Schweitzer's Nordic Trails Have Opened Early.

 

It is now the season for cross country skiing in North Idaho. This view from the Schweitzer trails shows a fragment of Lake Pend Oreille, lying about 2800 feet below the Nordic trail system. 

I have accrued 7 Nordic (classic) ski days so far this season. At age 84 (in a few days) I have probably abandoned lift-served downhill skiing. I am more fragile and the downhill ski runs have become very crowded with too many reckless skiers, as evinced by the number of accidents. It feels as if there is a target on my back.

The Nordic skiing is off to a good start at elevations above 4000', but in town there is not yet enough snow. Although Schweitzer likely loses money on the Nordic skiing, it does a splendid job of grooming those trails - many on a daily basis.

Currently I average about 9 km per outing, but hope to increase the distance as the season progresses. The terrain is hilly, not friendly to a beginner. However, there is a relatively flat area located at the roundabout a mile or so before arriving at Schweitzer's base. We hope that it will be groomed as Christmas approaches, maybe 3 days per week or so. This roundabout trail is rather short and perhaps only attractive to beginning Nordic skiers, but perfect for skill development.