Cache Valley offers many places to cross country ski
Cross country skiing may be a dying sport to some, but opportunities to experience the winter sport are in abundance in Cache Valley.
“Logan Canyon is full of places to go cross country skiing,” Dave Christensen, Outdoor Recreational Center manager, said.
Sink Hollow, which crosses the Utah/Idaho border, is one of the most popular places in the area to cross country ski because snowmobiles are not allowed, leaving more open space for skiers, Christensen said.
Other recommended ski trails can be found at Franklin Basin, Tony Grove Lake and close by at Green Canyon.
“That’s [Green Canyon] a great place to go just up the road as long as there’s enough snow in the valley,” Christensen said.
Christensen said although not as many people cross country ski these days as did long ago when it was used as a form of winter travel, the ORC had trouble last year keeping up with the demands for cross country ski equipment.
“We have a bunch more boots and skis this year because last year we’d commonly run out of key sizes on the weekends,” he said.
One reason many people enjoy cross country skiing is because of the workout it provides for the body. Athletic equipment such as the Nordic Track have even made machines that simulate the workout of cross country skiing.
“It’s really effective for the whole body. It really is a full body workout,” Christensen said.
As with all sports there are dangers which accompany cross country skiing, he said.
“There’s a whole other element of danger with winter activities,” Christensen said.
Such dangers include possible avalanche activity, frostbite and hypothermia.
Many cross country trails may be near places with possible avalanche activity and can be especially dangerous if skiers go off the paths, Christensen said.
The possibilities of frostbite and hypothermia are heightened especially after dark. So, along with wearing warm clothing, Christensen said skiers should plan their trips so they have enough time to return to their vehicles in daylight.
“Allowing time to get back to your vehicles in the daylight is important so you can see your way back as well as do it when it’s warmer. Once the sun goes down it can drop 20 degrees – fast,” Christensen said.