Cross Country Skiing Class at Cascade XC Ski Center

Learning how to cross country ski at Cascade Cross Country Ski Center was the perfect adventure for my day in upstate New York

Waking up at Hotel Sanarac, after a pretty long travel day the day before, was wonderful. I slept longer than expected. But, still with enough time to have an adventure.

Searching around the area, I wondered what I could do to fill the rest of my day. None of the Hotel’s planned events particularly spoke to me. And, I didn’t feel like driving up to a ski range for an afternoon of downhill skiing.

So, what did I come up with? A private cross country skiing class at Cascade Cross Country Ski Center.

When I first arrived, I was a little intimidated. I didn’t know where to go to rent my skis or to meet for the class. But, slowly I got my bearings, found my way inside and got my skis and poles.

Slowly making my way to the school area, I got used to my feet in the skis. Cross country skis hit differently. They’re more ankle forgiving than downhill skiing and much, much more comfortable.

The lesson was incredibly fun. I learned how to stop, turn around, move my body and – of course – how to fall and get up.

Most importantly, when I really got into the vibe of cross country skiing, I felt like flying.

It was truly intoxicating. My teacher was kind and fun. He loved complimenting me on how fast I was learning and how quickly I implemented what I was doing into practice.

It was the perfect activity – from booking, arriving and experiencing – to do in the Adirondack region of New York.

When I visited the Cascade Cross Country Ski Center, it was a few weeks before it was purchased by the Adirondack Mountain Club. But, that doesn’t affect my experience. I imagine it’s the same setup of cross country ski lessons and groomed trails now.

And hopefully, the same outstanding quality of fun.

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