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When I first heard of cross country skiing, I was just a kid. I thought that it literally meant to ski across the country. When I found out that it just meant skiing across flatland, I was thoroughly disappointed. However, cross country skiing does not disappoint environmentally and it's is really good exercise. Like snowshoeing, it is much better for the planet than skiing downhill. Still, anything that can be done can probably be done greener. Here are some tips.
- Rent Skis
If you are not an avid skier or have never skied cross country, you may want to think about renting skis before you buy them. If you hate the sport, you don't want to be stuck with equipment that you'll never use. The environment pays a higher price for your disliked skis. New skis will have to be created to replace your old skis and they will need to be inventoried, shipped, marketed etc. If you love the sport and end up buying skis, you probably won't be out more than 20 bucks for ski rental. - Obtain Eco-Friendly Skis
Liberty Skis is a ski company that has been wind powered since 2006. They also use rapidly renewable bamboo in their skis. Old growth forests can take a sigh of relief. Buying used skis is another way to cut down on your skis environmental impact. - Green Ski Wax
Waxing your skis is an important part of keeping your skis in good shape. Purl Wax, for example, is an eco-friendly way to grease your gear. It's biodegradable, and it doesn't off gas while in your home. - Ski Local
The reason why cross country skiing is considered so green in comparison with downhill skiing is because cross country requires fewer materials. It's just you, your skis and the country to cross. Downhill skiing involves ski lifts and travel and artificial snow. Skiing local on real snow is about as green as it gets.
More On Winter Activities:
The 10 Best and Worst Ski Destinations for the Eco-Conscious Skier
Take a Dog Sled Tour
6 Green Must-Haves for Winter Outdoor Gear
