XC Skiing in the Neighborhood

Matt couldn't contain his enthusiasm on our first ski outing of the year.  1/4/2025

Matt is pleased as punch right now because of the cold and snow.  This stands in contrast to how most people are feeling about it, I gather.  

Snow on the birdhouse roof.  2/3/2025

Matt is so happy because he is smitten with cross-country skiing.  Last winter we didn't get a lot of snow and Matt was bummed.  January brought us lots of snow this year and the cold is helping it stick around.  Matt has gone skiing twice a day ever since the first snow hit the ground.

A hot cocoa treat for post-skiing.  We got these mugs from Matt's aunt Verna last fall.  They belonged to Matt's grandma.  2/3/2025

When we mention xc skiing, people always ask us where we go.  They seem surprised when we say "around the neighborhood, at the park, on the bike trails."  I think they expect us to go somewhere more exciting or a little less urban, like the trails outside Red Lodge or down at Riverfront Park.  Those are totally lovely places to ski, but Matt couldn't pull it off twice a day!  He needs something right out the front door.  

Skiing in the park after work.  2/5/2025

We have made a few ski tracks around our neighborhood.  We primarily use a nearby city park, but also ski adjacent to our neighborhood's multi-use trails, too.  Heck, I just skied around the block the other day.

My rendering of the xc ski trails we make through our neighborhood park.

Sure, it isn't as scenic as skiing with a backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains, but we can leave our front door and be skiing in seconds with no winter driving involved.  I think it is brilliant.  The ease of incorporating the fresh air, tranquility, and sport dramatically increases our daily winter joy.   I mean, we go for walks in the neighborhood during the warm weather....why not ski around the neighborhood in the snow?!?

My mom made this hat in 1973.  It is warmer than warm.  This photo was taken near the end of our ski adventure and I was so roasty-toasty (in my hat, coat, snow pants, and boots) that I had to take my glasses off because they kept fogging up.  2/3/2025

I miss cycling during the snowy weather.  XC skiing helps me scratch that itch when it is not safe for me to cycle.  No one is happier about all this skiing than Matt though.  It has warmed up to 25 degrees today, but more cold and snow is in the forecast!

Skiing in the park after work.  2/3/2025