If you’re looking for a way to stay active in the winter, consider cross-country skiing at one of the many great spots around Portland. It’s low impact, relatively accessible, and a great way to explore the wilderness. Rebecca Jacobson recently published a beginner’s guide to the sport for Portland Monthly, which she discussed on the City Cast Portland podcast.
An Activity for Everyone
Cross-country skiing is much more affordable than other winter sports, and a bit less intense, which makes it a great option for folks of all skill levels, whether you want to go hard or take a leisurely approach.
What to Bring to a Cross-Country Outing
Be sure to bring sunscreen anytime you’re outdoors, regardless of the time of year. And remember that cross-country skiing is an aerobic activity, so wearing layers of clothes that are easy to remove is key. Packing light is also important — the more you carry, the harder it will be to balance on the skis, so bring a small backpack or fanny pack where you can carry sunglasses and some snacks.
The Gear
You’ll of course need cross-country skis, which are longer and narrower than downhill skis, along with poles and boots. The ski bindings and boots need to match, so make sure you grab the right ones. And blisters are no fun, so pack moleskin tape to apply on areas that are prone to irritation.
Rentals
There are shops around Portland that will rent out cross-country skiing equipment at a fairly affordable price — a good idea for first-timers and those who are not fully committed to the sport. There’s Next Adventure (in both Portland and Sandy) and Mountain Shop (in Portland), which hosts the largest fleet of rental equipment.
Plus, rental shops are a good resource for gear recommendations and ski tips.
A pleasant afternoon at Teacup Lake. (City Cast Portland)
Cross-Country Spots Around Portland
Teacup Nordic on Mount Hood
A top destination just about 90 minutes away from the city. There are 24 kilometers of well-groomed trails with something for everyone. They also provide classes and there’s a heated day-use cabin that comes in clutch when you’re ready for a break.
Atkisson Sno-Park in Southwest Washington
There are many cross-country spots across the Columbia River, and one of our favorites is the ski loop at Atkisson, which leads up to the Guler Ice Caves — you’ll need to park your skis to enter the caves.
Meissner Nordic in Central Oregon
Named after cross-country ski pioneer Virginia Meissner, this nonprofit operated sno-park is located near Bend, Oregon, and features 47 kilometers of trails groomed daily and gorgeous views of Broken Top and South Sister mountains.
Bonus: Stumptown Birkebeiner in Portland
One of the “perks” of Portland’s abysmal snow cleanup is the opportunity to ski on city streets. The informal cross-country ski race has been a snow day tradition since 2008 and you might even run into Dylan T. Pickle — the mascot for the Portland Pickles and a very talented skier.
Check out our full conversation with Portland Monthly senior editor Rebecca Jacobson for more cross-country ski tips and her absolute favorite spot to ski.
