Snowshoes, too, have gone high-tech. Downhill skiing is easy to understand, especially with modern lifts, gondolas and trams to get one up the hill. Cross-country skiing has its moments of gravity gliding, but the skier must match all the downs with ups, assuming that skier wants to return to the starting point. And many urban trails are flat. But they are not slow, unless one wants to poke along, enjoying the fresh air and scenery.
Cardiologists claim that cross-country skiing is one of the best heart sports.
Many orthopedic experts consider this sport superior to jogging, running and even swimming for total body fitness. The smooth gliding motion is easy on our overworked knee and hip joints, yet skiing exercises the body more completely. Injuries are rare, and then mostly minor. And perhaps you now have more time for recreation, need more good exercise, or just want to get out into the woods or mountains for fresh air. Rental skis and boots are widely available.