Skiing on the level
Whoever said that winter means a time to hibernate indoors hasn't tried some wind-in-your-face real winter fun.
Cross-country skiing is one tough winter sport that requires a surprising amount of endurance (a 130-pound woman can burn 495 calories in an hour). It's cheaper than downhill because you don't have to pay lift fees or travel very far - suburban park districts offer several scenic and challenging trails. Ski rental runs $25 to $50 for a weekend.
It does feel awkward to trudge through snow on skis with poles, but you'll soon get the rhythm of walking/gliding and enjoy stretching your legs and arms.
Where to learn
Camp Sagawau: For a great bargain close to home, Camp Sagawau in Lemont offers equipment rental for $10 and lessons for $10 (or $18 for both). The trails are open 9:30 a.m. to sunset every day. You have to make reservations for lessons no later than Monday for the weekend. Call (630) 257-2045 or go to fpdcc.com/tier3.php? content_id=5&file=abt_5e for more information.
If you don't want a lesson or to rent equipment, you can get a free trail pass and head out on your own. A light 21/2-mile loop for beginners runs through open prairies and a three-mile trail through the trees with steep hills is for more advanced skiers (plus there's drinking water, free parking and bathrooms).
Discovery Center: If you're not ready to dive into the sport solo, the Discovery Center in Chicago is offering cross-country skiing trips on Saturdays, Jan. 3 and 31, and Feb. 21, to the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wis. The day trips (from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) cost $65, which includes bus transportation, ski passes and a lesson (rental cost is an extra $10). Check out discoverycenter.cc or call (773) 348-8120 for more information.
Where to ski
Cook County Forest Preserve District: All areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Visit fpdcc.com to check out the various trails available. Deer Grove Forest Preserve along Quentin Road has an 8.3-mile multiuse trail winding through woods.
DuPage County Forest Preserve District: The Herrick Lake Forest Preserve offers seven miles of manicured trails with markers to help you find your way. The ground is mainly flat accompanied by some rolling terrain. Check out dupageforest.com for more information.
Lake County Forest Preserve: More than 100 miles of trails offer ease for beginners and challenges for more advanced skiers. For more information, check out lcfpd.org.
McHenry County Conservation District: More than 40 miles of trails for skiers of various levels, plus a warming center. Use the cool interactive map at mccdistrict.org/web/re-cross-country-ski.htm to find the trail for you.
Where to get gear
Alpine Accessories: 9219 S. State Route 31, Lake in the Hills, (847) 854-4754
Scandinavian Ski and Snowboard Shop: 1621 Waukegan Road, Glenview, (847) 729-0550