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Area state parks have cross country skiing to offer
Published 12:10 p.m., January 26, 2010
Cross country skiers searching for a trail need look no further than right here in Otter Tail County. Glendalough and Maplewood State Parks offer a variety of skiing options.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, cross country skiing is different from downhill skiing in that cross country skiers propel themselves with their poles rather than let the gravity of the hill do the work. While a cross country ski trail often contains hills, most of the trail will be flat.
Many people enjoy the sport for the opportunities it affords skiers to look at the surrounding scenery, as many ski trails are in scenic areas like state parks. Others like it for the workout. According to the Cross Country Ski Areas Association, cross country skiing requires effort from every muscle group.
Cross country skiing is often combined with other sports to create a new activity. There are 25 different events involving cross country skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics, including 10 events in biathlon, a sport that combines cross country skiing with shooting. Battle Lake resident Wynn Roberts was chosen for the 2010 American Olympic biathlon team.
Those new to the cross country skiing might want to stop in at Glendalough, where the seven miles of trails are relatively easy. “It’s a very good place for beginners,” said Jeff Wiersma, park manager for Glendalough.
However, Wiersma wanted to be sure to let people know that even though Glendalough’s trails are easy to navigate, they sure aren’t boring. Skiers are treated to scenic views as they glide right alongside some of Glendalough’s lakes. Wildlife are abundant too. “There’s always lots of deer to see, sometimes trumpeter swans and ... other things that wander through,” said Wiersma.
When the snow is good, the park generally gets a lot of visitors, and skiing isn’t the only thing an adventurous outdoors lover can do on the trails. Snowshoers occasionally visit the trails, and, Wiersma added, “We get some people just looking for a place to hike in the winter too.”
Glendalough even rents out skis and snowshoes, making it easy for first-time skiers to get started. There are two heated buildings open on the trails on weekends, and there are two cabins available to rent for those who wish to do some winter camping.
Glendalough is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. As for when they will close for the year, Wiersma said, “We keep them open as long as the conditions will permit.”
Maplewood is open to beginners too, but there’s something for every skill level on the park’s just over eight miles of trails. Forest marks some areas, while more experienced skiers looking for a thrill might enjoy the wider sections of trail with steep hills.
There’s also a special event coming up at Maplewood: a candlelight ski on Feb. 20 from 5 - 8:30 p.m. “We have about two kilometers (just under a one and one quarter miles] of trail lit by candles,” said Jeff Fjestad. Glendalough is also holding a candlelight ski that day from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., and Wiersma suggested that skiers could attend both events.
Ski passes are $5 for one day and $15 for the whole season. Vehicle passes are $5 for one day and $25 for a year.
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