HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1979-12-13, Page 45GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1979—PAGE 5B
Cross-country skiing is inexpensive sport
Cross-country a4�:..0
Cross-country skiing
has grown from a
relatively obscure form
of winter travel to
probably, the most
popular winter sport.
There are many
reasons for the growth of
the sport. It can be en-
joyed by people of all
ages, almost anywhere
there is snow and because
of the simplicity of the
equipment -the cost is
relatively inexpensive.
The novice skier can
get started With an
equipment package that
costs as little as $50. The
prices range as high as
$150. A cross-country ski
package consists of skis,
poles, boots and bindings.
Brian Warrilow of Garb
and Gear says that most
people getting started in
the sport take a middle of
the road approach in
buying equipment for the
e_ first time: Meaning they
will spend from $70 to
$100 for their equipment.
Garb and Gear offers a.
skiing package at $70 that
includes wood skis,
leather boots, poles and
bindings. Higher priced
packages includewood
skis and synthetic types.
If a person enjoys the
sport and persues it on a
regular basis then"beeter
equipment is available
but the middle of the road
approach suits most
people's needs.
_Cros.s=cormtry_— _sL irtg.
really took off the past
couple years as a family
thing and a good winter
conditioner. Now that
growth is levelling off. '
"The fad is over but
people who are interested
in staying healthy stay at
it," Warrilow explained."
It is a family sport that
has no age barrier and
because it's not com-
petitive it's more. en-
.joyable..'
Warrilow explained
that dressing for cross-
country skiing involves
simple winter common
sense. Layered clothing
of 'cotton or wool and a
hat are a necessity. The
cost here too can he
inexpensive. "
"Layered. loose -fitting
clothing to allow free
movement is all that's
needed," Warrilow said.
"Simple knickers and a•
jacket is the only outer
clothing needed but
skiers should always
wear a hat."
Specific cross-country
ski clothing can be
purchased and' Brian
estimated that a com-
a plete outfit from 'the
underwear out could run
as high as $150.
The maintenance of
cross-country skis is
relatively inexpensive
and regulars may require
two bottles . of wax a
season at a cost of $1,75
each.
Although the initial
outlay for cross-country
equipment is cheap Garb
and Gear also offers a
rental system. The cost
for all equipment is $5 a
day and Btian.said people
who may go out only once
a year take advantage of
the rentals. Or if you're
not sure about spending
the money on new
equipment but would like
to try the sport, it's an
inexpensive way to find
out.
Touring
The sky is a crystal
clear blue . and newly
fallen snow has just
covered winding trails
and ,open fields — an
invitation to grab a pair
of cross-country skis and
tour the countryside.
Cross-country skiing,
or touring, is a winter
sport that people of all
ages can enjoy. One need
not be a Nordic Olympian
to be successful at this
Cross-country skiing is a popular and inexpensive sport
popular sport
sport. fastened to the skis,
Equipment , ranges inw, leaving the heel free to
style and price from move around.
simple -to extravagant,
but the basic necessities
include skis, boots,
bindings and poles.
Cross-country skis are
longer and.narrower than
downhill skis, also
lighter.
The front of the boots fit
into -.metal clamps, or
bindings, , which are
Where to ski
Finding a place to ski is
no real problem for area
cross-country en-
thusiasts.
Skiers cans be ac-
comodated at lodges and
resorts in the province
but it doesn't take much
more than snow and open
spaces. And there's
plenty of that in the
Goderich area.
The Maitland Trail can
provide miles of fun for
skiers withthe trail
completed from Goderich
to Auburn.
The Saratoga area is
enjoyed by many skiers
as well as the Maitland
Cemetery just outside
Goderich on Highway 8 or
Point Farms Provincial
Park North of Goderich.
The Sugar bush
campsite south of
Bayfield has both skidoo
and cross-country trails
available to anyone
during the winter. The
Sugar Bush also offers a
°large recreation hall with
fireplace and lounge,
games room and sauna
and showers.
Cross country en-
thusiasts in this area are
not wanting for places .to
ski -all they lack is the
snow.
The movement in-
volved in touring is an
extended walk that
gradually becomes a
sweeping glide.
The free heel allows for
a "kick" that gets the
skis moving. Turning
requires lifting the skis
and quickly side-stepping
in the opposite direction.
of the turn.
Cross-country terrain
is relatively flat and
open. More advanced
trails encompass small
hills and narrow paths.
Touring centers charge
small fees for their more
manicured trails, and
here equipment can be
rented also for a nominal
fee.
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