Cross-country ski classes give novices a good start

SkiToSea · Site Admin Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 67

Jan, 20, 2008
OUTDOORS
Cross-country ski classes give novices a good start
KIE RELYEA - Bellingham Herald Outdoors Reporter

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I’ve decided to join the ranks of Whatcom County cross-country skiers.

You would, too, after hearing them talk about playing outside in beautiful winter settings — and going at a slower pace so you can enjoy the scenery even more.

“It’s great, not only (for) the opportunity to get exercise but as a great escape from the stresses of everyday life — a chance to experience winter,” says Ed Halasz, a Bellingham resident and president of the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club.

Halasz used to be a downhill skier. He switched to cross-country in 1996.

Because I’ve never set foot on cross-country skis, I’m going to start with the beginner class offered through the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department. It will be led by David Bean, a 20-year cross-country skier who is the department’s program manager.

“The first thing I do is have them fall down and get back up again,” Bean says.

It’s going to happen, he says, so beginners might as well learn the best way to get back up.

Two beginner sessions are planned for:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Classes cost $25 per person. The fee does not include the cost for rentals. Participants will be directed to stores that rent cross-country skis.

To sign up: Call 733-2900, or go to http://activenet1.active.com/whatcomcounty and then select “Cross-Country Skiing” from the drop-down menu under “Category.”

Both start from the groomed and tracked cross-country trails off the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park, which requires a permit to park if you decide to meet Bean there.

Reach Kie Relyea at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or 715-2234. Read her outdoors blog, Get Out, at TheBellinghamHerald.com/blogs.