Cross Country skiing (officially known as "Nordic, " and colloquially as "XC") differs markedly from its flashier cousin, downhill (or "Alpine") skiing. It is a sport requiring different, though related skills. Balance, endurance and a sense of adventure are really the most important ingredients. There are no long lift lines, little chance of being run over by an errant hot dogger and XC offers an experience which is more slowly measured, hours whiled away at ones own pace. Whether undertaken vigorously or languorously, XC skiing offers a fun and challenging way to stay in shape during those fat-building winter months while communing with nature and wilderness on their own terms.

XC is also the oldest of all the winter sports, the practical value of being able to cross vast frozen wastelands for hunting and seeking shelter being obvious. Evidence of XC has been dated as far back as 5,000 BC (downhill is a relatively recent sibling, only becoming popular in the recent few hundred years). What was once the only way to traverse the frigid nations of Northern Europe (the word "ski" comes from the Norwegian word "skith, meaning either "snowshoe" or "strip of wood") and an important method for soldiers to quickly deploy and fight (thus the Biathlon) is now available for regular folks to enjoy in a safe, instructional yet natural environment.

For ski conditions and other details, visitors may either contact the ski areas directly, or check out www.xcski.org (To safely prepare for this, or any outdoor winter activity, it is recommended that you consult a physician. In addition, there are many fine books available on equipment and techniques associated with XC skiing.)

• Brodie Mountain
• Bucksteep Manor
• Butternut Basin
• Canterbury Farm
• Cranwell Resort
• Kennedy Park
• Notchview Reservation
• Pine Ridge
• Stump Sprouts