By Anne Groebner

In the last few weeks, we have gone from temperatures in the 70s to below freezing and we even have snow. That can only mean one thing. Winter is here. Maybe not according to the calendar, but it’s a great start to our skiing season. We can only hope this weather continues because, according to all the signs in front of local ski shops, Sunrise Ski Park will open on Friday, November 29th. However, we locals know not to jinx it. We just sit back and wait and hope.

The White Mountains are known for its exceptional slopes, but because we have unbelievable landscapes and trails meandering into snow-covered pines accented by stark white and bare aspen, cross-country skiing is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, you can rent nordic skis from Krissie’s in Pinetop. Something that had gone by the wayside from other ski shops in years past. 

Many skiers think cross-country skiing is more work. All you need for downhill is momentum and possibly a little skill and balance, and you are joy riding down a mountain at impeccable speeds. Cross-Country skiing is much slower and on a more level playing field. It’s the ambiance and exercise that attracts the Nordics. 

I, for one, am a huge fan of cross-country skiing. Especially now that I am a little older and wish to keep my bones in one piece. Last year was great for skiing and I took full advantage of it. In fact, we ventured out one brisk and freezing evening to ski under a full moon. It was amazing. Words can not capture the true beauty of a trail lit up by the moon or the solitude of being the only skiers crazy enough to venture out into the freezing cold — I can’t wait to do it again.

There are so many places to cross-country ski. You’re not limited to one area, like downhill skiing. The entire forest, as long as there is deep enough snow on the ground, is your winter playground. A few of my favorites is Pole Knoll, which is on Arizona State Route 260, just before Arizona Route 373 (Greer turn off), making it close enough to the Village to head over for a hot meal at Molly’s after a brisk workout on the trails.

Another favorite is The Railroad Grade Trail, just past the turn to Sunrise Ski Park — the place we skied under the full moon. We used to ski the trails at Sunrise Ski Park, but you’d have to contact them to see if they’re groomed and buy a White Mountain Apache Reservation recreational permit for just $5.

Not only is cross-country skiing fun, but it is really good for you. Exercise physiologists widely accept cross-country skiing as “the best cardiovascular exercise known.”

Here’s why:

• Cross-country skiing uses a large percentage of your muscle mass and is more efficient and effective than activities using legs alone or arms alone.

• The low-impact nature of the activity reduces impact loading on joints; this is important for individuals with arthritis or joint surface defects.

• Gliding over uneven surfaces increases your “kinesthetic sense,” your body’s ability to perceive its location in space.

• The weight shift in ski-skating and the diagonal stride techniques while gliding on snow increases your balance, and balance is critically important in all sports and as we age to prevent falls.

• Skiing increases your cardiac output (your heart’s ability to pump blood) and increases your oxygen carrying capacity (your body’s ability to take in, oxygenate, transport and extract oxygen at the working muscle), or stated another way, increases your cardiovascular fitness.

• It improves your visual acuity, which is your ability to sense terrain changes and snow undulations in bright and low-light conditions.

• Skiing improves self-esteem and confidence. Enjoying a ski will help you feel healthier, happier and more invigorated due to increased blood flow and heightened senses.

• It helps cultivate an appreciation for our surroundings and environment. Quality time on a ski trail in glorious winter conditions helps us all appreciate the natural world we often take for granted.

• Skiing with family and friends is a great bonding opportunity, resulting in stronger friendships and relationships; this reduces stress and provides an opportunity to recharge our tired batteries.

https://www.uwhealth.org/news/top-10-reasons-cross-country-skiing-is-good-for-you

Whether you are a downhiller or a cross-country skier, or both, get out this winter and get healthy! Staying inside because it’s too cold is a lame excuse. It’s more important to stay active in the winter and to absorb all that vitamin D to keep illnesses at bay.

Hello winter!