Xcountry/Back country skiing, MA or CT?

[Jisch]

I've got Friday off work and am looking for a good place to go back country or cross country skiing. I would prefer somewhere off the beaten track, I'd rather not pay to ski in someone's groomed path. In fact with my wide back country skis, I'd probably not fit in the track.

Since my wife will be along, it would have to be somewhat sane (i.e. no scary downhills without runouts).

Any help appreciated.
John

[Geoff G.]

I've heard that mt. greaylock has a ski trail on it
there are some pics on
www.skirag.com

[Jisch]

Yeah, that was an olympic downhill course right? I think that might be a bit beyond my wife's (and frankly my) comfort zone considering we haven't really skiied this year.

John

[hammerhead]

John,

The Ct River Valley has a couple of good options.

Northfield Mtn - Groomed for skating and classical tracks, reasonable day use fee. Lots of variety. Also has many miles of ungroomed snow shoe trails open to skiing. With today's storm conditions will be as good as they get on Friday.

Mt Toby - No fee. No grooming. Fire roads and hiking trails

Wendell State Forest - no fee some groomed and snow mobile trails. Also fire roads and hiking trails and some dedicated XC Ski trails.

[Paula]

White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield has lots of great trails for skiing. It is not groomed, but you'll probably find lots of tracks. It is free , and most of the trail junctions are marked with maps or you can buy a map in the musuem. It is off rt. 202 just south of Litchfield.

[hdmsmz]

try beartown st forest ,outside of gt barrington mass . the 11 mile ski and bridle trail is pretty cool . and you can break off easily to make it shorter . we have had 12inches so far and its still snowing.i work about 1 mile away and could supply a map for a turner homer harry

[SteveC]

Of course the conditions for riding have been less than optimal, but this has been the most awesome winter for xc skiing down at Wompatuck! I am not too skilled in the finer techniques of speed, turning, stopping, and especially turning or stopping at speed. I blame it on the equipment. I have those 15 yo 210 cm skinny bouncy sticks that I (try to ) skate on and (usually) stay upright. Wompy allows me to use my limited vertically-challenged skills on the groomed(by snow machine riders) fireroads and 'bike path'. Either way, an hour or so like that gives me that good old feeling of cardio that I just can't get out of the couch. And that fresh air beats breathing in that recirculated pet dander any day......I'll be there every morning this week.....okay, at least Wed Thurs and Fri......gimme a shout if youre gonna get out!
Also, if anyone has advice in the equipment/skills upgrade area, I'd appreciate anyway that I could improve......
Steve Cobble

[Jisch]

I've actually got the opposite of your ski gear. I have Karhu Back Country skis, they have a parabolic shape and full length metal edges. I have stiff leather boots, televators, climbing skins and three pin cable bindings. They work great for climbing and descending, not so great for skating/gliding. I have some more xcountry related gear, but my new boots won't fit in the old bindings.

John