The hill may be daunting but Im training for the Olympics. I must not let up. This is my last chance for gold. I can do it! Im still young just 40, but Im smooth, coordinated, strong, and Im only getting better with age.
So goes the mantra as Im skiing down the trail. Then it happens.
A gentleman, usually with a white beard, skis by with exceptionally smooth, coordinated strength and without missing a beat, Good morning! Beautiful day isnt it? I smile back, breathless, and struggle up the hill we were on while off he goes.
This is by far one of my favourite moments of a day cross-country skiing. Its a challenging sport that demands technique and focus but theres always someone out there who is at least a decade or two older than I am, who is an absolute vision of what that technique and focus can be. Whether its just a nod and a smile, or a stop and chat at the side of the trail, we cross country skiers know that we are doing were enjoying the beauty and serenity of the outdoors together, quietly travelling through the forest, a coordinated effort of body and mind.
Cross-country skiing has been around way before half-pipes and heli-skiing. The oldest pair of skis, found in Sweden, are believed to be more than 4,500 years old. Back then and for thousands of years afterwards, these skis were used to keep a traveller on top of the snow as they traversed across the snow-covered countryside in Scandinavia and Russia. Nowadays, the Nordic system of skiing, where the toe is secured to the ski and the heel is left free, very similar to those first skis, is used mainly for recreation.
Vancouver is lucky to boast proximity to some great facilities for nordic skiing, and a bustling community of skiers, of many ages, who love to get out in the snow.
When Sigge Bjorklund moved to Vancouver from Finland in 1956 he quickly realized he could not buy cross-country skis and what was a life without skiing? He began to import gear from his homeland and sell it from his garage a business venture that eventually became Sigges Sports Villa in Kitsilano. Now run by Sigges son Anders, the shop offers one of the largest selections of cross-country gear in Western Canada for every level of skier. Weve been here long before the other ski shops in Kits, Anders, with his Scandinavian good looks, says with a smile.
Sigge didnt just bring skis to Vancouver, though; he played a very important role in developing the cross-country community here, too. In 1962, Sigge and some friends formed the Vancouver Skiers Cross-Country and Touring Club. Still around today, the club arranges weekend trips to nordic destinations around BC, some closer, such as Whistler and Manning Park, with others farther, such as Vernon or Kelowna. Dedicated to welcoming skiers of all ages and abilities, the club provides opportunities to have fun in some of BCs most beautiful nordic skiing areas and also to improve skills there are coaching days at nearby Cypress Mountain for those looking to improve.
Cypress Mountain offers 19km of groomed trails. The views are breathtaking ocean, city, mountain, taken in from many a vantage points on the trail system, are especially stunning at night. Seven and a half kilometres of trails are lit up after 3pm and they lead right by Hollyburn Lodge.
Opened in 1926, the lodge is a perfect spot to warm up with a hot chocolate or a great meal three-course fondue dinners are very popular, and hearty enough to satisfy an appetite developed after a few hours of playing in the snow.
Since I began skiing on a golf course in Manitoba when I was four, I was hooked. Terrain was no boundary even a prairie dweller can be a skier. Age is no limit little ones shuffle along, singing and catching snowflakes and on the other end of the spectrum, white-haired compatriots will kick your ass with a smile. Its inspiring. I will be that good one day!
Sigges, 2077 West 4th
