Uncommon Winter Sports Anyone Can Try
By Catherine Bodry
Posted Jan. 10, 2008, at 1 p.m.
When the mountains have been fattened by their winter coating of snow, consider slipping on your own extra layer and heading to the hills. But you can forgo the pricey ski-lift ticket and the mega-resort crowds — there are plenty of winter sports that don't require you to follow in someone else's ski tracks.
Hut-to-Hut Skiing
If sleeping in a snow cave or flimsy tent isn't your idea of a cozy winter night, don't worry, you can still achieve a snug night's sleep in the mountains; several states maintain chains of backcountry huts to which skiers can spend a weekend or a week connecting. The most well known are Colorado's 10th Mountain Division Hut Association's dwellings — 29 cabins, all at 9,700 feet or higher. And don't let the designation "hut" fool you — while none have running water and only a few have solar-powered lighting, some shelters border on the stately. Multi-roomed, impressive structures, these huts are hardly the skimpy lean-tos their title implies. Nevertheless, most are deep into the Colorado Rocky Mountains' backcountry, so a visit to one isn't for beginners. Guides are available — check the Hut Association site for information.
Sled dog racing.
© Mark Newman. Lonely Planet Images.
Dog Mushing
Because Alaska is home of the Iditarod, the longest sled dog race in the world, it's no surprise that the state furnishes plenty of opportunities for novices to dog mush. But you won't need to raise your own team of huskies to enjoy a ride on a 12-dog open sleigh — numerous racers offer rides and tours as a way to supplement the costs of breeding and raising race dogs. Many tours are interactive, meaning you'll receive a lesson in dog mushing and then drive your own team. If that's too much to take on, enjoy the crisp air and views of Mt. McKinley from the back of the sled on a guided day trip. Dog mushing is ubiquitous in Alaska, but some of the most scenic spots are several hours north of Anchorage in Denali National Park. You can find information on tours at Sled Dog Central.
Skijoring
If you enjoy skate-skiing and own a dog with excess energy, consider learning to skijor during your next mountain romp. In this sport, skiers are harnessed to and pulled by a dog — horses and reindeer also pull but it's more of a spectator sport — along a groomed ski trail. It does take a little bit of equipment, but many ski-rental shops can hook you up with a harness, line and belt.
While any groomed Nordic trails that allow dogs will suffice, Idaho boasts 13 separate trail systems, and unless you're around a major resort you're likely to have plenty of elbow room. Located two hours north of Boise, off of the scenic Highway 55, the new Tamarack Resort will host the Iditarod McPaws Ski Jouring event. Participants will learn to skijor on Tamarack's 35 km of Nordic trails and have the option to participate in a 5-km race.
Overhead of ice fishing huts.
© Guylain Doyle. Lonely Planet Images.
Ice Fishing
It might not get your heart rate up, and it requires little more than a pole and an auger (and the constitution of a woolly mammoth), but ice fishing has become a sport popular with winter vacationers. As such, you no longer have to huddle over a hole in the cold wind. Fish houses — portable structures built on the ice — have popped up all over popular ice fishing spots. Structures vary from four walls to a carpeted cabin with bunks, heaters and a bathroom.
For the largest ice-fishing celebration, check out Tip-Up Town U.S.A., a winter festival held on the icy surface of Michigan's Lake Houghton. Drawing nearly 40,000 participants, the family-friendly event takes place over the last two weeks of January and began as a celebration of the ice-fishing community that sprung up every winter.
Bio: Catherine Bodry is a teacher and freelance writer living in Seward, Ala., where she has plenty of opportunities for participating in uncommon winter sports.
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