I have discovered my new winter sport, cross country skiing! While many enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding down a sleek, snow-covered mountain, I tend to shy away from this kind of activity, especially as I grow older. First of all, I do not like the cold weather. As an Asian girl growing up on an island, I feel like I am not genetically wired to be outdoors during the winter season. Secondly, I am not a person who enjoys an adrenaline rush from speeding downhill. Thirdly, I have heard about too many traumatic injuries that have occurred on the icy slopes, which naturally instills a little fear inside of me. However, I am one to always keep an open mind and decided to take a trip with my family to Mammoth last month.
During our trip, my boys enjoyed skiing and snowboarding while I took a lesson on how to cross country ski. Bundled up in a warm hat and Merino wool clothes, I reluctantly went for the activity. Boy, what an experience it was! After the workout I felt spiritually uplifted, mentally recharged and physically more fit. I highly recommend cross country skiing. This winter sport is an excellent aerobic workout because you use every single muscle in your body, yet not a single muscle group is ever over-stressed. Because of this you can perform the activity over a long period of time. In Mammoth, I cross-country skied for three hours straight, burning close to 2,000 calories (maybe more) and I still felt energized afterwards!! I also love that this sport promoted a sense of spiritual and mental well-being for me. When you ski cross country you are moving at a slower pace and have more opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery. My husband and I were also able to enjoy conversation with one another as we skied into the woods. It felt so peaceful being at one with nature alongside the company of my husband; I feel even more connected to him after this experience.
Next time you and your loved ones head to the mountain for a winter trip, consider cross country skiing. If you are new to the activity I recommend taking a lesson like I did. You can also try snowshoeing instead if you are afraid of falling. Snowshoeing is like hiking in the snow. You wear special glides, which allow you to walk more freely through the snow as you explore the beauty of the white covered mountains.
Happy Winter!
