written and photographed by Jeffrey Peachin and Kristin Byrd with cover photo by Laura Cholodenko
Dec 1999, Vol. 4 No. 3
The snow crunched under our cross-country skis breaking the silence of the wilderness. Gliding along the powdered trail toward Dewey Point in Yosemite National Park, our rhythmic poling was occasionally interrupted with a “crash.” Nordic skis have less width than downhill models, and they lack the sharp edges that make it easier for downhill skiers to navigate. Falling down is the simplest way to stop a descent on Nordic skis, and we all took a turn crashing into the snow. In fact, a few novices in our group of six (some had contemplated taking lessons) broke the silence with some ungraceful landings. Righting themselves, they dusted off the accumulated snow and continued skiing along the trail.