Trying XC: A Bigfork Eagle reporter strikes out across Blacktail Mountain on cross country skis for the first time ever.

Story and photos by Faith Moldan

It was all my unconditioned legs could take. I was in pain, but I was happy.

A light snow began falling as I made my way back to my car in the upper parking lot near the cross-country skiing trails on Blacktail Mountain. I found my car surrounded by a larger number of cars than when I began my 2.6 mile trek. I wasn't alone in my quest to find something to get me out of the house on a sunny winter day.

Before I could hit the trails, I had to put my car's tires to the asphalt and pick up a pair of rental skis at Sportsman Ski Haus. The price was just right for me. Ten dollars and a few minutes filling out a rental form got me in and out of the store with plenty of daylight left to enjoy the snow. I had my trail all picked out even before I arrived at the store and had my skis. I would ski out to the "Y" in the trail and turn around. I wanted to start my new hobby easily and not overwork myself.

It was pretty clear to me as soon as I stepped out of my car and my boots clicked into the bindings on the skis that I lacked any grace, style or coordination. I guessed my number of falls to be about three. I doubted I'd even make it up and over the small incline that separated the parking lot from the trail without falling down.

I was glad to see, only about five minutes in, that I wasn't alone on the trail. I had seen all the cars in the parking lot, but didn't realize what a variety of skiers were out there. Two young men, about my age, zoomed past me while demonstrating picture-perfect skate style form. I was passed by groups of middle-aged women who used the time outdoors to catch up with friends they hadn't seen all week and a father-daughter duo that moved slowly but steadily. I think the girl, who was about 8-years old, had better form than I did.

Blue sky broke through an increasingly graying sky off in the distance as I neared the Y that splits the Powerline trail from the Alpine Loop. I thought about venturing further down the Alpine Trail, but knew my legs couldn't take it. Plus, I didn't want to chance running into more snow.

With slightly improved skills, sore legs and arms, I ended my first cross-country skiing adventure.

"Did you have a good ski?" a woman who skied back to the parking lot just after me asked as we stepped out of our ski bindings?

"Yes I did. It was my first time, and I only fell once," I replied.

She smiled, as did I.

"That's good."