When one thinks of skiing, one usually imagines the fast-paced, downhill version with skiers weaving their way down the slopes. While fun to watch, it may not be for everyone. For those who aren’t ready for the gravity-driven sport of downhill skiing, but want to get outside this winter, there is a compromise: cross-country skiing.

This human-powered sport is ideal for those who enjoy the great outdoors—and you don’t have to travel to New York to get to some prime skiing locations. Because cross-country skiing doesn’t require hills, it can be done on almost any snow-covered location, and many local parks embrace the sport and invite amateurs and experts alike to enjoy their trails and get some exercise.

From children to seniors, sports specialist Jason Gregg of Geiger’s Ski & Sport Haus says this is an activity for the entire family. “It’s one of those rare sports that can encompass everyone,” he says.

For a fairly low cost, around $200, beginners can purchase the necessary skis, bindings, shoes and poles necessary to start their cross-country winter season. However, Gregg says, it would be beneficial for amateurs to first try renting their equipment, which costs under $20.

A proper fit and size is important when selecting the right skis. Gregg suggests teaming up with a sales associate or seasoned veteran to make sure your day on the trails isn’t hindered by your equipment. Many types of cross-country skis are available—racing, skating, backcountry—but for a beginner, a basic touring ski is sufficient and is recommended for those who are just looking to ski on courses or at local resorts.

With equipment out of the way, Gregg says it’s just a matter of getting the hang of the skis, and a brief instructional session is highly recommended. “The average person can learn how to cross-country ski from a pamphlet in a day,” he says, “but a good instructor can have you on your way in 15 minutes.”

With an instructor on hand, beginners can quickly locate their problem areas instead of struggling. “The average person is relying on how the skis are reacting and doesn’t know proper stance and technique,” Gregg says.

Not only is cross-country skiing a breeze to learn, it also incorporates the entire body in an aerobic workout.

“It’s a great sport that gets you outside during the winter,” Gregg says. “Cross-country skiing is a terrific substitute for biking and jogging, and it’s easy and inexpensive to get into the sport.”

And, of course, the major upside of cross country over downhill skiing: fewer injuries. “The first hour or so you might fall a little bit, but it’s all part of the fun,” Gregg says, but adds these slips are rarely serious.

“You hear of very few cross-country ski accidents.”

Common-sense Tips for XC Skiers

? Do a thorough check of equipment before heading out on the trail. Cracks or other faults could weaken skis, boots and poles.
? Don’t ski out of your skill level. Know your limits.
? Stay to the right when skiing, and pass cautiously.
? Keep your poles close to your body to avoid hitting other skiers and hikers.
? Downhill skiers always have the right- of-way.
? When stopping, step off the trail. Obey all park rules and trail markings.
Source: Cleveland Metroparks

Cross-country Ski Destinations

The beauty of cross-country skiing is the multitude of locations available to try out.

This guide should only serve as a starting point for your list of ski destinations—the possibilities are endless!

Geauga Park District
Though the trails aren’t specifically groomed for skiing, the views in the various parks alone make these a must for any cross-country skier who enjoys picturesque landscapes.

Beartown Lakes Reservation
18870 Quinn Road
Auburn and Bainbridge Townships
The highlight of this 149-acre park is the mature beech-maple forest that covers about 70 acres. Three trails are available for skiing, each taking visitors through a different natural habitat.

Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve
11620 Ravenna Road
Munson Township
Skiers can choose from two trails that border a manmade, 30-acre lake created by Walter C. Best, founder of the Best Sand Corporation. More than 100 types of birds have been spotted at the preserve, so visitors should keep their eyes open while skiing the trails.

Big Creek Park
9160 Robinson Road
Chardon Township
More than a dozen networked trail loops make up this park, three of which are designated for cross-country skiers.

Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
15681 Old Rider Road
Burton Township
This protected area features the scenic Kettle Trail, where skiers can observe native pine, oak, beech and maple trees, a beaver pond, and other wetland wildlife.

Headwaters Park
13365 Old State Road (Route 608)
Claridon and Huntsburg Townships
Originally utilized by the City of Akron as a reservoir, Headwaters Park is now a popular site for birdwatching, hiking, fishing and cross-country skiing.

Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park
7940 Cedar Road
Chester Township
Dedicated by James Metzenbaum to his departed wife Bessie, this 65-acre park attracts beavers, birds and other wildlife. It includes three trails, all of which are available to skiers.

Eldon Russell Park
16315 Rapids Road
Troy Township
With humble beginnings as an onion farming project, this 132-acre park on the upper Cuyahoga River has a nature trail where skiers can visit many of the park’s natural habitats, though some may be inaccessible during the winter.

Swine Creek Reservation
16004 Hayes Road
Middlefield Township
Due to its proximity to Amish farms, walnut, sycamore and cottonwood trees, sugar bush and a wide variety of aquatic and avian wildlife, Swine Creek Reservation is a popular destination for skiers. The Gray Fox, Meadowlark, Siltstone and Sugarbush trails are level and perfect for cross-country skiing.

The Rookery
10110 Cedar Road
Munson Township
Named after its large populations of nesting heron, and resting on a glacial lakebed, this beautiful preserve has 1.5 miles of skiable trail and a rentable lodge for large groups of skiers.

The West Woods
9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87)
Russell and Newbury Townships
This massive park features many natural points of interest, including sandstone ledges and Ansel’s Cave, which sheltered Civil War soldiers, runaway slaves and Prohibition-era bootleggers. All five miles of trail are available for skiing.

Whitlam Woods
12500 Pearl Road
Hambden Township
With its hemlock trees and grapevines, plus deer, turkey and fox populations, this park has a handful of trails that vary in length and difficulty for skiers to explore.

Cleveland Metroparks
All trails are open for cross-country skiers, though they are reminded to yield to pedestrians. Various golf courses are also open for skiing if there is at least a four-inch base of snow.

Bedford Reservation
Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood, Valley View and Walton Hills
The challenging terrain of this reservation is eclipsed by its beauty. Flowing through the area is Tinkers Creek, and the gorge at Bedford Reservation has been declared a National Natural Landmark. The Shawnee Hills golf course is also open for skiing.

Big Creek Reservation
Brooklyn, Parma, Parma Heights, Middleburg Heights and Strongsville
One of the most active wildlife corridors in Cuyahoga County, Big Creek Reservation offers park-goers a selection of trails, one of which circles waterfowl refuge Lake Issac. Surrounding the lake is an abundance of deer, fox, mink and other wildlife.

Brecksville Reservation
Brecksville
A noteworthy feature of this reservation is that it’s cut by seven distinct gorges that foster the growth of unusual and endangered plants. It offers 10 trails, including a portion of the Buckeye Trail.

Euclid Reservation
Euclid, South Euclid and Richmond Heights
Named for Euclid Creek, which runs straight through the reservation, the southern section of the reservation is the location of a ghost town, Bluestone. What remains of the town can be seen near the Quarry Picnic Area.

Garfield Park Reservation
Garfield Heights
A handful of short trails make their way through meadows, valleys and deep woodlands that support an assortment of songbirds throughout the year.

Hinckley Reservation
Hinckley Township
Known best as the site of the annual return of the buzzards, a large portion of the reservation is Hinckley Lake, where ice fishermen and ice skaters can be found in the winter. Hinckley offers many manageable trails for skiers, including Wordens Ledges Look Trail, which takes skiers through moss- and fern-covered ledges to view carvings made by Noble Stuart in the 1940s.

Mill Stream Run Reservation
Berea, Middleberg Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville
This reservation has a long history, with artifacts found that show Native American activity on this land nearly 8,000 years ago. American settlers also came in the 19th century to take advantage of water power from the Rocky River.
Trails take visitors through some settlement remnants and through woodland habitats and deciduous forest. Another feature of this park in winter months is its toboggan chutes.

North Chagrin Reservation
Mayfield Village, Willoughby Hills and Gates Mills
With more than a dozen trails to choose from, skiers will glide through a combination of recreation areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Taking the Castle Valley Trail allows visitors to see Squires Castle, a turn-of-the-century estate.

Ohio & Erie Canal
Cuyahoga Heights and Valley View
As the name suggests, this reservation follows a portion of the Ohio and Erie Canal. With a handful of shorter trails, skiers can visit observation decks and viewing areas to catch glimpses of the wildlife that inhabits the bottomland forest.

Rocky River Reservation
Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township and Rocky River
Rocky River Reservation is divided into two parts, north and south. The environment is heavily influenced by the Rocky River, which brings with it the beautiful and deep floodplain forests, shale cliffs and meadows. Expect to see
some Ohio mammals year-round, such as white-tailed deer.

South Chagrin Reservation
Bentleyville, Solon and Moreland Hills
Known for its beautiful fall colors, skiers can see the numerous hemlock, white oak, red oak and shagbark trees on their winter escapades. On the southeast side, the Chagrin River, designated a Scenic River in 1979, flows through the difficult Squaw Rock trail. On this trail, visitors are offered a look at some of Henry Church’s 1885 rock carvings.

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Do you have someone on your holiday list who loves to ride their bicycle? Or perhaps it’s someone who wishes they had a new bike to ride? Whether it’s a person new to bicycling or an experienced rider, the 32-person staff from Century Cycles’ stores in Medina, Peninsula, and Rocky River has brainstormed and compiled a list of their top 10 favorite bicycling gifts for under the tree this year:

Retro Wool Jerseys
($89.99 to $149.99)
When owner Scott Cowan and his staff went to Las Vegas for Interbike, the national bicycling industry convention, this is the product they came home stoked about. A cold weather cycling essential, the retro wool jersey will keep you warm and make you look cool. And don’t worry about the itch—soft polyester that transfers moisture is next to the skin, while a special wool fabric blend on the outside keeps you warm and comfortable. Swagger is optional.

Front and Rear Light Combo
($29.99 to $34.99)
This is the gift of safety, especially essential if your loved one is commuting to work or plans on doing some night riding. The Blackburn Quadrant Mars 3.0 ($29.99) features super-bright white LEDs on the front light, a highly visible red rear light, long run times, and is water resistant. Batteries – and peace of mind – are included.

Bicycle Maintenance Gift Basket
($19.95 to $219.95)
A “must” gift for the person who rides regularly or the “do-it-yourself” cyclist. This basket can be modest – perhaps a repair manual ($19.95), a bike cleaning kit ($26.99 to $34.99), and a gift certificate for a maintenance class at one of Century Cycles’ stores ($15 to $100 per class, depending on the level). Or, if your recipient has been really good this year, consider including a repair stand ($99.99 to $219.99).

Cycle Computer/Speedometer
($29.99 to $49.99)
Cycle computers/speedometers are great for training. Use one to track speed (current, maximum, and average), your
trip distance, and to bench-mark your abilities. Century Cycles’ staff favorite of the moment is the Enduro 8 ($34.99)
from CatEye, the world’s leading maker of cycle computers. Featuring easy-to-read numbers, the Enduro 8 also has heavy-duty wiring to make it “the most reliable cycle computer we’ve ever seen.”

The Gift Card
(starting at $5)
It may be ubiquitous, it may be a little unsentimental, but it just may be the best way to get your favorite cyclists exactly what they want. If you’re stumped on whether your brother would like a regular or wireless cycling computer – or if you don’t know what size glove he wears – then this is definitely the way to go.

Chamois Butt’r
($7.99 to $14.99)
The perfect stocking stuffer to show you really care about your loved one’s (ahem) back end. Chamois Butt’r was designed by a cyclist as a non-greasy skin lubricant (and a conditioner for synthetic or leather chamois). Chamois Butt’r improves riding comfort immediately by lubricating skin, plus it will soothe and soften already chafed or irritated skin. The 8-ounce tube is $14.99, but you can also get small “to go” packets for long rides.

Gloves and Socks
($3.99 to $64.99)
Small enough for a Christmas stocking, but big on comfort for key pressure points –the hands and feet – when cycling. Cycling socks combine fun with function, featuring colorful designs that fit every personality.

Indoor Bicycle Trainer
($159.99 to $299.99)
It’s a fact. Winter can be long in Cleveland – and feel even longer. An indoor bicycle trainer is a terrific way to stay in shape, giving you a great cardio workout indoors while simulating the outdoor riding experience. You can also use your own bike (with the fit and feel you already love) and not have to invest in an exercise bike.

Floor Pump
($29.99 to $49.99)
“Bicycle tires should be properly inflated before every ride, especially if you ride less than once a week,” advises Cowan. The easiest way to keep your bike rolling at full inflation is with a floor pump. Keep it in your garage and your bike will be ready to go anytime you are. The new pumps from Serfas feature ergonomic handles, stable bases, and easy-to-read gauges.

The No-Brainer: A Bicycle
(starting at $99.99)
“A bike under the Christmas tree is one of the best and most classic gifts ever,” says Cowan. Maybe it’s your child’s first bicycle or the bike of your husband’s dreams. Maybe it’s the mountain bike or BMX bike your teenager has been mentioning every night at dinner since July. Or maybe it’s the retro three-speed that will make your mother-in-law finally forget your best friend’s drunken toast at your wedding 10 years ago. And what about you? If you’ve been riding something you got for Christmas 20 years ago, why not buy a new bicycle as a gift to yourself? Things have changed a lot in bicycles since 1986. “Comfort is king today. Manufacturers now make bikes that truly fit people of all shapes and sizes and for every need,” says Cowan. “The key is to go to a local shop that can help size you, determine your needs, build your new bike properly, and make sure you have the essential accessories to have the most fun and stay safe.

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Thinking about a ski vacation this winter? With a little planning and research, plus a realistic budget, making your winter ski dreams a reality can be easy and fun. Let this article guide you to some of the hottest ski spots in the country.

The Rocky Mountains and Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border offer some of the best skiing in the world. And nothing is better than Colorado skiing in March, when the sky is often deep blue, and temperatures are in the 60s on many days. Go to Salt Lake City, Utah in January or February and experience a foot of light, new powder at Snowbird or Alta. Lake Tahoe offers a different type of skiing with 14 world-class resorts from which to choose, and the view of Lake Tahoe with its clear blue water is spectacular. The choice of ski resorts in the West is almost infinite, and each has its own charm.

Colorado Dreaming
Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Telluride – these are names known around the world. Aspen and Vail have the biggest areas and offer plenty of variety to suit all skiing abilities. The western half of Colorado has many more resorts:Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Loveland, Winter Park, Steamboat Springs and Crested Butte. Whatever your taste, Colorado has a resort for you, from the small-town atmosphere of Crested Butte or Steamboat Springs to the more cosmopolitan Aspen or Vail.

Understanding Utah
Located just west of Colorado, the Salt Lake City area of Utah offers a completely different experience. Within just 40 minutes of the Salt Lake City airport, skiers have easy access to seven unique resorts. For those who crave deep powder, Alta and Snowbird are the places to go. Deer Valley is the epitome of luxury, while Park City offers easy access to its lifts right from town. Lesser known Brighton, Solitude, and the Canyons offer family-friendly programs. Families can stay in Salt Lake City for just $40 a night and ski at a new resort every day. Don’t forget to take a day off ski- ing and explore beautiful Salt Lake City.

Lake Tahoe, California
With the largest number of resorts concentrated in the smallest area, the hallmark of California skiing is variety, from large bowls to quiet forests. The Sierras have more snow than any other part of the country, and accumulations of two to four feet in just one night are not uncommon. If you’re a skier who also enjoys nightlife and gambling, stay on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Nothing beats the view of Lake Tahoe as you ski down the slopes of Heavenly Resort. A note of caution – sometimes the snow at Lake Tahoe can be heavy, and the slopes can get very crowded, especially during school breaks.

Big Sky Skiing
Montana skiing is an unforgettable experience with 16 incredible resorts from which to choose. The two biggest and best known are Big Sky and Moonlight, located side by side, just an hour’s drive from Bozeman. Hate to wait in line? Good news – lift lines during Christmas and spring breaks are a rarity. Besides that, snow conditions are almost always excellent. Because it’s farther north, Montana affords a longer and more reliable ski season from November into early April. Many experienced ski buffs swear that once you’ve discovered Montana, you’ll never want to ski anywhere else. The view of Lone Peak from Big Sky or Moonlight is absolutely stunning.

Private Idaho
Idaho has 18 ski resorts throughout the state, but one stands out above all others – Sun Valley, located near Boise. Founded in the 1930s by Averell Harriman, a former governor of New York State and chairman of the board of directors for Union Pacific, it is still one of the most glamorous resorts in the Rockies. If you like to ski with the stars, you might be lucky enough to share a run with Clint Eastwood or Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sun Valley was a favorite destination for the likes of Clarke Gable, Errol Flynn and many other celebrities. It has two mountains, one affectionately called “Baldy” for intermediate and expert skiers/snowboarders and Dollar Mountain for those with little or no experience. The best skiing at Sun Valley is from December through early March. Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole in Wyoming are also ski resorts to keep in mind.

How to Plan Your Western Ski Vacation

If you are planning your first ski trip to the west or even if you are an old-timer, using a travel agency that specializes in ski vacations is probably the best avenue. A reputable agency can offer complete packages, including airfare, lodging, transportation vouchers, lift tickets, and rental equipment.

Package deals can help make your vacation worry-free and more fun. Children under age 12 usually ski for free. Keep in mind that most packages do not include the cost of ski school, which varies from one resort to another.

As you make final plans for your ski trip, buy all your warm clothing, including a warm ski parka and pants, ski hat, long underwear, shirts and ski mittens, ahead of time. Check your boots to make sure they are still comfortable, and look over your skis or snowboard to check their condition. If you don’t own your own equipment or are looking for
something new, let your travel agency arrange for a ski/snowboard rental in advance. Last of all, don’t forget your bathing suit, so that you can enjoy the warm pool and hot tub after a long day on the slopes.

Estimated Costs for a Family of Four

The following estimates include prices for two adults and two children under age 12. Packages include airfare to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, six nights of lodging, lift tickets for five days of skiing, and ground transfers to and from the ski resort. Children under age 12 normally ski for free. Car and ski rentals are not included. Packages are based on staying at a one- or two-bedroom condo. Hotels are generally cheaper.

1. Crested Butte, Colorado - $4,200
2. Snow Mass (Aspen), Colorado - $4,500
3. Breckenridge, Colorado - $4,600
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming - $4,600
5. Big Sky, Montana - $5,000 (Prices are higher, because airfare is more expensive.)
6. Lake Tahoe, California - $4,800 (Includes interchangeable ticket at several resorts.)
7. Vail, Colorado - $5,200
8. Utah (Park City) - $5,000

*Prices vary according to number of days, quality of accommodations, airfare, and the popularity of the particular ski resort. For those who make all their reservations online, cheaper deals may be available.

Super Ski Web Sites

www.jacksonholewy.com
www.bigskyresort.com
www.grandtarghee.com
www.tahoebest.com
www.discovercolorado.com

Susan Brachna is an avid skier and freelance writer living in Northeast Ohio.

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I know better than to talk politics at a dinner party. Some of my friends are diehard Republicans, others are true- blue Dems. We have completely different views on Iraq, taxes and the minimum wage. We also could spend hours debating the merits and pitfalls of bringing gambling to Cleveland. None of that matters now. The elections are over, and we’ve had our say.

What matters now is the other taboo topic I dare not raise again at a dinner party. A few weeks ago, during a pleasant evening at Blue Canyon in Twinsburg, someone at our table of 10 just had to bring it up: Who’s the best athlete? OK, let’s make it more dramatic: Who’s the greatest athlete of all time? If you want to raise the blood pressure of the sports fanatics in your life, just introduce this sensitive subject and see what happens.

Among our group, some advocated passionately for Tiger Woods. Tiger’s great, but here’s where it can get philosophical and prickly. Is golf even a sport? How hard is it to walk a course and swing a club, especially with a caddy hauling your tools? Yes, it takes an incredible amount of skill to do it well, but it’s not like the best golfers are in tip-top shape. Tiger is, no doubt, and that’s likely part of his magic.

Yet that doesn’t mean golf is a “sport” rather than an “activity.” Same goes for bowling and archery. Another point – shouldn’t the greatest athlete of all time be judged over a lifetime? Tiger’s still very young, and hopefully his game won’t fall into a slump.

The topic of longevity in sports brings up many other questions. Sports like gymnastics and ice-skating favor very young and agile bodies. Because of that, careers often end in an athlete’s teens or early 20s. Should that count out athletes like Mary Lou Retton or Michelle Kwan?

Another sport to consider is tennis, with many top competitors retiring in their 20s or early 30s. Andre Agassi at 36 is a true tennis legend, saying goodbye to the game at this year’s U.S. Open after a 20-year pro career. Maybe he’s the greatest?

Or how about Cal Ripken Jr., considered baseball’s “Iron Man” due to playing 2,632 consecutive games spanning 16 seasons with the up-and-down Baltimore Orioles. Then there are the great track athletes and cyclists, some whose athletic endeavors have been tainted with questions of steroid use or other sport-enhancing drugs. I haven’t even touched on football, basketball, boxing or a number of other sports that could all hold up their top achievers as the greatest athlete of all time.

If your holiday get-togethers need a con- versation starter, just bring up this topic and let the sparks fly. If you have a good story or heated opinion, we’d love to share it in our new “Fit to Print” section of reader feedback letters. Happy Holidays.

-Frances Richards

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Cleveland Metroparks to Add Trails
Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners recently announced that they have amended an existing 99-year lease with The Illuminating Co., an electric utility operating company of Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp., to include an additional 33.5 acres of land adjacent to Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights. The property features two small ponds, forested hillside and restored fill areas.

The park board also announced a cooperative initiative with the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) to provide
approximately 5 miles of mountain bike trails on the newly donated property in the reservation. Mike Farley, CAMBA founder and advocacy director, says, “The first phase of trail construction will be the Learning Loop, a short section of trail that will teach beginners critical mountain biking skills, followed by two additional sections of single-track trail for a total of approximately 4 miles. These trails will be constructed by volunteer crews trained in sustainable trail building techniques promoted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.”

The estimated date for completion of two portions of the trail, including the Learning Loop, is May 15. When completed, these trails will be available for public use. The last trail section is targeted for construction during winter 2007-08 and is projected to open in May 2008. The park board emphasized that the newly donated land is the only area in Cleveland Metroparks where mountain bike activity is permitted.

Yoga Studio Finds New Home Sweet ‘Om’
In mid-December, Evolution Yoga will open inside the Atrium Shops at Eton Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere, relocating from their former home in Beachwood. The yoga studio offers an assortment of workshops, teacher trainings and a boutique for everything yoga.

Owner Sandy Gross says, “I’m thrilled about our new home. Bringing the practice of yoga even more into the forefront in
Cleveland really excites me. This practice has enriched my life in so many ways, and my body has never felt healthier.”

Evolution Yoga offers a variety of classes, from Vinyasa Flow style, the most popular form of yoga today, to Sculpting and Power Yoga, Yoga 101, Mellow Flow, restorative, prenatal, kid’s yoga, meditation and Bikram’s “hot” yoga. For more information, visit www.evoyoga.com.

Local Bike Shops Named Among Nation’s Best
Century Cycles in Rocky River, Bike Authority in Broadview Heights and Eddy’s Bike Shop in Stow are listed among the Top 100 Best Bicycle Retailers in the nation, according to a survey done by Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, a top industry trade magazine. Marc Sani, the magazine’s publisher, said a balanced panel of leading industry manufacturers selected the stores on the list. Bicycle retailers from across the country were rated on such factors as market share, community outreach and store appearance, he explained. A complete list can be found at www.bicycleretailer.com.

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