snow sports

Downhill skiing is a blast, but if you're not in the mood to race against frigid winds or stand in long lift lines, try cross-country skiing this Winter. It may not be speedy, but cross-country skiing will tone your upper and lower body, give you a great cardio workout and burning almost 500 calories in one hour!

Like snowshoeing, cross-country is more social than downhill skiing, because conversations aren't limited to time on the lift. As you slush along snow-covered trails, you can chat while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Plus, no expensive lift ticket is needed. You might even find cross-country more comfortable than downhill skiing because the boots are more flexible and the skis lightweight. Ready to get started? Here are some tips for newbies.

• First, find some cross-country trails. Some downhill-ski resorts have groomed trails, but also check out nature centers or parks where you hike in the Summer. You might have to pay a fee (around $15 to $30) to use the grounds. Don't be shy about asking the staff to point you toward the easier trails.
• Rent boots, skis, and poles at the place where you're skiing, but if this isn't possible, then rent equipment the day before from a gear store; rentals are about $15 a day.
• Definitely head out with someone who has cross-country skiing experience, or take a lesson to learn the basic techniques for moving, slowing down, stopping, and climbing up hills.

Keep reading for more beginner cross-country ski tips.

Just like any other strenuous activity, be sure to warm up before hitting real challenging runs on the slopes. Start with a few easy runs to get your muscles warmed up, and then hit the harder slopes. I know you're anxious to race down the mountain and tackle those black diamonds and moguls, but this way you'll be less likely to get injured when you do.

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I love to get out on the slopes for a run down the powder and wind in my hair. What I don't love? The cost of doing so. A weekend of skiing or snowboarding can cost more than most of us are willing to pay, so most of us opt out regularly.

Liftopia, a new online marketplace where you’ll find discount lift tickets to top alpine resorts across the country, has come to the rescue. Here you can search for lift tickets to resorts nationwide (and in Canada) for discounted rates. Liftopia partners with many resorts across the nation in an effort to get people to their slopes more often. They work directly with the resorts to identify opportunities for discounts and promotions that give downhill adventurers more opportunities to ski and snowboard for less. Check it out at Liftopia.com.

Looking for some programs to jump start the snow sports season?

Skilikeawoman.com is an on-line directory of ski, snowboard and snowshoe lessons and programs for women at over 250 resorts around the world. Snow sports' instruction used to be the same for men and women, but new theories of learning have found that women and men learn differently. Well I could have told you that after my first snowboarding lesson with my husband — he went straight down the mountain immediately to see what would happen while I wanted to be instructed on my every single move. So check it out to find women only classes and programs near you (or near your next wintery vacation).

I am not leaving men out, there is also a directory of programs and classes for men only as well.

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