There hasn't been any snow to speak of in the DC metro area, but that doesn't mean it isn't skiing to the west of us in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and western Maryland. There are lots of reasons to try cross country skiing from the fact that it is easier to start than down hill skiing, it gets you outside in the winter, it is healthy and it improves your balance. If you are thinking of getting out into nature this winter, then cross country skiing might be perfect for you! Here are a few places to try
Blue Knob, Claysburg, Pa. blueknob.com
The 6-plus miles of trails start on a “gently sloping” golf course, then head into the woods.
Savage River Lodge, Frostburg, Md. savageriverlodge.com
The resort has 14 miles of trails. You can take the steep, 2-mile dirt road into the ski area for a day’s workout.
White Grass, Davis, W.Va. whitegrass.com
White Grass builds up its wintry base with “snow farming.” Fences around an 80-acre pasture allow wind-driven snow to build up. Of the approximately 30 miles of trails, about a third are good for beginners. The landscape provides “hills and dips and steeper” intermediate and expert trails.
New Germany State Park, Grantsville, MD
You can head to New Germany State Park to cross-country ski through Western Maryland Forest. Additionally, there are 11 cabins that you can rent to make a weekend or a weeklong vacation out of it.
Savage River Lodge, Frostburg, MD
For a more upscale experience, visit Savage River Lodge. If you want to learn how to cross-country ski and do not have your own equipment this is an excellent place to start because they have the equipment rentals and they even have certified instructors. Additionally, there are 18 luxury cabins that you can stay in to make it a nice vacation.
Watkins Regional Park Trail, Upper Marlboro, MD
If you want to remain near the DC area, you can visit Watkins Regional Park Trail in Upper Marlboro. The trail is only 1.8 miles-long so it makes for a quick jaunt and it is incredibly easy. Children will appreciate this and if you take them to the park or Old Maryland Farm in the summer, this trail will be familiar only covered in snow.
Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD
Maryland’s favorite ski resort, Wisp Resort is a four-season ski resort and conference center. Located in Western Maryland, the amenities are incredibly comfortable, the area is built for families, and the outdoor Nordic Center makes cross country skiing easy and fun. They have other fun activities too like an ice skating rink, snow tubing area, rides, and of course—downhill skiing. In other words, everyone in the family can play, stay, and have a great time.
Crescent Ramble Trail, Bethesda, MD
If you live in the DMV area, cross-country skiing in Bethesda is about as easy as you can get. This 14-mile trail does have a fair amount of foot traffic but it is an excellent place for you to cross country ski with the family due to the convenient location and the fact that it's rated as easy.
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