Cross Country Skiing the West Kootenay

Need to stay active during the winter? Cross country skiing (also called nordic skiing) is a great way to get out and enjoy the mountains. The West Kootenay is home to several ski clubs with beautiful trail networks! Read on to learn where and how you can venture out on skis!

Where to go?

Every community has great local ski clubs. Nordic skiing works best when trails are groomed after a snowfall – either by a snowmobile or snowcat – so that you have a nice base to glide on. Some clubs groom every morning to freshen the tracks, while others are more volunteer-based and just groom after large snowfalls. You can check each club’s website for current conditions and recent grooming.

Most clubs ask for a donation or fee to cover the costs of grooming. Most clubs also offer warming shelters, outhouses, and way finding signs along the trails.

What gear do I need?

You can rent gear at Blackjack Ski Club (Rossland) or Gerick Cycle & Ski (Nelson). Second hand gear can also be found at local thrift stores and during community ski swaps.

• Nordic Skis – nordic skis are skinny and long. Your size is based on your height and weight. Skis do need to have glide wax applied to maintain their slide and prevent snow from sticking – classic skis may have fish scales or skins on the bottom instead of needing additional grip wax.
• Nordic ski boots and bindings – ski boots and bindings need to be compatible to attach together. Your heel is free to lift with nordic skiing, allowing you to have a natural stride as you glide.
• Ski poles – nordic ski poles are long and have specialized hand straps. You can also use hiking poles in a pinch with ski baskets installed.

Classic vs skate skiing – these two styles of nordic skiing require different gear and techniques! Classic skiing is done with skis parallel (often in tracks) while skate skiing is done with skis out in a V-shape, like ice skating. Skate skiing boots have more ankle support and the skis are shorter with pure glide. Most folks start with classic skiing as the technique is more beginner-friendly and easier to do when there is fresh snow on the trail.

In addition to ski gear, you need all the essentials for being out in the winter time: warm hat and gloves, water and snacks, headlamp and spare batteries, plus warm layers to put on for going downhill or getting delayed. Some trail networks are quite remote and out of cell service – you should leave a trip plan before you go and bring a backpack with extra supplies.

Nordic skiing can be quite aerobic! If you’re skiing hard, you might dress the same way that you would for a winter run. If you’re doing a social ski with a friend, you might dress the same way as you would for a winter walk. Be prepared to adjust your layers as you sweat or cool down on the trails.

Questions and answers!

I’m a total beginner – how can I get started? Chose trails that are marked green (easy) on the map as these are flat and don’t be afraid to take off your skis and walk down hills until you are comfortable with techniques to control your speed and stop. Many local clubs offer ski lessons and these are great for getting started. Many beginners will start without poles just to focus on getting the right balance and glide on their feet – keep it simple to start!

Can I bring my dog skiing? Each club has its own rules about this, but generally dogs can be a problem if they trot on the ski tracks and destroy them for other users. Nelson Nordic and Black Jack Ski Club have designated dog-friendly trails.

What about night skiing? With a strong headlamp (and extra batteries) you can ski anytime – it can be magic to get out for a night ski under a winter full moon! Nelson Nordic and Black Jack Ski Club also offer night loops with lighting.

What’s your favourite place to ski? If I’m getting out for a long day, I like to go to Castlegar Nordic which has a huge trail network and many cute warming huts to stop in at lunch time – pack a cheese sandwich wrapped in foil and you have a nice lunch to grill up on the wood stove while your mittens dry.