Brandon Adams, an instructor/director at Soldier Hollow, said that thus far into the season the skier count is up around 10 percent over last winter's figures.

Here, too, the increase covers a broad range, from single individuals to whole families. Another measuring stick is the fact that the number of beginning lessons has also increased.

"Most of the beginning lessons we are giving are for classical skiing because it's easier to learn. Skating takes a little more experience," he said.

As noted, there are two styles of cross country skiing — classical and skating.

Classical is old-world skiing; skating is new world. Classical involves a parallel sliding motion, identical to walking. Skating is a little more technical and involves a V-shaped stance, widest at the tips, and then pushing off alternating skis in a skating motion. Classical skiing is more relaxing and slower; skating requires more energy and speeds are faster.

Tracks around Utah groom a 16-foot-wide trail designed for both classical and skating. Two parallel grooves to one side of the groomed trail hold skiers in the classical form. Most of the trail is smooth and intended for skaters.

And then there's the backcountry experience. Entire winter areas are open to cross country, from high mountain excursions to mid-elevation tours through the trees. Those headed into the backcountry, however, are urged to get an up-to-date avalanche report.

As far as equipment goes, not much has changed over the past four or five years. Waxless skis are still preferred by the newer skiers since they require no technical skill to prepare. Skiers will find today's boots more comfortable and warmer, and bindings much easier to get into and out of.

As far as attire goes, anything will do, but the suggestion is that skiers layer their clothing so they can remove shells when things warm up and replace layers when things cool down.

There's no reason to stay indoors in the winter not when it's possible to take a stroll in the mountains, on skis, or hit one of the prepared nordic center's and escape into some of the most spectacular country in the world.