Cross Country Skiing
You
don’t have to dread the winter season! Why not entertain the idea of cross-country
skiing? Fresh snowfall creates perfect conditions for prime skiing and physical
exercise.
There are many benefits of cross-country skiing. Skiing is a great way to exercise
in the winter. It burns more calories per hour than any other sport because you
are working almost every muscle in your body. It’s also a peaceful way to enjoy
the winter season. Whether it’s seeing animal tracks in the snow or listening to
birds sing, cross-country skiing offers you an opportunity to enjoy and become a
part of the winter landscape.
Learning how to cross-country ski is as easy as walking. The motion of your arms
and legs alternating when you walk is the same when you ski. Your left arm and right
leg come forward, then your right arm and left leg.
Whether you are an avid skier or just a beginner, it’s often frustrating finding
a place to cross-country ski in Central Iowa. You will find groomed cross-country
ski trails in Jester Park and Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
as well as at
Big Creek State Park.
At Jester Park (click here
for a trail map-blue routes), you’ll have an opportunity to ski
over five miles of trails. Shelter # 2 will serve as the trailhead. Due to drifting,
the majority of trails on the golf course have been closed. Trails will lead skiers
through the woods, near Saylorville Lake, and along the edge of the golf course.
If it’s a flat trail you’re looking for, then check out Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
(click here for a trail map-blue
routes) in northeastern Polk County. Trails will wind through
the woodlands, following the old Skunk River channel. You may see deer, fox, and
otter tracks along the trail. Many different loops will be groomed, all beginning
from the campground.
Trails will be groomed after a snowfall over six inches. A groomed trail is maintained
with a groomer and tracksetter pulled by a snowmobile. The groomer packs down the
snow and the tracksetter makes a track for cross-country skiers to ski in. Walkers,
runners, and bicyclists are asked not to recreate on groomed trails.
There are many other places to cross-country ski in Polk County parks that do not
have groomed trails. Beginning skiers will enjoy skiing along the Chichaqua Valley
Trail and Great Western Trail, two recreational trails through the countryside on
abandoned railroad lines.
A scenic route beginning at the covered bridge at Easter Lake leads skiiers along
the shoreline of this beautiful lake on the southside of Des Moines. Brown's Woods
Forest Preserve and Thomas Mitchell Park also offer trails for more advanced skiiers.
The Gay Lea Wilson Trail, when completed, will extend for approximately
35 miles throughout the eastern and northern parts of Polk County. Recreation and
nature enthusiasts will find this multi-use trail useful for a variety of activities
including hiking, cycling, birding, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing.
Ski Rental
If you don’t have your own cross-country skis or snowshoes, consider renting a pair
from Polk County Conservation. Thirty sets of snowshoes, cross-country skis, boots,
and poles have been purchased to use for education classes and rental. The equipment
is sized mainly for adults. Equipment can be reserved in advance by calling (515)
323-5300. Equipment must be picked up and dropped off at Jester Park during normal
business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Skis, boots, poles: $8/day
Snowshoe Rental (snowshoes only): $7/day
Ski rental is also available from: Warren County Conservation Board 961-6169, Active
Endeavors in West Des Moines 226-9345, Jax Outdoor Gear in Ames 292-2276, and Skunk
River Cycles in Ames 232-0322.