At winter’s first showing in Sheridan, snow coaxes kids outside for long days of sledding and snowball fights. However, as the winter months drag on, snow quickly loses its appeal, replaced for long days on the couch watching movies and playing video games. If your child has become resistant to enjoying the wintertime weather that Sheridan has to offer, it may be time to switch up your tactics. In particular, round up the kids and start a new wintertime family hobby; cross country skiing.
Benefits of Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is an ideal hobby for families during Sheridan winters. It’s easy for most ages, can be done nearly anywhere and includes affordable gear costs. Whether skiing the groomed trails near Sheridan or creating your own skiing paths, this pastime bring your family together while keeping you active.
While cross country skiing, you determine how easy or difficult you want the adventure to be. By sticking to the flatlands, you’ll maintain a leisurely pace, taking in great scenery along the way. Flatter landscapes are also ideal for youngsters who are just learning to ski. Larger hills offer increased difficulty for those who have skied a few times and are ready to take on new challenges.
Lastly, cross country skiing can set the stage for a child’s future success in downhill skiing. By beginning with cross country courses, youngsters are offered a starting point to learn how to navigate with skis and poles. By starting in this manner, your child will likely have more confidence when switching to downhill skis.
Getting Started
To get started in cross country skiing, the proper gear will be needed for each family member. Since your children’s feet are likely still growing, it may be more beneficial and affordable to purchase used skis for them. Ensure that a proper ski boot fit is found for each skier as well as the proper length of ski to maximize skiing success.
Ski poles are another cross country skiing essential and must be purchased in the proper height for each family member. Other gear to consider purchasing includes water-resistant gloves, ski pants and a layered winter coat. Water-resistant gloves withstand multiple new skier mishaps in the snow while a layered winter coat provides varying layers of warmth needed as your body temperature rises.
After the necessary gear is purchased, you can then test the trails. Since maintained trails offer easier going for new skiers, consider starting out on the local Cutler Ski Trails or Sibley Lake Ski Trails. The Sibley Lake system offers about 15 miles of groomed trails while Cutler trails feature three miles of pet-friendly, packed loops.
Tips and Ideas
Sparking your child’s interest in a new family hobby can take time. However, several tactics are available to get them excited about cross country skiing sooner. First, consider joining a local cross country ski club. The Black Mountain Nordic Club in Sheridan offers low membership dues and provides periodic opportunities to interact with other skiing enthusiasts of all ages. This is a great way for your child to meet new friends and to extend your support of local organizations.
While many don’t like to admit it, most children love nothing more than spending quality time with their parents. Bring your family closer this winter by making each cross country skiing excursion an adventure where you try new things. From testing new trails to packing a picnic lunch to enjoy in the backdrop of the Big Horns, cross country skiing offers ample opportunities to spend more time with your children.
Sheridan brings wintertime conditions that are ideal for outdoor adventures. If your family has grown accustomed to what this region offers, it’s time to start some new traditions. By learning to cross country ski as a family, you’ll develop stronger connections with your loved ones and will capitalize on the wintertime adventures that Sheridan offers.
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Image Courtesy of Tomoyoshi Noguchi
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