X-C Ski at Lake Harriet starting at the Rose Garden (Snowshoers welcome too)

Let's X-C Ski (or snowshoe) around Lake Harriet once or twice, at a casual pace, and get those fantastic muscles warmed up. We might have ourselves a real ski season ahead of us? Hopefully yes! Probably best to start with a 3-5 miles outing.

This will NOT be groomed, which means this event is FREE if you have your own equipment. My family has one pair of men's NNN boot size 13 with classic skis & poles that can be borrowed, as well as two adjustable pairs of snowshoes. Send me a chat, or add a comment below if you'd like to borrow either. If you'd like to try either for the first time and have questions, throw that in the comment too, if you like. I love this group for its helpful members, and we all had a first experience at one time. Kudos to you for exploring a new hobby! We'll be on flat terrain, see seconds 28-50 of this video for beginner tips.

We'll blaze our own trail if other enthusiasts haven't already done so. Many recreational X-C skiers blaze their own trail on the summer walking path which isn't plowed in the winter. The beauty of this option is an awesome view of holiday lights on neighboring homes. If the lake shore is deemed safe by DNR standards, we can also do a loop along the shore of the lake. This option will make you forget you're in the city. It'll be your own little snow globe.

Dogs are welcome if they have experience with you in these activities. You are responsible to pick up after your pet. If you've never skijored or snowshoed with your dog, chat with me and we'll schedule a 1:1 for a different time. I do have a skijor dog harness and homemade lead if you just want to see how the equipment works.

Things to consider:

1. Optional - bring a headlamp. The residential areas are well lit, but some sections along the lake are not.
2. Dress in breathable layers. It will be chilly at the start, but you will warm up. If it is actively snowing and you don't own a ski jacket, warm clothes covered by your good rain jacket is much better than a winter coat.
3. Bring water as needed.
4. Bring a dry shirt for afterwards if you are not driving straight home. As you cool down after the event, it is easy to get chilled and a dry shirt will help that.

Please keep your RSVP updated. It is confusing for the leaders if they do not know if they should wait or get going with the event.

As with any location, please do not leave valuables in the car to tempt any thieves.

By signing up you agree to release the organizers, event hosts and other members of the event from any liability.

Beginners welcome . . . even if that means you'd like to speed walk alongside us to watch and learn.