How to Choose Clothing for XC Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Winter Hiking

Рет қаралды 9,365

Күн бұрын

This video is not a gear review. In this video I don't give specific recommendations about brands, models, styles, or types of clothing you should wear on your next winter adventure. You're definitely not going to find me talking about the latest and greatest cross-country ski clothes in this video either.
We all come from different backgrounds, have different access to different resources, behave differently in variable conditions, have different abilities and skillsets, and are shaped differently. This is why I'm way more interested in universal principles, broad concepts, and adaptable game plans rather than the minute details of products.
So, in this video I present to you my approach to choosing clothing for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. You can then adopt and modify this process to accommodate your specific needs.
I was running Fischer Spider 62mm skis with NNN bindings and a pair of Fischer touring boots at a small, local groomed xc ski area. Those Spider 62s fit in the tracks nicely.
• / jaredmanninen (monthly contributions of $3, $6, $9, $39, or $99)
• www.paypal.com/paypalme/Jared... (option for making a single, one-time monetary contribution)
• venmo.com/u/TahoeTrailGuide (option for making a single, one-time monetary contribution)
• JaredManninen.RedBubble.com (merchandise account featuring my outdoor-related imagery)
Please note that I produced my series of articles and videos tagged “Cross-Country Skiing Explained” with the beginner or intermediate cross-country skier in mind. Therefore, I don’t intend to address racing-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection.
Classic Cross-Country Ski Components:
Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 2)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
The Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 3)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Types of Bindings for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 4)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Ski Boots for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 5)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles (Part 6)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis (for beginner and intermediate xc skiers):
Introduction to Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...
Step-by-Step Waxing Tutorial
tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...
FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Considerations for buying cross-country ski gear (new and beginner xc skiers):
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2)
tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...
I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.
Please note that, although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.
Copyright © 2021 Jared Manninen
For more information, visit…
TahoeTrailGuide.com

Пікірлер: 50

@duanetschmidt 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. It looks like your camera skills are getting better. I cross country skied in NW Montana a lot - mostly 3-6 hour jaunts on rolling terrain. Many weather extremes like Tahoe, but average temps were cooler with more cloudy weather. I used a three layer system on top and a two layer system on bottom. 1. Base Layer upper torso: a thin layer long sleeve synthetic or light wool - regularly used and always packed. 2. Middle Layer upper torso: Pullover Patagonia synchilla snap t fleece - most used layer and most versatile piece of clothing I have ever owned. Regularly worn directly against the skin. 3. Top Layer upper torso: A shell jacket for severe conditions - seldom used. Regularly packed. 1. Pants Bottom layer: Thin base layer synthetic or wool bottom. Used regularly or packed. 2. Pants Top layer: Thin gore text waterproof pant. Always worn and occasionally against the skin. Mostly wore a fleece headband unless below 10f or heavy snow - then a beanie. Full hats are often too hot. My feet never got cold with a thin to medium weight wool sock. I do strongly recommend a very tight weave on the sock. For hands, I mostly used wool half fingers with flip over mittens. It is unbelievable how cheap, versatile, and effective they are. I may also carry a backup pair. I almost always skied with a large fanny pack (heavy padded belt) for additional supplies and unworn clothing. Additional, supplies usually included hot tea with honey, some snacks, a knife, lighter, flashlight, emergency survival blanket, compass, gps, map, ski waxes, ski cleaner, and scraper. Other things to consider camera, cell phone, satellite messaging, bear spray, gun . . .

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Duane, Thanks for all the great feedback! Sounds pretty similar to my approach, albeit for colder temps ❄❄❄ I do wish we had regularly colder temps here in Tahoe so that the snow would last longer! What kind of pants do you use? I have a few options, mostly with a dwr option, but none with goretex. I'm also intrigued by the convertible mittens/gloves. I tend to remove at least one glove frequently in order to use the touch screen gopro or my phone. It's funny you mention that hip pack because I just bought a couple different sized versions to use in lieu of an actual backpack, particularly if I'm planning to film. So much easier to whip it around to the front and dig through it. Also, it doesn't make my back all sweaty! I will say, though, that it took a minute to get used to it when skiing the other day. Kinda felt like it was causing my hips to swing all over the place (at least until I got used to the weight and made a couple strap adjustments) 😆 Anyway, thanks so much for the detailed response. I'm sure many people will find it helpful, as well!

@duanetschmidt 3 жыл бұрын

@@JaredManninen Unfortunately, I no longer have the high quality ski pants that I used in Montana. They were lost in a move. I believe the brand was Moonstone. They are no longer in business. www.trailspace.com/gear/moonstone/gore-tex-shell-pant/ These are the qualities I valued in those pants: 1. Water and wind proof gore tex. 2. They fit comfortably with perfect amount of adjustment. 3. Thin, light, and pliable fabric that allows free movement. Downhill and snowboarding pants are often too heavy and stiff. You should be able to run and move in the pants unrestricted. 4. The waist and hips should allow free movement but also not slide down. 5. Full length durable leg zippers that can be zipped from top or bottom. The bottom zip allows easy removal with boots on. The top zipper can be lowered to allow venting and easy internal access. Zippers should be protected so they don’t leak and retain warmth when needed. Must be durable. 6. The bottoms can be synched so that will stay over your ankles and on the boots. This can help alleviate the need for gators in many conditions. Give the half finger gloves/mittens a try. They help with dexterity and temp regulation. The mitten flips back to the top of the hand and is usually held by velcro. They can get wet but the wool and other synthetics should remain warm. Some of them are lined with thinsulate or other material. I have used Fox River brand among others in the past. There are also some polar fleece versions available. I just got a pair of Black Diamond wind weight mitts and but haven’t tried them yet. They are a little more expensive and might be overkill. They use lined polartec windblock. A magnet holds the mitten to the top of hand when flipped back. I think it is usually desirable to have longer cuffs that keep wrists warm. I also like to turn the hip pack around to the front for quick access. The key to hip packs is in the belt and padding. Many use inferior or whimpy belts and padding. The right size and weight for the job is also critical. It is a little like Goldilocks. Not too much, not too little, but just right.

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for the info! Bummer about losing those pants, and the fact that the company is no longer around. The pants definitely looked like a quality piece of gear. I'll keep my eye out for some similar feature pants, and a set of those convertible mittens. I'm pretty happy with the hip packs that I recently got. They're made by Mountainsmith, which I've always liked thanks to their solid construction. I have a really unique and functional camera pack from them too. Anyway, thanks again for all of the feedback. Much appreciated ❄🙏❄

@kulutres Жыл бұрын

New to skiing and new to Minnesota. I can confirm. Being outside around Jan-Feb is akin to exploring the north pole some weeks. But man is it rewarding to go to work monday and humbly brag that you still got some miles in despite the weather.

@JaredManninen Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad you're getting into skiing :) I remember those cold Minnesota days in January/February where the snot would freeze in your nostrils. Nothing quite like it! haha There's definitely something cool about being outside when it's inclement weather (whether it's super cold or stormy) when nobody else is. Thanks for watching, and the comment!

@michaelzagar6924 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your video on clothing choices for snowshoeing and XC skiing. You shared a bit of personal life in the video which interested me. I, too, grew up in the UP of Michigan and spent my adult life living in the Twin Cities! I'm now in Coeur d'Alene Idaho enjoying the outdoor life here.

@JaredManninen Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching, Michael :) That is interesting that we have somewhat parallel lives. haha! I'm so glad I came west to experience mountain living. I don't know that I could ever go back to the flat lands. There are just so many places and outdoor activities to do here (without the mosquitos and black flies - haha!). Again, I appreciate you tuning in and for reaching out :)

@jadebrook7141 Жыл бұрын

I live in interior Alaska and they always taught us that you want to start a ski or hike feeling “comfortably cool” in order to avoid over heating.

@JaredManninen Жыл бұрын

That's a great way to put it! And sometimes a lesson that's easily forgotten. I know I've started many a hike to bundled up, for example, only to have to stop about 3 minutes into it to shed layers 😆 For me there always seems to be some lag when acclimating at the beginning of the winter season. But then after a few xc ski sessions, I'll remember to dress lighter. Thanks for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation 🤗

@JustTheWrightPlace 3 жыл бұрын

Temperature and precipitation are certainly wild cards here in Michigan! I’m constantly adding and shedding layers! Better this dance than being stuck inside all winter! Great tips!

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Corena, Thanks for the comment 🤗 Having the ability to swap gear is a great thing when the conditions are variable. And, like you said, way better than being sick inside! ❄❄❄

@susanoakley7322 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jared! I’m going to try out my new snowshoes tomorrow, finally check out Chickadee Ridge!

@JaredManninen 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Susan! Have a great time out there. I'm sure it's going to be beautiful :)

@mjuk1984 2 жыл бұрын

Super informative and very helpful video! Appreciate the advice.

@JaredManninen 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, Michael :) I'm glad I could be of service! As always, let me know if you have any other questions.

@alanross9400 3 жыл бұрын

I am just taking up cross country skiing and am very impressed and enjoy your videos. Very well informed and very educational without any sort of attitude. Well done presentations and a wealth of knowledge presented. Thank you and keep it up.

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the kind words, Alan 🤗 Glad my tutorials have been helpful. I try to keep things down to earth and as straightforward as I can without getting too deep in the endless details 😊

@pietavoipio5552 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for an interesting video! It's so refreshing to find someone who speaks about general ideas of outdoor activities, not advertises special brands or fixed ideas. It's also very interesting to see how different climate you have in the mountains. I wouldn't know what to wear and when over there (not even mentioning converting Fahrenheit to Celsius! 😁)!

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words, Pieta 🤗 I get tired of watching glorified advertisements for brands, too. Way more interesting, to me anyway, to develop a process that a person could use and adapt to any situation. Ha Ha, yeah, I figure most people can figure out how to convert temps pretty easily with the internet nowadays 😉

@petergilbert72 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative, thank you. (I’m going to Tirol soon for my first cross country skiing 😃 so I am a total novice at the moment!)

@JaredManninen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Peter! I'm grateful for your kind feedback. And, I'm excited for you and your upcoming adventure :) Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

@diipadaapa2000 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff, greetings from Finland. Just yesterday classic skiing for couple of hours, -20c so I guess about 0f. It's a challenge to keep the balance of not sweating but being not too cold. Fleece and other synthetics for me, although many prefer light merino. One big thing for me is to keep my throat and head well protected from wind and cold.

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the comment, and I appreciate the greetings 🤗 I've never been to Finland, but I have a bunch of cousins over there and would live to visit one day. That's definitely some cold xc skiing ❄❄❄ Although I do get jealous of those temperatures because it enables the snow to last longer. It can really be frustrating to see a good snowstorm here in the Sierra Nevada be neutralized by warm weather. Thanks for the added input about keeping the head/neck area in particular warm. Super important for sure! Thanks again! I appreciate you tuning in to my channel 🤗

@lisawallace1741 3 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to catching up on this one!

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Thank you for tuning in 🤗

@eugenesmith5595 3 жыл бұрын

Great breakdown of layering systems for aerobic activity in cold! I like the criteria you lay out, and how these factors are not independent. I'm finding that my cycling and trail running wardrobe is incredibly adequate xc skiing clothing (*no need to buy any new gear!), very similar intentions, as you mentioned. Granted, I lived in dry northern NM (Taos) and we have incredibly low humidity/warm sun (predictably) even when our air temps are very low. Moisture that moves to the surface of my clothing dries fairly quickly here. This morning it was -10F at the turnaround of my ski route, I had on a light base, hooded mid layer, and a softshell Gore jkt... this trio seems to be foolproof for me during continuous xc ski movement in -10-20F. Windshell always in the hip pack for security/downhill, and occasionally a compressible insulation layer if there's any chance I'll be stationary for a while.

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Eugene, Thanks again for the wonderful feedback. Cross-country skiing while it's 35 degrees to me, for example, is "hot." But I work with lots of people from coastal California (only a few hours away from Tahoe) which is obviously a vastly different climate than here in the mountains. I also work with people from other warmer locations around the country/world. So, I get the impression that many of those people who aren't familiar with winter see most of it as all being the same (i.e. snow = cold) which is not necessarily the case, right? Everything is relative. For example, I always forget how cold the mornings in Santa Cruz are during the winter even though they're often around 45 degrees and foggy. Or, when I rode a motorcycle for the year that I lived in Phoenix (many years ago) I'd always underestimate just how cold it would be to drive at night during the winter (even though it, too, was about 40 degrees). So, again, our experience in weather is relative. But understanding that there are multiple factors to consider (and often specific to the location) in regarding clothing choices, and the fact that they're all related and connected, is definitely a key factor in being warm, dry, and happy :) Your -10 degrees definitely sounds cold, though! That's awesome that it actually gets down to that temperature. I wish it did here in Tahoe. Anyway, thanks again for your comments :)

@lipsticklodge7526 2 жыл бұрын

I get dry snow here! Its awesome and cold!

@JaredManninen 2 жыл бұрын

I wish our snow would be a bit drier. But the Sierra Nevada gets so (relatively) warm on many winter days that when we do get cold and dry snow, it consolidates soon thereafter.

@user-vt2ij3zn4l 10 ай бұрын

Ok, the hip pack seams to carry more than I realized, good to know. My next thoughts were going to research safety gear. I'm not there yet, but am working on it. For now will be on groomed trails with friends. My biggest concern are the critters here. Very large beautiful moose are always around. (often outside my front door) The locals tell me to fear them the most. Though I don't. I've only had 1 weird encounter w/ a moose and it wasn't a big deal. My biggest fear is the bear. We live in their path of travel from the kenai river to the back country for hibernation. So, in addition to learning my new sport, I'm learning about what choices I have to protect myself. I'm not a lover of guns, (city girl) but I won't go down without a fight & will not be dependent upon another to save my life. With that being said, this will be a new perspective this winter and I'm really excited to grow on my new journey in my new sport!! Thanks for responding so quickly, as it keeps my head in the game!

@JaredManninen 10 ай бұрын

I do pack my hip belt pretty full! haha. But when I'm at the groomed xc ski resort, I usually just carry with me a water bottle and phone. That's pretty typical for most people at groomed xc ski areas. I just carry all that extra stuff in a backcountry environment. And if I'm traveling to a really remote location, I will carry a full backpack with extra layers, water, and sometimes a bivy sack (just in case). Moose are definitely a concern as they will fight back and protect themselves. That said, they're still prey animals and don't go out of their way to be aggressive. The American Black Bears that we have here in Tahoe are generally not aggressive. But I know there are more intense bear species in Alaska, so I don't envy you in that respect. I'm really grateful that we don't have too many critters to worry about in the winter here in the Sierra Nevada! Anyway, glad I can provide some motivation for you. I suspect you're going to have a great winter up there :)

@NickandRachel 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful place! Thanks for sharing

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Thanks for watching 🤗

@NickandRachel 3 жыл бұрын

@@JaredManninen no problem! We really enjoy making outdoor videos as well

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent! I'll be sure to check out your channel 🙌

@Krishna_Marri 6 ай бұрын

That was very informative, Jared. I have noticed that alpine skiing pants have a reinforced panel on the inner ankles for protection from ski edges. Is it good to have this feature on the pants being used for backcountry XC skiing as well given the metal edges on these skis?

@JaredManninen 6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words, as usual Krishna Marri :) I appreciate it! You do bring up a great point about that protective layer on the inside bottom of alpine ski pants. Most of the pants I wear for xc skiing don't have that feature, but in the past I did cut one pant cuff while xc skiing with backcountry xc skis (and metal edges). I think that was a fluke, but it's totally possible. That said, I don't really think there's any type of official backcountry xc ski pants on the market. I wear hiking pants, fleece-lined pants for outdoor adventures, and some traditional lightweight xc ski pants when xc skiing in the backcountry. But, like I said, I only cut one pair of pants before. And even that was really minimal. I think the forces at work are slightly less with xc skiing. Long story getting longer ... I don't think I'd worry too much about it. Just be mindful of your body position and manage your skis so that you're not slicing across any body parts (!) with the edges of your skis. And, be prepared to do a little gear maintenance in the random cases where you might damage those pant legs ;) Thanks again for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation!

@TD05SSLegacy 3 жыл бұрын

You seem like a Stoic. I enjoy that you share a clear and cogent philosophy of life which you are obviously heartfelt in your commitment to. Much appreciated.

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Ha ha, for whatever reason I've never been one to show a whole lot of emotion regardless of whether I'm miserable or euphoric 😆 Glad you appreciate my philosophy. I try to be clear in my approach to answering questions (that people ask me about outdoor adventuring), but so often the answer is, "it depends." So then I have to take a closer look at what I actually do (to choose clothes, for example) and find a way in which to express it logically. And that often ends up being a longer answer than the person may have been anticipating. But I believe it has way more potential to empower the person rather than just pointing to a brand or relevant product and say, "buy that." Thanks again for the comments and tuning in 🤗

@TD05SSLegacy 3 жыл бұрын

@@JaredManninen Yes, I can see that. And I actually mean upper case Stoic. The noun, not the adjective. Marcus Aurelius -style...Catch his book, “Meditations” if you haven’t already. Cheers!

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

I finally had a minute to look up the Stoics. Fascinating! Thanks for the lead. I'm going to do more research on the philosophy ☺ Again, thanks for the kind words 🙏

@user-vt2ij3zn4l 10 ай бұрын

5 great tips to keep top of mind or in perspective, while being in a climate that changes on a quick dime. I noticed in this video and another video, you have a fanny pack belt of some sort. Are there certain items your carry routinely for any reason?

@JaredManninen 10 ай бұрын

Again, thanks for your nice feedback Renae! I often wear a hip pack when I'm cross-country skiing versus a day pack. I like that hip packs keep weight lower on my body (on my hips!) as opposed to a day pack, for example, that makes me a little more top heavy. Extra weight on my back/upper body can sometimes cause me to pitch forward or fall back if I'm not paying attention and fail to compensate for that extra weight (depending on angle of terrain and quality of snow). I usually carry with me an assortment of stuff if I'm planning to xc ski for more than an hour, for example, off-trail and in the backcountry. An extra beanie, gloves, small first aid kit, multi-tool, PLB (personal locator beacon) if I'm traveling through sketchy terrain, snacks, water, phone, and cameras. Believe it or not, I seldom travel with less than three or four cameras (including my phone) and spare batteries. haha! GoPro for filming, small point-and-shoot with telephoto lens for wildlife and associated video, small point-and-shoot for macro and/or landscape shots and backup video, and my phone for landscapes and video. I know all the cameras sound like a lot, but I find that redundancy is key to ensuring that I have enough useable footage. And outside of making KZfaq videos or posting on social media, for example, I like to document my nature observations (wildlife, plants, etc.) on iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org/people/jaredmanninen ). So I carry that p & s telephoto camera mostly for that purpose. Same goes for the macro-oriented p & s camera. Realistically, if I wasn't posting on iNat I probably wouldn't carry either of those p & s cameras.

@grantsmith3514 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply. You must be talking about Pacos. Doesn't Alpenglow carry anything?? Do remember Sierra Nordic when Noel owned it. I could tell he was getting disinterested being an XC dealer in 2000. He said he made more money doing the European Bike tours.

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

No prob. Yeah, Paco's is the big one in the region. Alpenglow does carry xc gear, but somewhat limited from what I recall. Sports LTD on the south shore also has a sizeable selection. Then, lots of other retailers who carry a couple models here and there around the lake. I definitely believe other sports are bigger money makers, particularly in this region which is why xc ski retailers are generally limited here.

@grantsmith3514 3 жыл бұрын

Need to ask is there a surge up there in Tahoe region?? I know the surge is real in Canada (duh) and the usual Upper Midwest and New England regions. I ve told many that gear in CA is almost a non starter. I would say that there is only 10% of the XC skis available to CA residents at the Brick & Mortar level when compared to the 80"s

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, pretty much the outdoor recreation (xc skis, etc.) buying surge here in the US has been going on since June of 2020. It sounds like most small retailers were out (or close to being sold out) of their xc ski surplus by November 2020 (in anticipation of Christmas). Cross-country ski retailers in the US have been dwindling for years, so there have been so few of them anyway that actually sell xc skis and associated gear. And, most of those retailers only had a fraction of equipment for sale compared to pre-Alpine resort (taking over as the more popular winter sport) skiing days. We have one xc ski retailer that sells a big selection of gear in Tahoe, and a handful of other outdoor retailers that sell smaller selections of xc skis. I don't think any of them fully sold out of every xc ski, but I've heard that what's been available since Christmas is a relatively limited selection.

@grantsmith3514 3 жыл бұрын

I could tell that you get it. When I post on FB Nordic groups I have to stipulate that my XC experience is West Coast. One can't find a ski for hundreds of miles here in the Central Valley. REI isn't of any help either. Do you believe this surge will last?

@JaredManninen 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's kind of a whole other beast out here :) As far as the immediate increase in popularity of xc skiing goes (due to social distancing concerns), I think interest will remain higher than in past years. But I suspect like most booms (in all industries and walks of life), it'll settle down a bit after Covid starts to take a back seat to life. That said, there has been an uptick of Nordic interest in the last decade out here. I suspect interest was down during to the four consecutive drought winters in Tahoe (2011-15). But overall I believe it's slightly increased due to many factors: exposure via social media (promotion of outdoor culture and adventure); access to watching the World Cup circuit (including Randall/Diggins' Olympic gold); and that a portion of the Baby Boomer population is transitioning from Alpine skiing due to health concerns (increased aerobic activity w/xc skiing, and many of those people no longer want to deal with on-mountain injuries whether they be catastrophic or from repetitive use). I think the relatively lower cost of cross-country skiing has attracted a lot of people, as well. Lastly, the numerous photos shared in all media of lift line and traffic jam apocalypse scenarios associated with the Alpine resort experience have soured a lot of people on that form of winter activity. Lots of factors behind the recent surge, obviously. So I think overall there'll be a sustained increase in the cross-country skiing but it'll level out eventually as do most things. I've seen major increases this winter in activity on my website and KZfaq channel, specifically about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. So, for that I'm grateful. But I also like the idea of more people becoming involved in the sport because it'll ultimately lead to more support of the industry in general. I want xc skiing to stick around because I want to continue cross-country skiing, teaching it, and have many options of where to ski and gear to buy :)