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 without concern to whether the area is an inn, a ranch, a day area, a destination resort, or a recreation park area. 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 the other criteria to select your destination resort.
The information below describes the criteria to consider int terms of services and amenities at some of the leading XC ski resorts in North America.
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 the more dramatic the scenery, the more remote is the location which could be longer or more difficult for 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 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 that is done at Lapland Lake in Northville, New York that makes trails seem less crowded is to have skiers go in the same direction (one-way). The result is that the trails never seem crowded. Jay Richards of Maplelag in Calloway, Minnesota said, "Feedback from the majority of our skiers let us know that they prefer double-tracked trails (2 sets of separate tracks allows 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) more than single tracks. “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, California 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 rake and pick up the debris from trees like fallen limbs and pine cones so skiers don’t have to ski over the debris as it appears on the trails from the Springtime melt.
Snowcat grooming two sets of ski tracks
One thing that most of the best XC ski areas share in common is that they acquire and use the latest trail grooming technology to give them a mechanical advantage. They do not skimp when it comes to using snowcats with their 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 the trail quality issue. There is pride and commitment to the quality of the trails at many of XC ski areas.
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 do not need "customer service" training because they are already 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 and about working at one of the best XC ski areas.
The Richards family, who own and run the Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minnesota, 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 staff often greets the guests by name. The Richards constantly ask their guests if there is anything that can be done and they drop everything to help their guests, 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, that 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 and 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 bring a picnic lunch, stop at a trailside snack shack or relax with a first class dining 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. Before a fire at the Maplelag resort, the kitchen was run by Debbie, the chef who had been on the job on and off for 25 years. There was a window opening to the kitchen where guests could speak with Debbie and see the staff cooking the meals. They made everything from scratch using only natural and fresh ingredients. They called it homestyle, hearty, and wholesome and it was a unique menu that is endorsed by the guests. Sadly the Maplelag lodge is gone (the ski area and services with some accommodations are still available), but the guest-oriented was exemplary.
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 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 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 they must have positive first experiences and older 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. Years ago at Lapland Lake a game played in Finland called Napa Kiikku was organized on weekends and holidays. The game involved a pole on ice with a sled that goes around in a circle. Adult lessons were conducted to correlate to the time that the kids played the game.
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, Vermont conducts many kids "classes" from swimming to puppet classes or making stuffed animals. The kids' classes provide parents and grandparents with some child-free time for going on harder ski trails or getting a massage while the kids are being entertained. And older guests love the tour offered at the lodge with property managers who are could be the children of Johannes von Trapp (he is the son of the actual youngest von Trapp daughter who was depicted in the movie).
Jay Richards (Jim and Mary Richards' son) of Maplelag commented, "Seeing our large family with our own kids running around, being involved makes families feel welcome here. We try to make parents feel at ease about having their kids run around." Maplelag cabins and cabooses are great accommodations that can fit large families and the Richards try to help families focus on being together doing family activities.
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.