Does anyone have recommendations on a good place to try and learn how to cross country ski or snow shoe and have a decent 3 or so day vacation? Preferably where I can rent the equiptment too.
How hard is it to learn to cross country ski?
It’s very easy to learn but very hard to get good at. I suck but I like it anyway. I used to ski quite a bit but now I prefer show shoeing, no worries about wax or conditions, you just go and it’s just walking so you’ve already mastered it.
Some bigger ski resorts have cross country trails as well and I’m sure they rent equipment. I really don’t know about lessons though, but like I said it’s not hard to pick up if you’re fit. I would check out Mont Treblant, there’s a lot to do there.
http://www.tourismemonttremblant.com/en/
Many locations- where exactly are you?
My two favorite places (big alpine ski area, big ski schools for nordic, lots of nordic trails)
-waterville valley nh
-sugarloaf, maine (very far north)
-bretton woods Nh is also nice
you have to decide classic vs skating Cc skiing- i woudl recomend classic- much easier to get “ok” at. Classic is like swimming- very easy to “kind of do” and VERY hard to “do really well.” Skating is the opposite- very hard to do at all, but then pretty simple to do pretty well (like riding a bike)
REI has a good selection of snowshoes, you can get a decent pair for under $150. There’s not much to learning, just strap them on and start hiking.
Most resort towns that have ski areas have snowshoes and CC ski rentals/instruction. I’m going to Stowe, VT next week for some snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. I’ve heard the snowshoeing is great, lots of scenery.
+2 for Bretton woods. Great xc skiing, downhill skiing, and one of the few remaining “grand dame” hotels in NH.
Staying in Jackson, NH and going to the jackson touring center is also a great options with great downhill skiing nearby and a lot closer to the outlet shopping in North Conway.
Both will have good rental equipment and lessons available.
White Grass in Cannan Valley (WV) is pretty good for Mid-Atlantic skiers. Its about 3 hours from DC and I believe they have lessons.
Dave in VA