By Dave Ackerson
Photographs by Stephanie Zollshan

With the return of La Niña, this winter may be a snowy one. And while (downhill) skiing and snowboarding get most of the attention this time of year, they aren’t the only reasons to get outside and play.

Snowshoeing and cross-country (XC) skiing are two great seasonal activities—especially for novices. With gentler learning curves, both are easy to pick up. And with a more relaxed pace and scene, they offer a chance to bypass lift lines and ski passes while taking in astounding natural views, a hit of exercise, and a welcome sense of solitude.

Local ski areas with designated groomed trails can be good spots to practice your XC-ski technique. If you’re looking for snowshoe walks on the wilder side, there are miles of hiking trails and acres of natural spaces to deliver challenging terrain and incredible views. Many XC skiers and snowshoers may not have to venture far at all: Any nearby park, athletic field, or golf course with wide-open spaces and gentle rolling hills has potential, as long as the sports are permitted (it’s always worth double-checking).

Snowshoeing vs XC Skiing: Which is Right for You?

Snowshoe 101
Think of this sport as essentially hiking in the winter. A big plus is that you can feel comfortable with it in a fairly short time. Snowshoeing is easier to pick up than XC skiing, and generally slower and more contemplative. But you can also get adventurous, seeking out wilder and steeper terrain on snowshoes—and feel more immersed in nature than you can on skis.

Technique: This is fairly easy to master: Just position your legs slightly farther apart than usual—and walk. If the snow is deep, you may have to lift your snowshoes higher to get them clear. If you’re snowshoeing in a group, take turns being in the front of the pack. That way, everyone shares in the hard work of breaking trail. (Don’t forget trail etiquette: Steer clear of XC-ski tracks when you’re in snowshoes.)

Equipment: The only gear you really need for snowshoeing is … snowshoes. Modern plastic or aluminum versions are great and practically maintenance-free. There are different snowshoes for different scenarios: If you think you’ll spend most of your time on easy to moderate terrain, find a pair with less-aggressive crampons, the traction devices on the bottom. (For steeper terrain, you’ll want more traction.) Adjustable-length poles are a helpful accessory, and hiking or winter boots (preferably waterproof) are always a good choice for your feet.

XC Ski 101
Compared to snowshoeing, it’s faster and more aerobic. You kick, pole, and glide with your skis through the snow on the flats and gentle downhills, work hard to go uphill, and then swoosh downhill with speed and grace.

Technique: There are two styles of XC skiing, classic and skate. Classic is the original and easier to learn, with moves similar to walking: When one foot goes forward, you swing the opposite arm. In practice, this means your left ski glides forward, the right pole comes up, and it’s planted next to the right foot. Then you repeat on the other side, always pushing one foot forward and using the opposite pole. (There are loads of helpful instructional videos online to help give the idea, including ones from outdoor stores REI and L.L. Bean.)

Equipment: A bit more is required here, both in quantity and investment. The basic kit includes skis, poles, and boots. The skis come in waxable and no-wax versions—the latter is better for beginners, mainly so you can avoid the work of waxing and concentrate on learning to ski. If you’re planning on skiing mostly on gentle terrain or groomed trails, a narrower ski will work well. If you’re interested in going a bit further afield, wider skis with more flotation are the better choice. Ski poles are generally sized shoulder or armpit high. Boot choices may depend on where you intend to ski—lighter boots are good for gentler terrain, and higher, heavier boots helpful on more rugged terrain.

Dress for Success

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing both generate a lot of heat. And getting sweaty and damp means getting cold as soon as you stop moving. So one important rule: Avoid cotton—it absorbs moisture from your body. Opt instead for synthetic clothing, which will wick the moisture away, and wool clothing, which can keep you warm even if it’s damp.

Dressing in layers is another key way to combat the perspiration problem: As you warm up, you can shed clothing to stay comfortable.

What to Pack

As with any outdoor activity, these sports require some basic safety gear, and a backpack to carry everything.

• A map is essential—your phone fades faster in cold weather
  
• Carry a headlamp: Remember, it gets dark early in the winter
  
• Always have water and a small thermos of hot cocoa or tea
  
• Snacks are necessary to keep you warm and full of energy
  
• A small first aid kit will fix any blister or cut
  
• A raincoat if temperatures are above 25 degrees
  
  
  

Where to Go in the Berkshires

For Snowshoeing

• Mount Greylock Visitor Center (Lanesborough): Trails for all levels, from the easy Heart Healthy trail to the more challenging Woodason Spring Trail to Rounds Rock.
  
• Busby Trail (Florida/Savoy State Forest): A progressively harder climb to a stunning 180-degree view of the northern Berkshires. Alternate loops and nearby Bog Pond Trail offer additional options.
  

For XC Skiing

• Notchview (Windsor): 25 miles of groomed trails for classic XC skiing, plus ungroomed options, dog trails, rentals, and a lodge.
  
• Kennedy Park (Lenox): Carriage roads and adventurous single-track options. Maps available at Arcadian Shop.
  
• Mountain Meadow Preserve (Williamstown): A short but scenic loop with views, plus more trails extending into Vermont.
  

This Just In!
Greylock Glen Outdoor Center (Adams) recently opened, with miles of trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing, plus a warming lodge with bathrooms and exhibits. Try the Glen Meadow loop for an easy trip, Moser Farm Trail for moderate, or connect west to Mount Greylock Reservation for a challenging day. Rentals may be offered in the future.