Cross-Country (X-C) skiing is a form of recreation that offers something for everyone. Whether your interest is in taking a walk in the woods or burning 800+ calories an hour, XC offers something to suit. Downhill skiers already have the basics for Skating (one of the two main X-C skiing styles) and will enjoy the local availability it offers when they can't get to a slope. X-C trail passes and equipment are also very affordable.

LSSC has many accredited X-C instructors and offers free lessons for beginner through intermediate skiers on most trips. Our instructors often find that people have acquired a bad impression of X-C due to an experience with poorly fitted equipment. However, with well fitted rental equipment available at most of the club destinations, and with a little instruction, people quickly develop the confidence and skills they need. Then they are prepared to go out and ski their local forest preserve the next time it snows.

If you're already athletic and looking for something to get you outside in winter, X-C can be a great outlet. If you want to run, or skate on snow (and glide down hills), X-C's the way. While X-C is great for cruising on the flats around Chicago, you can find black diamond or harder trails in most dedicated trail systems.

So come and join us on one of our X-C trips. We offer beginner accessible, two day, self-drive trips, as well as 3+ day bus trips and week long trips to destinations around the US, Canada and Europe.

For questions or comments, contact the LSSC Cross-Country director,

Cross Country News!!

LSSC is putting together a fun season for Cross-country skiing this year! Trips will include several in the Midwest, one in the Western states and a trip to Canada. In addition, there is a cross-country option on the New Year's trip to Jackson Hole, and plans to run the Midwest New Year's trip to Traverse City as a combined downhill/cross-country bus trip!

The South Kettle Moraine Forest (near Whitewater, WI), Holland, Michigan and Minocqua Winter Park trips are back, and are at similar times as last year. South Kettles and Holland are short drives (on your own), less than 3 hours away. Minocqua is a fun bus trip to some of the best skiing in the midwest-over 29 miles of groomed trails!

In the planning stages are January's Western trip and February to Canada, a good balance of snow conditions and the crazy cold weather!

Back will be the local Sno & Go day trips; if there's snow, we go, spending a day skiing and socializing with LSSC friends. Contact me to volunteer to lead a Sno & Go.

Watch the Lifeline and website for great trips! Think snow!

Danielle Kirby , Cross-Country
cross-country.director@lssc.org