Making Tracks: Alternative Winter Sports Offer Peaceful Solitude, Thrilling Adventure
Snow advisory: Get off the beaten path.
For those who want to escape the crowds and revel in the winter-white freshness of snow and ice, the invitation to go beyond the slopes is irresistible. Locally, there are several tempting options available-cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing-all of which provide an unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers, regardless of age or skill level.
These “alternative” winter sports require a spur-of-the-moment attitude to capitalize on snowstorms and literally seize the day. They also require some specialized skis, snowshoes, or climbing gear. Troy Clark at High Country is a PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) instructor in the Nordic Division who advises skiers. “The best place to go is at the Moses Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Clark says. “The old carriage roads there are great for cross-country trekking. And, you can go anywhere on the Parkway as long as it’s behind the gated areas, such as the Linn Cove Viaduct.”
Snowshoeing is an old-fashioned winter activity that is enjoying a comeback, and Sugar Mountain Resort invites newcomers to try it out on guided tours along scenic trails. “It’s something all ages can do,” says Kim Jochl, director of marketing at Sugar. “Our guided tours are geared to the ability and exertion level of the group. It’s really great for people who are uncomfortable getting onto skis but want to get out in the snow.”
Ice climbing is growing in popularity as an “extreme” sport, with a growing number of aficionados who come for the starkly beautiful environment. To try ice climbing, a participant needs only to bring warm clothing; outfitters usually provide the helmets, harnesses, boots, crampons and ice axes. Jeremiah Haas, a climbing guide with Fox Mountain Guides out of Brevard, N.C., says that ice climbing offers a great cardiovascular workout. “You’re so focused on the features of the formations,” says Haas. “People think it’s so delicate, but it’s as strong as rock.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
High Country Ski Shop-Pineola, N.C.
pineolainn.com
1st Tracks Ski Shop-Boone, N.C.
1sttracks.com
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort-Banner Elk, N.C.
skisugar.com
Granite Arches-Asheville, N.C., Johnson City, Tenn., Chattanooga, Tenn.
granitearches.com
Fox Mountain Guides-Brevard, N.C.
foxmountainguides.com
Nancy C. Williams is a freelance writer and snow-lover in Johnson City, Tenn.
For the complete story please read the winter issue of Marquee Mountain
South.
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