ascend with skies. Telescoping poles, avalanche gear and skins, material attached to the underside of the ski causing friction for climbing, are used for all back country adventures.
Heliskiing, made popular by ski documentaries, is the experience of a life time. From $2000-10,000, you can expect an all inclusive tour into the remote wilderness of places like Alaska, Finland, Sweden and Russia. France is the only country that has banned heliskiing and much of Europe has mandated strict regulations. Telemark, Randonee and Alpine skiers share the terrain with snowboarders. Reserved for intermediate and advanced skiers, groups are flown to regions otherwise inaccessible and dropped atop mountain peaks or glaciers for vertical runs up to 10,000ft. Most organizations check for avalanche risk prior to the drop off, but often mandatory are the same avalanche back country gear mentioned earlier.
Whether seeking Nordic tracks, groomed trails, rides up the gondola or skinning up and making tracks in the back country, these adventures get you and your family outside for exercise and pleasure. Now is your chance to choose a skiing style best suited to your level of fitness, pocket book and thrill seeking desires.
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