Nordic skiing as a warm-up to snowboarding

Here at Grays on Trays world headquarters (the Midwest), we’re getting snow on the ground, but most lift-served resorts won’t open until after Thanksgiving. So what should you do if you’re planning on doing some snowboarding this season? You could stare at the calendar, longing for the day your favorite area opens. Or you could find some Nordic (cross-country) gear and head outside. Look for a city park, golf course (ask permission, of course) or if you have a lot of land, your own property.

If you don’t have any equipment, some local parks departments rent gear, as do some ski shops. If you buy a whole new set-up, you’ll have to lay out $300 to $400, for boots, bindings, skis, and poles. That’s not exactly cheap. But it’s probably less than you paid for your snowboard. It’s also a lot better for your health than the treadmill that only serves as a clothes rack.

We’ve got a short guide to Nordic skiing here.