OT: Cross Country Skiing

[jmc11201]

So I went cross country skiing this weekend at a local park that grooms trails. I rented 'skate' skis and once I got the rhythm of it, found it to be enjoyable. I'm toying with the idea of buying a set of skis, but don't know what type to buy. I live very close to a large lake that freezes over in the winter and think that would be the ideal place to ski as I could roll out of bed and be on the lake in minutes. The lake obviously won't be groomed and is likely to have several inches of icy/snow on it at any given time. Is this a reasonable place to ski and if so, what type of skis should I look for?

Thanks.

 

[RUforester72]

Skis with floats.

 

[FanuSanu52]

If you live in Minnesota, shouldn't you be asking a neighbor or coworker? Another guy posted a similar thread weeks ago and I believe got zero responses, so I'm thinking there are few to zero XCers here.

Not an XCer, but I think as a beginner you'll want to stick to groomed trails because breaking trail is a lot more work. Classic skis for the carved ski tracks, skate for the flat trail.

 

[jmc11201]

This board usually can answer any question. I'll ask around at work. Thanks.

 

[FanuSanu52]

Yeah, this board is pretty good for answering any and all questions. XC seems like it might be a little too niche for a NJ-dominant board, but who knows?

Anyway, wasn't trying to scare you off or anything, just figured you probably have more XC skiers on your block than are on the entire rivals board :smiley:

 

[coldsprings]

If you are skiing on ungroomed trails consider backcountry classic skis. I like this Fisher set very much and use it both to break the snow in my meadow (New Hampshire) and on groomed trails at Nordic centers.