For people interested in traveling to cross country (XC) ski resorts this winter, here is info about making a destination selection from the editor of XCSkiResorts.com.
Cross country skiing can provide a memorable family vacation
In general, XC skiers select their winter XC ski destination resorts using some rating system of how XC ski areas perform in eight categories of criteria including trail quality and grooming, scenery, food quality, staff friendliness and service, the ski lodge facility and family issues. There is a great range of XC ski areas in North America and in the eyes of XC skiers these characteristics delineate areas that help to decide going to an inn, a ranch, or a destination resort. I've purposely avoided the issue of cost - whether you like to travel to distant resorts or only travel within your region, you will still compare some of the criteria below to select your destination resort.
LOCATION AND SCENERY
Clearly, there is a difference among locations and destinations – some are easier or more difficult to get to, and some are more spectacular or charming than others. These issues are usually in the eye of the beholder, but in general if the scenery is dramatic, the location is more remote which could require longer or more difficult travel. To some XC skiers, the forested trails, brookside skiing, and being outdoors in nature is plenty, while others want the picturesque mountain vista or remote village destination. Some people may prefer high quality accommodations while others want an intimate inn warmly run by the resort owners. Some resorts are isolated in the wilderness and some are right within a small town. These are some general considerations on considering XC ski destination trips.
XC SKI TRAILS
Trail Quality relates to the skiers' comfort on the trails, even though skiers might be at different skiing or experience levels. The trail signage should help skiers understand where they are on the area's trail network. And signs should help skiers know the direction that will help them return to their starting place. The trails should provide a skiing flow so there aren't too many long uphills, or sharp turns at the bottom of steep downhills. One idea to make trails less crowded is done at Lapland Lake in Northville, NY where they have skiers go in the same direction (one-way). Jay Richards of Maplelag in Calloway, MN said, "Feedback from the majority of our skiers let us know that they prefer double-tracked trails more than single tracks.” Two sets of separate tracks allow skiers to pass easily by switching into the other tracks, or often one set is going out on the trails and the other is returning to the lodge. “And we had overwhelmingly negative opinions about allowing dogs on the trails, too."
Some of the best XC ski areas are just blessed with great terrain for XC skiing. The location of an area such as Royal Gorge in Soda Springs, CA is perfect for XC skiing as the area's land diversity offers flat, rolling, and more challenging variety. And Royal Gorge claims that Sierra maritime snow consolidates well and is great for the base on the trails, which means that skiers can count on excellent conditions when they ski there. The top layer of snow on the trail can be machine-groomed to soften or powderize the snow condition.
Trail grooming can make or break the ski conditions. Olavi Hirvonen former owner of Lapland Lake explained, "We groom every morning unless we have to wait for the snow to dry out or cool off - and I groom the way I like to ski the trails myself." Hirvonen had the Lapland Lake staff out on the trails after windy periods to pick up the debris from trees like fallen limbs and pine cones so skiers don’t have to ski over the debris.
Snowcat grooming two sets of ski tracks
One common thing that most of the best XC ski areas share is that they use the latest trail grooming technology to give them a mechanical advantage. They use snowcats or large snowmobiles with grooming attachments to break up ice or powderize the snow into the finest trail surfaces. Without getting into the details of grooming machinery and techniques, the personal pride of the area operators is paramount to their commitment for high trail quality.
STAFF SERVICE AND FRIENDLINESS
You know it when an area's staff is a great one - they seem happy to see you. In most instances, areas that have veteran employees are a great place to work. Most of these great employees are empathetic and have a personal touch. Most of the people that work at the best XC ski areas want to work there as a lifestyle choice. This is apparent with their attitudes with the guests.
The Richards family, who own and run the Maplelag Resort in Callaway, MN, treat their guests as part of their family. It may sound trite but their guests sincerely feel welcome and they state it unequivocally in testimonials. The Richards constantly ask their guests if there is anything that can be done and they drop everything to help, be it in on the trails or in the rental shop. Richards feels, "One of us (the Richards family) is always around to help with our guests. It's fun to chat with and be pampered by the actual owners of the resort." Many testimonials from different areas claim the same thing with regard to their feelings about the service at the best resorts - they feel welcome, comfortable and "at home." And Maplelag avoids posting rules or signs saying "Don't do this or that."
RESORT LODGES
Cross country skiing is a great romantic travel option
XC ski lodges can be designed to provide space, convenience and efficient utilization, but there are also other factors that make a difference to skiers. The best places are clean, cozy, and convenient, but facilities such as restrooms can get pretty yucky, and they have to be kept in good condition throughout the day. Lapland Lake also takes into account brown baggers (bring their own lunch rather than purchase food at the area) by offering them a picnic area. And they have a public shower and changing area for skiers, who want to clean up before their drive home.
At Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, CO, part of their ambiance is the scenic location and rustic looking facilities. They’ve added new updated facilities such as a dining room, lodge, and cabins, but many guests go there to enjoy the rustic feel. It looks like what people expect Colorado to look like, but they incorporate features such as a yoga studio and spa to provide guests with amenities that they appreciate while on vacation. And Devil’s Thumb has invested in many sustainable aspects, which guests support.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The former Maplelag Resort lodge group dining area
Whether Nordic skiers stop at a trailside snack shack or relax with a first class dining restaurant experience, the best areas usually are known for their outstanding cuisine. Good food service is a result of the area's commitment, quality chefs with pedigree culinary backgrounds, wine selection, and so on. Many ski areas make everything from scratch using only natural and fresh ingredients.
White Grass Touring Center in Davis, WV has a cafe known for cuisine with adjectives such as hearty vegetarian, delectable, home-baked, and eclectic specialties.
QUALITY FAMILY TIME
Some XC ski areas are highly touted for their commitment to families. They cater to family needs by dealing with the kids AND grandparents. These skiers appreciate that the trails have plenty of flat terrain for kids (and elders) and they offer pulks (sleds that skiers use to carry small children), children's sized snowshoes, skis, boots, and ice skates. XC skiing offers families an activity that they can all do together. And that can include a four-year old on Snoopy skis skiing right alongside of a stereotypical grandpa skiing on his pine-tarred woody originals.
These kids may be too young for ski poles, but they can still accompany their parents while XC skiing
Child-oriented instructors are a key element for families and so are instructors that can cater to older skiers’ needs. For the kids to have a positive attitude about Nordic skiing, their initial experiences must be positive. Elder skiers relate to older instructors because they are on the same wavelength. Kids get comfortable with child-friendly instructors as individuals and on subsequent visits the kids commonly request to take additional lessons so they can spend more time with those friendly instructors.
Another important way to cater to families is to offer a variety of other skiing and non-skiing activities. The entire family may enjoy a campfire by the lake, sleigh rides, or just playing on a big pile of snow. Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT conducts many kids "classes" from swimming to puppet classes or making stuffed animals. The kids' classes allow parents and grandparents to have some child-free time for going on longer or harder ski trails or getting a massage while the kids are being entertained. And older guests love the tours offered at the lodge.
CONCLUSION
Of course, there are other criteria for selecting winter XC ski destinations - for example, couples that are looking for a romantic weekend will have different needs (and desires). There is something more memorable about traveling to a destination compared to going to the local trail network for a couple of hours to XC ski or snowshoe. Whatever your interests, there is a perfect XC ski resort for you.