Have you tried cross-country skiing?

Like rowing or swimming, it is a great workout that uses every major muscle group. And since rowing and swimming are not very practical in the Michigan winter, cross country skiing is a good way to shed a few of those extra holiday pounds you may have added.

If you are new to the sport, their are two styles of cross-country skiing: traditional and skate skiing. With the traditional skiing technique, your skis are pointed straight forward and your feet do not have to leave the ground. In skate skiing your movements are closer to those of a roller or inline skater.

Most will advise you to take a lesson your first time out. It can reduce the amount of frustration of learning on your own or worse yet, the chore of unlearning bad habits.

You will soon enjoy the peacefulness of floating across the snow.

Here is a little list of some of the places you can cross-country ski in and around Oakland County. Some have amenities like a warming station or ski rental and others are just an open area in which has the space for you to ski. Many require either an annual park or daily park pass. Please check before you go.

OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS
All Oakland County Parks and Recreation areas (except Groveland Oaks and Lyon Oaks Golf Course) are open for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
Listed below are those parks that are better suited for cross-country skiers. Most require a daily pass or annual vehicle permit. 

•Addison Oaks – Leonard
Groomed Trail

•Independence Oaks – Clarkston
Groomed and Marked Trails
Ski and Snowshoe Rental

•Highland Oaks – Highland Township
Ungroomed trails

•Orion Oaks – Lake Orion
Ungroomed trails

•Rose Oaks – Holly
Ungroomed trails

•Lyon Oaks – Wixom
Ungroomed Trails

STATE PARKS

•Bald Mountain State Recreation Area – Lake Orion
•Brighton Recreation Area – Howell
•Highland State Recreation Area – White Lake
•Holly State Recreation Area – Holly
•Ortonville State Recreation Area – Ortonville
•Proud Lake State Recreation Area – Commerce Township
•Seven Lakes State Park – Holly
•Dodge #4 State Park – Waterford
•Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area – Waterford
•Maybury State Park – Northville

METRO PARKS

•Indian Springs Metro Park – White Lake
•Kensington Metropark – Milford
•Stoney Creek Metro Park

 OTHER AREAS

• Polly Ann Trail – Orion, Oxford & Addison Twp
• Bloomer Park – Rochester Hills
• Clinton River Trail – Rochester Hills
• Paint Creek Trail – Rochester Hills
• Spencer Park – Rochester Hills
• Huron Valley Trail – South Lyon
• Heritage Park – Farmington Hills
• Sylvan Glen Golf Course – Troy
• Lakeshore Park – Novi
• Hickory Glen Park – Commerce Twp

Remember, wherever you go and what ever winter activity you choose, please stay safe and stay warm