Cross-country ski season is almost upon us
Cross-country ski trails near Chicago may not be foremost in people’s mind right now as many from Chicago experience a collective denial about the imminent return of old man winter. Like it or not it is on its way and the best way to deal with it is to embrace it by looking forward to cross-country skiing. In that spirit here is a quick guide of local cross-country ski trails where it is possible to enjoy the sport and get some exercise.
The City
Unfortunately, there is really no great destination for skiing in the city. Many people take to the bike trails after a snow especially along the lake shore. The golf course along the lake is crisscrossed with ski marks right after every snow. This can be fun, but the problem is there is a paucity of hills in the city and therefore no opportunity to really experience the sport.
There is a program starting in December by the Chicago Park District that is perfect for cabin fever Chicago residents. Every Saturday there will be free cross-country ski rentals at Northerly Island and the admission is free too with an ID starting on December 5. This is a great opportunity to get out and learn a new sport.
The Suburbs
Deer Grove Forest Preserve – Barrington
Tucked away between Lake-Cook road and Route 14 in Barrington is an interesting little forest preserve that is a great place for starters as the course is fairly easy, but a spattering of hills gives enough challenge to make it worthwhile. A six mile trail circles the preserve. The forest is also very pretty and a ton of deer inhabit the preserve and spotting one is always fun.
Moraine Hills State Park – Island Lake
Close to Wauconda off of route 12 is a pretty little state park that is the best place to ski in the Chicago vicinity. Over 10 miles of ski trails, some fun hills, and interesting glacial terrain and scenery make this a great day trip.
Other places on the radar are the Morton Arboretum, Heller nature center in Highland Park, and of course other local forest preserves. In fact Camp Sagawau in Lemont, IL offers seminars, lessons, school group programs, group lessons, skiing opportunities, and rentals. Give them a call at (630) 257-2045 for additional information.
This column will be cross country ski central as soon as the snow falls and before. There will be future columns featuring descriptions of ski trails in Chicago, the suburbs, and all around the Midwest, as well as snow and trail conditions. Stay tuned and please subscribe to my articles at the top if a fan of adventure travel including hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing to name a few.
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Comments
"denial about the imminent return of old man winter" - that would be me - but if you are the type to enjoy winter activities I would imagine that cross-country skiing would be both fun and good excercise.
I don't ski but I am ready for the snow! I may look into snowshoeing - I read "If you can walk, you can go snowshoeing"
Learned to cross country ski at the end of last winter so never had a chance to practice. I'm looking forward to trying it again but not to winter cold and snowy roads.
Patty,
Kentuckians can get away with winter denial. In Chicago we usually cannot although we have had mild winters in the past.
I'm with Patty but if there's going to be snow it's nice to have easily accessible places to get out and enjoy the fresh air.
Useful and informative stuff, once again. *shivers*
Cheers..
Ted- thanks for pointing out ski spots for urban dwellers and suburbanites. I imagine cross country skiing is extra difficult in the "windy city"!
Wonderful winter photo!
I really love snow. I've heard that cross country skiing is really strenuous, so I'm not sure I'm up to it, but I may try one of these winters. I remember going skating along the frozen meandering stream or something, I think in Marquette Park when I was a kid in Chicago. It was unusual for it to be frozen. I wonder where it was. It seems so lovely and outdoorsy.
Hey Ted, do you do any winter camping? I'm looking for a spot to combine camping and skiing/snowshoeing...any suggestions from your travels?
Ashleigh,
I would suggest Kettle Moraine State Park. I have written several articles on it. The 1,100 mile Ice Age Trail goes through both parks. The Ice Age Trail in northern Wisconsin would be another option. It goes through several National Forests up there. The Upper Penninsula in Michigan has the Porcupine Mountains and there are some great places in northern Minnesota too depending on how willing you are to drive.
Thanks Ted. I've been to Kettle Moraine State Park during the summer and I can see how it would work well for a winter trip. Now bring on the snow!!
Ashleigh,
Thanks for reading, and I like your attitude. I agree. I am ready to ski.
Oh yes, let winter arrive!!!!! I can't wait for the ski season! :) Great reporting.
National Forest Lodge in far northern Minnesota is a great xc and snowshoe place if you're looking for a longer getaway. Otherwise, i recommend the Dan Ryan after a foot of snow.
The idea of free ski rentals and park admission is great. The Chicago Parks Department really does a great job. That's more typical of the Midwest and the East Coast, I think. In San Diego, we have an outdoor ice rink that is set up downtown as a commercial venture, but no nearby cross country skiing of which I known. I haven't been on skis in a long time. I learned to ski when living in Switzerland at Zermatt, so everything has literally been down hill from there. My first skis were called Cliff Taylor Shortie Skis, about 5 feet long. I eventually met his daughter, Louise Taylor, who is a wonderful singer songwriter. Small world! Thanks for jogging my memory with your great stories.
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