By Betsy Korona
“Do you ski?” she asked with inquisitive, bright blue eyes. This came out of nowhere. “Well, actually, no. I snowboard a little, but I’m not very good.” Pause. “Dad must really like you.” Such was my entry into a Berkshires snow family.
In New York City, where I’ve spent the better part of two decades in TV news, snow equates to subway delays, getting your car plowed in, and a murky muck thawing on pavement. But, in Western Massachusetts, I’ve learned flurries mean “Game on!” At the first snowfall, winter adventurers are tuning up, revving up, and booting up.
My partner, a Berkshires native, is an avid skier of all sorts. No slope is too steep, no mogul his match. If there was Formula 1 for snowmobiling, his 20-year-old son would already be sponsored. And his 21-year-old daughter? Well, she might as well be Elsa—a natural on skis and skates, and a killer in a snowball fight.
Then, there was me. A child of the South and an adult of Brooklyn by way of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.—not exactly epicenters of snow sport activity. During brief stints on skis, I had one goal: make it to après time alive with bone structure intact. The stakes here were even higher. If getting in good with a man it felt like I’d waited some 40 years to meet and his wonderful kids meant becoming a snow bunny, well find me some ears and pin on a tail.
One of my first tests was cross-country skiing. I had never seen a cross-country ski in real life before we set off on a romantic snowy date in Kennedy Park one weekend afternoon. And, while I was enthusiastic, I definitely could have used a primer. So, for all the newbies out there trying the sport for the first time, I share with you a few basics—the most basic of basics. Starting with putting on your skis.
Clipping in: This is the first feat. This is “simple,” they say. And, yes, it should be, and most of the time is. First, place your skis down parallel in the snow. Next, clear the snow off your boot by gently tapping it with your pole (more on those later). Then, line up the toe of your boot behind the rubber bumper in front and push forward and down until you feel a satisfying click. Ta-da! The tricky part comes when the darn snow sneaks into the exact spot you need for clicking or is caked to your boot thereby blocking your entry. Scrape away that meddlesome clump and try again. Patience may be required in the beginning—if not by you, then by your XC expert companions for whom clipping in is “simple.”
Getting going: Good news! This was actually more intuitive than expected and, since you will probably be on flat trails to start, is far less scary than learning to downhill. Start by shuffle walking. Like a baby, but with gusto. Some experts will say to kick forward with a little spring in your step. Then comes the holy grail that is the glide. So, kick forward, push and gliiiide. A good solid glide and you’ll feel ready for the Olympics! I have yet to find an expert who says the movement is like rollerblading, but for some reason that helped me mentally. Whatever works.
Pole management: Poles are necessary for the Instagram pics. Wait, no, they are for more than that. Here’s my limited advice: 1.) There’s a specific way to hold them. Put your gloved hand up through the wrist strap, then grab the pole with the strap in your palm. 2.) Poles can be a great assist to help you get that glide vibe. 3.) But, whatever you do, don’t put them out in front to try to stop yourself—you’ll risk impalement. 4.) Also, avoid using them as leverage when getting up from a fall, because rumor has it you can break them that way. Which leads to…
Falling down and getting up: You will fall! Luckily, it’s fluffy and forgiving Berkshires snow. Remember, you’ve got long springy skis to contend with and two poles likely splayed to and fro. So, “dead bug” it. This is apparently an actual term for what I most certainly looked like when attempting to get up from a fall on the aforementioned romantic date trying to impress my future husband. How to “dead bug:” roll onto your back, put your skis and poles straight up in the air making sure you’ve uncrossed everything. Then roll to one side ensuring your skis and legs land in a parallel position. Push up on the knee closest to the ground and stand. Do not let anyone film this maneuver.
Tracks: The most important note here is that people are serious about their “tracks,” the smooth, snowy grooves that often someone has taken time, care, and money to groom. They act like rails to help you glide easily, and stay on course. So, don’t mess them up! If you need to take off your skis at any time and walk, there’s no shame in that. Just do it out of the tracks.
There are also, of course, proper techniques to power uphill, ski downhill, turn, and stop. But, really, someone more experienced should show you that.
Wobbly as I was that first time in the wooded trails of Kennedy Park, the adventure can only be described as pure magic. The foot of fresh powder on the ground even before delicate, oversized flakes began falling as if on cue. Those first solid strides and glides where it all came together. The whoosh and thrill of a downhill. The triumph of leaning into a curve and actually not falling. The quiet. The calm. The peace. The newness. One could say, I fell in love. With crosscountry skiing, of course.
GET GLIDING
Three Spots to Try
1 Kennedy Park, Lenox
Located in the heart of Lenox, nearly 15 miles of groomed trails through hardwood forest provide options for a range of skill levels. Stop at the Belvedere scenic outlook for a view of the Housatonic River Valley or the gazebo near Woolsey trail for a mountain vista. Trail map available at The Arcadian Shop and townoflenox.com.
2 Notchview, Windsor
No skis? No problem. This go-to for XC enthusiasts offers rentals, a warming center, fireplace, cafe, and restrooms. Nestled in the Berkshire Hills, over 25 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails offer a playground for beginners and experts alike. Lessons also available on weekends. thetrustees.org/content/notchview-skiing
3 Maple Corner Farm, Granville
A working family farm since 1812, this spot sits at a 1,400-foot elevation, where cooler temps mean added powder potential. The Ski Starter package includes a trail ticket, ski rental, and a group lesson. Starting in February, head to the Sugar House to see sap boiled into the farm’s namesake maple syrup and try it on their popular weekend breakfast.
maplecornerfarm.com
