Skate Skiing Beginner: Can I Make My Own Trail On the Prairies?

Question

I'm a 21-year-old cyclist who works at a cycle & ski shop as a summer job. This winter I'll keep working part time during school and am considering buying skate skis because the discount helps with purchasing things.

I've done a little bit of cross country and went on a downhill vacation for a week last winter, so while I'm no expert, I do have a little bit of experience.

I live next to an elementary school/community club complex that is approx. 10 acres around (all flat prairies). I know I'd have permission to ski around there, so while that's not an issue, I'm wondering if it's at all physically possible to skate-ski in such conditions? Does it need to be a groomed trail?

I'd rather buy simply one set of boots and skis, and skate-skiing interests me far more than cross country (I've tried skate/xc/dh all at least once).

I don't own a vehicle to get out to any real trails with any sort of regularity, and would like to do this daily before classes start in university for me

Answer 1

It is quite possible to make your own trails. Depends on the snow depth how easy it will be.  You could sketch your trails on paper first and then get a couple of friends who can join you to help pack the trails.  You could use a snowmobile to run the path first, or find an old shipping pallet and load it on a sheet of MDF or plywood and drag it around the path.  I'd also dampen the course with a garden sprayer to help set the track so it can more easily be repacked after the next storm.  The course should be at least 4 ft wide for one person and 8 ft for 3 or more.  This could easily evolve into a daily group race  and some great fun a small group.  Maybe a group ski club with eventual sanctioned races in a lap format around the 10 acres.  

  You might also inquire about any air guns in the area and maybe train like a biathlon if that interests you.  Check about regulations in your area for that.  Maybe paintball on skis.

  Have fun.

Answer 2

maybe ;]