Cross country skiing and the park district

by Jane Johnson

Cross country skiing is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, and no wonder. With an increased interest in physical fitness and health, Americans can't help but be drawn to a sport that tunes up their cardiovascular systems and controls weight by burning 650 calories an hour while they are having fun. Cross country skiing can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of athletic ability and almost anywhere, without special facilities. The activitiy can be done for any length of time the skier chooses, on relatively inexpensive, easily maintained equipment, and doesn't require highly specialized clothing, it can be a popular staple of the winter program for park districts in areas where three to six inches of snow will remain for a month or more.

INSTRUCTIONAL CLASSES

An essential key to a successful program is a competent, well-trained instructor, A teacher certified by the United States Ski Association (USSA) or the Professional Ski Instructors' Association (PSIA) will not only be a competent skier, but will also be skilled in teaching, group leadership, and outdoor safety. Another essential to success is adequate, early publicity in a Fall brochure so that participants have time to anticipate and plan for that post holiday time when they usually huddle, go indoors and wait for spring. The first class, (an indoor clinic explaining equipment, clothing, and safety) should be held before the snow flies. The following three or four weekly sessions shouldn't run more than 45 minutes to an hour in length, with an ideal class size ranging from 10 to 15 students, If a single session is planned, an hour of explanations and demonstration indoors can be immediately followed by a one hour teaching session covering the basic skills.

The site required for the classes can be any flat area (sheltered from the wind and in the sun) where a teaching loop about 100 by 200 feet can be carved in the snow. As students progress they will enjoy wooded trails and gentle, open slopes with a long runout at the bottom. If lighting is available, night classes will pull in even more participants.

Because these students are trying this sport for the first time, the majority of them will not own their own equipment. If there is a ski shop in the area that rents equipment, the students may be told to rent their own for each class session, or the District may work out a leasing agreement with the store. Another alternative is for the District to buy its own equipment (25-30 sets) and then rent it out during non-class hours, perhaps using its golf course pro shop as a base of operations.

After the students have been introduced to the sport, they will be anxious to try out their new skills, and park districts abound with opportunities. A park with a field house to assemble in for warmth and equipment with a parking lot is an ideal location for classes. The aforementioned golf course can be a delightful place for a neophyte skier to spend a sunny

Skiers of all ages participating in the Lakeshore Loppet,
a citizen's race jointly sponsored by the Chicago Park District and Dannon Yogurt.

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winter afternoon. "Keep Off signs will protect the greens from snow mold, and trails made by a snowmobile dragging a trackmaker are much more fun, anyway. The most sophisticated cross country ski facilties even have one way trails (for longer glide) and separate trails for those who wish to ski with or without their dogs. If the District has some wooded land or forest preserves it has a wonderful opportunity to provide marked nature trails highlighting winter animal tracks, winter birds, and plants. These trails should be cleared so that even when the snow is deep, the skier can travel without bumping his head on overhanging obstructions. If the wooded land is hilly, right of way rules for the downhill skier should be posted. If possible, water sources at selected places along the trail combat dehydration and are much appreciated by the skiers.

CITIZEN RACES

When the season has gone well and there is a core of cross country ski fans in the region, there may be enough interest for the park district to sponsor a cross country citizen's race in late January or early February. Registration of the race in the summer with the USSA will produce added publicity and draw a larger, more sophisticated group of skiers. Publicity in local papers, radio, and ski shops will alert the local skiers.

Skier safety should be a primary concern of the race sponsors. The race site should have adequate off the road parking. The police should be notified of the event, especially the paramedics. If Ski Patrol members are availalbe, they should be posted at strategic points on the race course with snowmobiles and toboggans or four wheel drive vehicles. They will trouble shoot for exhaustion, hypothermia, or dehydration and will be prepared to deal with any emergency. Depending on the length of the course a refreshment table providing body temperature fluids and extra ski poles and wax will make the race more enjoyable for the participants.

Down the slope with a telemark turn!

The diagonal stride

Ideally, the course itself should be one third up, one third down and one third straight, but in Illinois that's not always possible. The length can vary from 5 to 25 km, depending on the kind of terrain and skiers available. Children can easily ski a 5 km course while their parents go around twice. If there are inobservable places on the course where participants may cut across, volunteers with clipboards may be posted to check off bib numbers. The course itself should avoid golf greens, places where the drainage is poor which could ice up, and wind blown areas. If the equipment is available, a double track laid down the night before the event will provide a passing lane for the faster skiers.

One way to accommodate the faster skiers at the start of a mass start race is to ask them to line up in front. Those skiers who know they will take longer to finish will willingly line up behind them. The mass start race is very exciting and colorful, but may intimidate first time racers. An alternative is the timed race, where small groups start together and individuals race against the clock. A mass start race can take place in less than half a day complete with awards ceremoney. A time race will keep its organizers working from dawn to dusk, but may be more satisfying to the participants who can receive gold, silver or bronze medals for finishing within certain time, age and sex categories.

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No matter what type of start is used, the start and finish lines should be near each other but not the same line, since the finish requires a separate flat runout. Start and Finish banners are necessary equipment, as are numbered bibs for the participants, three stop watches, registration cards divided into age and sex groups, and clipboards (one with bib numbers and one with finishing times), and identifying badges for officials.

The rules should be explained to the participants before the race, and a process should be set up to settle possible disputes. When it's all over, the winners' names should be sent to the press, the staff should evaluate the race, and thanks should be said to the volunteers. At that point the park district staff can congratulate itself on helping to put more fun into winter and maybe there'll still be enough snow for them to go out and have some fun themselves—after the spring brochure goes to press.

Jane Johnson is a commissioner for the Clencoe Park-Recreation District and an active I.A.P.D. member. She is a certified Ski Touring Instructor with the United States Skiing Association. Jane has taught cross country skiing classes and has planned, organized and participated in citizens races. When she's not at work selling advertising specialties, Jane is active with the League of Women Voters, Girl Scouts and North Shore Interfaith Housing Council, among other activities. In her own leisure time, Jane can be found working or fulfilling volunteer responsibilities, at the rink figure skating or at the beach on her windsurfer or catamaran.. Jane has her M.A. and B.A. in English from Northwestern University.

All photos by Earl Essig, Chicago Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 November/December 1981