By Jennie Aronsson
When I was a child, growing up in the north of Sweden, cross-country skiing was an easy way of getting around when there was just too much snow to walk. I grew up on a farm in a small village, close to the lake, surrounded by fields and with the forest nearby. The skis would come on whenever we needed them – to go down to the lake for ice-fishing , to go out in the forest to look for animal tracks, go for a visit to a neighbour, or just to get outside on a sunny winter day. With skis on, you could move easily even in the deepest snow.
In Scandinavia and North Russia skies has been used as a form for transportation since pre historic time. The oldest skies in the world are 4500 years old and were found in Sweden.
Though now I use my skies for fun and exercise, when I was small, I did not think of this as a work out, we just did it. In my village, there was no gym, and not many opportunities to play organized sports. My love affair with cross-country skiing started with play: and emerge into skating and classic skiing on groomed trails.
Cross country skiing in Canada
Destiny and love brought me to Canada in October 2005. I was happy to experience true winter here – ice cold days with plenty of snow… I released that Canada and Toronto offer many opportunities for skiing. With no car and no local knowledge, I decided to join one of the many ski clubs in Canada. It turns out there are many ski resorts that offer x-country skiing in Canada. You can find skiing opportunities, both in the city and a relatively short drive out of the city where they usually have rentals if you don’t own skis. If you have your own skies you even can do it in urban areas like Toronto.
Cross country skiing is so much more then just a sport
Cross country skiing is so much more then just a sport – it can be a natural experience, a family event, an adventure… It can be a sweaty workout or a relaxing moment. It is easy to learn and it is good for people of all ages.
Children can easily learn how to ski.
You don’t need a lot of space to start practicing with your child. Almost everywhere there is a little bit of snow and flat ground (can be your local park or your backyard) and you and your child can start practicing for the nature adventures for the future. If you are not confident teaching your child yourself, Canada has a nation-wide cross-country skiing program for children. For children five years of age and younger there is the Bunnyrabbit Program. For children six to nine years of age there is the Jackrabbit Program.
Cross country skiing is an affordable sport
Apart from skies, poles and boots you don’t need any special equipment. As always dress in layers that are appropriate for pace you are going to ski. And wear a hat that can be peeled off – even if it is freezing outside, skiing will warm you up and if you pick up the speed you will soon find yourself sweating which can make you cold if it is excessive.
Cross country skiing is fighting nature deficit disorder
Cross country skiing gives you the rewarding feeling of being close to nature – you will enjoy beautiful scenery, have plenty of opportunities to spot animals, it is also is minimal damage on the environment.
Start cross-country skiing this winter and you will never again think that winter is too long!
Jennie lives in Toronto with her partner, When she is not out in the trails cross country skiing, she works as nurse in one of Toronto’s hospitals.
