Are you craving fresh air, sunshine and snow but are tired of long lift lines?
Well then, Cross Country Skiing may be for you!
How cool would it be to travel across the countryside gliding on snow covered terrain using your own power rather than using ski lifts or other forms of assistance?
Cross country skiing originated in Scandinavia. The word ski comes from the Old Norse word skíð, which means a stick of wood. Skiing started as a technique for traveling cross-country over snow on skis. Some benefits of cross country skiing: why you should try it this winter.
It's a good form of cardiovascular exercise.
It's a fat burner.
It strengthens all the major muscle groups.
It's easy on your joints.
It helps improve your balance.
It helps with your coordination.
It boosts your mood and wellbeing.
Cross country skiing is an affordable and approachable way to get outdoors. A tranquil yet invigorating glide through the forest.
Anaconda, Montana offers over 50 glorious kilometers of Nordic ski trails. Two organizations manage those trails: the Echo Lake Trails Association and the Mile High Nordic Ski Education Foundation. The Echo Lake Trails Association maintains 23 kilometers of trails near Discovery Basin Ski Area and Echo Lake. Mile High maintains 28 kilometers of groomed cross country trails - over a third of which are maintained for skate skiing - on the Mt. Haggin Wildlife Management Area.
Mark Switek of Echo Lake Trails Association, says
"The Mt. Haggin trails are the prettiest of any trails I've been on in Montana. The vistas never get old. Echo Lake Trails provide good beginner and intermediate terrain. For a volunteer group that is donation supported, ELTA does a real good job of maintaining the trails. We get complements all the time on our ability to get people skiing early in the season and how well the trails are maintained."
Great trails. Great vistas. It doesn't get better than that!
Here is a list of links to cross country skiing and maps in the area.
For a great way to experience the area with your friends and capitalize on affordable lodging, Pintler's Portal Hostel is the base camp for your skiing adventure. We cater to people who value adventure, affordability and community.
Contact us. All trail maps are available here for you to have, and our knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions. We can even tell you where to rent skis.
You'll love it here.
