Cross country skiing experiences growth in popularity

It's easy to see the appeal of cross country skiing. It's easy ... as long as there's snow, and there is snow this year.

Step out with the right foot, then the left, right, left, right ...

just like walking. Then, for a little variety, skiers can add a little

glide — right foot thrust out, left foot back and slide. And, if and

when they choose, they can stop and lean on the ski poles and enjoy the

quiet — it's almost always quiet — and the surroundings, whether it's

on a snow-covered golf course, a tree-lined mountain trail or an open

meadow with not a single mark in the snow.

Skinny skis can take a person uphill or downhill, along a prepared

track or through backcountry powder. Skiers can go out on a bright day

or overcast day, in shirtsleeve weather or in frigid cold, or out on a

short excursion or a daylong adventure that includes a backcountry

lunch.

All of which, in some way, accounts for the fact that nordic skiing's

popularity is growing, or it would appear so in talking with staff from

some of Utah's nordic centers.

Consensus seems to be that there was an increase last year, despite

poor snow, and an even larger increase this year, due in part to the

good snow, and also the urge to get outdoors and the real affordability

of nordic skiing.

As one track manager said, "Whole families can get into cross country for what it cost for one set of alpine equipment."

Also, along with cost and the short learning curve, some growth is