Learning to Cross Country Ski

It’s pretty normal, when trying out a new sport, like cross country skiing, to feel uneasy and apprehensive, wondering if you’ll stick out as the person who obviously has no idea what he is doing. Instead, we felt welcomed into the living room of new-found friends. The staff was warm and helpful, helping us get fit into our skis and shoes. I had no idea there were different types of cross-country skis. We decided to keep it simple and to learn on classic skis, which are best suited for groomed traills on mostly level and gently sloping terrain.

The lodge looks like something out of the Tyrollean countryside, complete with massive log beams, a spiral staircase, windows looking out to the mountains, and a fire in the hearth. Our kids felt relieved to find we could eat lunch at the lodge. So, after our lesson we returned for get warm and to energy-up for more skiing.

It’s a popular destination, so parking can fill fast. We arrived around 9:45 (on a Monday) and still were able to get a spot. However, the town of Breckenridge runs a shuttle that makes regular stops at the Nordic Center. Take the Black Route using one of the Breck Free Ride lots and ask the driver to drop you off at the Breckenridge Nordic Center. If you have a lesson scheduled, allow for the extra time needed to park and ride. Figure in the extra time on the weekends because of ski traffic.

“I’m going to miss him.” That was the comment made by our youngest daughter after our instructor, Gary, concluded our lesson. A retired local science teacher, Gary was amazing at helping our kids move from never-been-on-skis-in-my-life status to gaining the skills and confidence to enjoy their time on the trails. When we would move from one skill to the next, he would say, “Your next challenge is…” He was incredibly patient and his language helped our girls stay motivated.

Gary differentiated the cross country ski instruction for the adults, too. He first invested time with in our kids, knowing we would catch on a bit faster. Then, while our children were practicing and gliding down the trail, he would join back up with my wife and I to help us to add new skills and to coach us on our form.

Winter sports are demanding. After our lesson, we popped off our skis and headed back into the lodge to get some lunch and a bit of rest. Walking in cross country ski boots is way more comfortable than downhill skis. The lunch menu had two homemade soups: a caramelized onion potato soup and a tomato artichoke. Brats, hot dogs, chips, and plenty of drinks, too (including some Colorado brews). Sitting near the fire, we thawed out, filled our bellies and got ready to head out back into the snow.

Having run several businesses and led teams, I’m always aware of the staff dynamics of organizations. The staff at BNC stood out because they genuinely enjoyed one another. I observed them going the extra mile to help customers and to keep things tidy around the lodge. It’s those little things that add up to make a place memorable.

Learn from My Two Mistakes

When we went back out on the trails, we made two mistakes. I mention them here hoping to convert them to cross country skiing “tips.” The first is a typical Colorado blunder, I forgot to put water bottles in my daypack. The second was that we decided to explore a new trail loop that required navigating some steeper terrain–bad idea. If I could rewind, we would have repeated the loop our instructor took us on for the lesson. On the Trail Map, this easy loop is the Troll Forest to Gold Digger loop, going counter-clockwise to make the loop.

The Trails

The nordic trails were beautifully groomed, winding through towering spruce and fir trees, by mountain cottages, and with views out to the mountains that make Breckenridge such a glorious Colorado destination. With 2000 acres, there are plenty of trails. The intermediate and advanced trails require a lot more uphill and downhill skills as well as additional leg power. We covered the approximately 3 miles of easy trails that afternoon. As mentioned above, we skied the intermediate segment linking the two sides of the Troll Forest trail. It is worth it, but if you are a beginner, it’s good to know that the steep segment leading down to Ken’s Kavern tunnel is way easier to navigate by taking off your skis and hiking it–especially for young children.

If you plan on skiing the Troll Forest Loop (and I definitely recommend it), ski the circuit clockwise to make the most of the tracks and to maximize the gentle downhill segments. Otherwise, it’s uphill most of the way.