The Wilderness Experience

• Experienced skiers who are looking for a wilderness experience should investigate the opportunities in the national parks. Yellowstone, Arcadia, Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Voyageurs, and Yosemite national parks are favorite choices. Because of their popularity, skiers will find many well traveled trails and plenty of support services and lodging nearby.
  
  Very often large national forests are located adjacent to national parks. Skiers who want to get further away from the crowds will discover an abundance of trails in these areas. It will take a little searching on the Internet to find the best areas, but the solitude they offer may well be worth the effort.
  
  These can be relatively low cost getaways for cross-country skiers. There is an entry fee to the national parks (national forests are free), but once in, there are no trail fees. Also, skiers will have lodging choices from less expensive motels outside park boundaries to higher priced lodges and hotels within the national parks.
  
  

The Resort Experience

• For skiers who are looking for less of a wilderness experience, there are many good choices. First, almost every major downhill ski resort has a well-developed cross-country skiing area. If any of your traveling companions are downhill skiers, one of the major resorts would be the perfect destination. These areas also offer nightlife activities and an assortment of other entertainment options.
  
  If no one in the group needs to downhill ski, there are resorts that cater solely to the cross-country skier. The advantage of these resorts is that they have extensive and well-maintained trail systems. Instruction will be available for skiers who want to learn new techniques, and skiers may be allowed to try new equipment before making a purchase.
  
  One advantage of cross-country skiing in a developed area is that the trails will be more clearly rated according to their level of difficulty. Skiers exploring the back-country trails in national parks and forests may not always have that information.
  
  Staying at a lodge or hotel in a ski area can be expensive. However, often there are condos or houses available in resort areas that can accommodate larger groups. This lodging option can bring down the cost somewhat.
  
  A good place to begin an Internet search for a cross-country skiing resort is the Cross Country Ski Areas Association Web site. Skiers can search by state and find resorts of all sizes.