Come along to go XC skiing with my dog
This winter, I’ve been continuing to practice XC skiing! My dog, Cooper, usually gets to come along with me. My skills are still… not great. But I’ve noticed improvements every time I go!
I started XC skiing technically when we lived here in the Keweenaw last about 7 years ago. That’s also when I bought my pair of nordic skiis and boots, found at the local ski gear swap for a grand total of $20. They might be a little beat up, but they’ve been perfect for me as I continue to learn.
First, we get dressed
I’ve actually had a hard time dressing properly for XC skiing. So far, I usually end up overdressing by a lot and sweating through my layers. This could be a problem if I was doing a lot longer distances, where I’d be spending time outside for hours.
We arrive at the trail
Lately, I’ve been visiting the beginner-friendly trails at Maasto Hiihto. There’s a few loops to choose from that offer limited downhill—perfect for someone who’s afraid of gaining too much speed. The same goes for uphill climbs on slippery skills, definitely a skill I’m still perfecting.
Sometimes, though, winter storms make the roads too dicey, or completely block in parking lots. In cases like those, the plows are too busy to come by the house for a few hours and we can enjoy a quick ski down the quiet neighborhood road.
Time for Cooper to gear up
For Cooper, running through the deep, powdery snow can be difficult—even with his long and lanky legs. To help him out, we gear him up with his very own snow pants/boots combo.
They makes him look a little bit silly and it’s a pain to get on, but it really does help him stay comfortable for longer. Before, he’d get icy snowballs collecting on his fine fur and paws within the first 15 minutes. Now, we can go for 45 minutes to an hour!
How long Cooper can stay is very dependent on the temperature, though. Lately, we’ve been lucky to enjoy 20-30 F days, rather than subzero temps that would keep him at home on the couch.
Lap 1, 2, and 3…. and sometimes 4
The great thing about the Maasto Hiihto trail system is that it’s sort of a “build your own adventure.” Different routes connect and you can decide your own mileage by wherever you choose to loop back. Since I’m still getting my ski legs together (please enjoy my sea legs joke) I often do the easiest loop over and over again. Since I know what’s coming up, I remember what turns require slowing down and when the big hill is coming up, requiring a little extra speed and momentum.
Cooper dislikes doing the same laps over again. I think it’s because he already sniffed these smells, and he’s ready to move on and sniff something new. Regardless, he’s happy to be outside and behaves off leash here rather well.
Think about spring, enjoy while you can
While I love the snow—that’s generally a prerequisite to live here—I can admit that as March approaches, it’s starting to get old. It’s especially tough when Spring reaches family and friends downstate weeks earlier than in the Keweenaw. While they’re beginning to plan starting seeds and transitioning to raincoats, I’m holding out for the strong possibility of a May snowstorm.
When I feel a little jealous, I’ll listen to “The Waters of March.” It reminds me that there’s beauty to be found even during the shoulder seasons. Even if that beauty is mostly in the possibilities of all the fun things that are yet to come.
It’s the mud, it’s the mud!
