Late afternoon cross country skiing?

[Doc_d]

I'm going to give cross country skiing a shot this year. I'd really like to be able to get out and do it several times a week. It seems like most of the parks close very early during the winter. Are there any places in S.E. Michigan that are open for corss country skiing to say at least 7 pm during the week ?

[Doc_d]

I just double checked the hours for Indian Springs and Stoney Creek. For some reason I was thinking they closed at 5 or 6 but the website says they are open until 8:00 PM.

That's good news because hopefully that will allow me to get out during the week.

So for my next question, with the sun going down by about 5:30 will I need some type of light to ski or is it bright enough with the snow on the ground?

Thanks!
Doc

[bleve]

Late night XC skiing is one of my favorite activities. If it's not dense woods and there's any ambient light from the moon you should be fine. I would take a headlamp to be safe and this of course depends on your personal preference but I've never needed one. Enjoy.

[yooper_bob]

I've gone night xc skiing and snowshoeing around the Wilderness loop at Holly Rec area a number of times. A simple headlamp was enough to light the way pretty well.
Bob

[TheyCallMeBruce]

You can ski Stoney at night. If you park inside the park, the park security will wait in the parking lot and escort you out. If you park on Shelden and go in the hole in the wall, you can ski all night.
Unfortunately, the park with the best trails, Independence Oaks, closes at 5:30 or 6:00.

[Doc_d]

Thanks for the info guys.

I live just south of Independence Oaks. The terrain out there is awesome. It doesn't seem like it belongs in S.E. Michigan. I wish they'd put a MTB trail in there.

It sucks they close at 5:30 or 6:00 during the week. I wonder if enough skiers expressed an interest if they would at least consider staying open late one night during the week.

Although it would probably be better for my health if I didn't try to ski the Ted Gray loop my first year

I was walking out at Independence Oaks once and a chick was climbing over a fence. She smiled and said, "This is where all the locals come in". I wonder if the part would turn a blind eye to late afternoon skiers as long as they parked outside the park.

[risnewski]

Maybury, Island Lake and Kensington all have after dark hours. Huron Meadows has groomed trails, but seems to me I heard they close up at dusk. Anyone know?

[Mack]

The trail is not groomed all the time, but Bald Mountain North is a nice ski. There is also no
closing time. Yes it would be good for your health, legs, arms, shoulders, neck, etc.. if you
skipped the Ted Gray loop this year. Maybe at the end of the season if you are feeling
confident. That will most likely be your first "oh s h i t" moment when you see the downhill on
that loop.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Thanks for the info guys.

I live just south of Independence Oaks. The terrain out there is awesome. It doesn't seem like it belongs in S.E. Michigan. I wish they'd put a MTB trail in there.

It sucks they close at 5:30 or 6:00 during the week. I wonder if enough skiers expressed an interest if they would at least consider staying open late one night during the week.

Although it would probably be better for my health if I didn't try to ski the Ted Gray loop my first year

I was walking out at Independence Oaks once and a chick was climbing over a fence. She smiled and said, "This is where all the locals come in". I wonder if the part would turn a blind eye to late afternoon skiers as long as they parked outside the park.

I have thought about doing that. Looked on google earth for a convienient spot, looks like you could do it at the southeast end, but not sure if the folks living on that dead end road would welcome it, or call the park rangers.

[DRC]

Doc_d - I hope you are prepared to become addicted to another outdoor activity. XC night skiing is a blast. I would recommend a typical camping head-lamp to take with you on night skis. I have found no need for anything more than that - certainly nothing as powerful as a MTB headlamp is needed. You may not need a lamp in open field type areas but you will most likely need it in the trees and it's generally just a good idea to have with you. I tend to switch mine on and off as I need it.

[Doc_d]

Doc_d - I hope you are prepared to become addicted to another outdoor activity. XC night skiing is a blast. I would recommend a typical camping head-lamp to take with you on night skis. I have found no need for anything more than that - certainly nothing as powerful as a MTB headlamp is needed. You may not need a lamp in open field type areas but you will most likely need it in the trees and it's generally just a good idea to have with you. I tend to switch mine on and off as I need it.

Thanks DRC. I sure hope so. I'm just hoping I can get over my disdain for cold weather. Everyone keeps telling me that I'll only be cold for a few minutes.

Speaking of being warm/cold.... I'll need to get some appropriate clothes. What do you typically wear in S.E. Michigan for cross country skiing? Besides REI, is there anywhere local that has a good selection?

Thanks!
Doc

[denny]

Check out Moosejaw.

[DRC]

Doc_d - I found that I wear really similar clothes to what I would be wearing on a late fall/winter MTB ride. I actually wear MTB pants, Race Face pants to be exact, and a light breathable shell with a couple base layers depending on how cold it is. You will heat up pretty quick so don't dress too warm - breathability & vents are key. I think the best piece of XC ski gear advice I can offer is to buy a head band - as dorky as they make you look - I needed something for my ears but I found that a traditional hat becomes way too warm. A basic REI headband solved all my problems last year. I skied several times last year in single digit temps in nothing more that what I described above and was very comfortable.

The next trick will be figuring out the best way to carry water. My water consumption was on par with what I would drink while biking on a summer day. Last year I went with a hydro-pak but suffered the frozen bit valve on the really cold days. I may try a waist water bottle holder this year. Anyone else have input on the water issue?

[Doc_d]

Thanks guys.... I guess it's time to start shopping so I'll be ready when the trails are.

I'm assuming most people in this area are using waxless skiis? Any concerns with going with a recreational waxless ski like the fischers that are sold at REI or should I be looking at somethin better?

[JohnA]

Blowing the water back into the bag after each drink seems to leave you with only a crunchy bite valve rather than a rock-hard, irrecoverably frozen solid one. The neoprene tube sleeves seem to help at least some, too.