CAROLINE WAGER
Outdoor Adventure Programming
While many see winter as an end to outdoor adventures, here at Metro Parks we see it as just the beginning! In addition to sledding and ice skating, winter is a wonderful time for cross-country skiing. You’ll find pristine trails for cross-country skiing at Battelle Darby Creek, Blendon Woods, Glacier Ridge, Highbanks and Prairie Oaks Ridge Metro Parks.
If you’re not familiar, cross-country skiing is the act of using two long skis and ski poles to glide quickly over the snow. There are three types of cross country skiing: Classic or track skiing, skate skiing and backcountry skiing. Each one is unique in its own way and uses slightly different gear and techniques. This popular winter activity is a great way to keep active this winter. It’s also a lot of fun!
Try out cross-country skiing on the beautiful trails that await you in your Metro Parks.
Tried this on the dedicated trail at Highbanks a few years ago. It was also the dog walking trail and had been turned to ice by people on foot. Not a good time. Open fields are better unless there has been a change.
I have long wanted to try cross country skiing but I am not sure how to start. Is there a place to get the gear? Any way to learn the ropes the first time out? Thanks!
Hi, Michael. You can learn more here: https://www.metroparks.net/programs-and-activities/park-activities/#cross-country-skiing. We currently don’t offer equipment rentals. Thanks!
It’s really frustrating that the few non-paved dog accessible trails are closed to them during the winter. I wish the MetroParks weren’t so unfriendly to dog’s and their owners