Nordic Skiing in October That's Right!

Nordic Skiing in October? That’s Right!

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I admit it. I’m a polar bear at heart. So when Park City received its first measurable snowfall last week, I was pretty psyched. As I gazed out at the blanket of white that covered the mountains, I started daydreaming of the gentle glide of cross country skiing on freshly groomed corduroy. Too bad it was a few more weeks before the White Pine Touring Nordic Track would open for the season.

Just as I was lamenting this fact, I was both surprised and pleased to see Jans’ fearless leaders, CEO Russ Coburn and General Manager Jack Walzer, doing an unprecedented thing. They hopped aboard the snowmobile and personally set five kilometers of track at the White Pine Touring Nordic Center. Pitching in on the effort was Charlie Sturgis, an expert track setter who also used to own White Pine. Apparently, Charlie couldn’t resist the allure of the first snow of winter either.

I hustled home, dusted off my skate skis, threw on a quick coat of rub-on wax, and hit the track. Never mind that the golf shop was still residing in the space usually occupied by the Nordic Center. Or that locals were riding their mountain bikes the day before. A diverse group of Nordic skiers, including members of the Norwegian and U.S. National teams, local cross country ski clubs and weekend warriors, strapped on their skinny skis and took to the track.

Which begs the question – have you purchased your White Pine Touring Nordic Track Pass yet? Jans offers a variety of options for Nordic skiers to get out and enjoy over 20 kilometers of groomed classic and skate ski track. Individual and family season passes are available as well as 10 punch passes, which are great for vacationers in Park City or newcomers to the sport of Nordic skiing. Set in part on the Park City Municipal Golf Course and the sprawling meadow adjacent to the iconic McPolin Barn, the White Pine Touring Nordic Track provides the most consistently groomed cross country ski trails in Park City. Click here for more information on Nordic Track Passes and be sure to thank Jack, Russ, and Charlie for bringing a little early season goodwill to the Nordic skiing community. I actually thought it was a pretty cool thing to do, especially since they weren’t even charging for it!

Liz Yokubison, Jans.com Senior Editor