When I was two years old, my parents strapped cross-country skis on me for the first time and enticed me around the Methow Valley snow with peanut M&M’s. It was hardly skiing, but it laid the foundation for a hobby that I love today. More than three decades later, my son took his first strides over the same valley terrain. His outing ended in tears. I suspect mine did too.
Me cross-country skiing as a toddler in the Methow Valley. (Image: Casey Funke / Seattle’s Child)
When I tell people I cross-country ski, I’m often asked why. Or what. Or they reference the bit from comedian Jim Gaffigan on cross-country skiing, and we both get a good laugh. As we embark on another dark, wet, and grey Seattle winter, I’m here to suggest cross-country skiing as your healthy, scenic, and family-friendly escape from the urban gloom. (Which, if we’re being honest, isn’t all that gloomy. I’m on record celebrating Seattle winters).
Classic vs. Skate Skiing with Kids
There are two main styles of cross-country skiing – Classic and Skate. Classic skiing is usually done in a track, with your skis moving straight forward using a kick-and-glide technique. Skate skiing utilizes skinnier, frictionless skis to glide across a groomed trail in a skating motion. I prefer Skate skiing, unless I’m pulling my kids in a trailer (which I’ll get into later) and need the ability to trudge along.
Why I love cross-country skiing – I firmly believe there is no better exercise than cross-country skiing, both for strength and endurance. It’s far more affordable than downhill skiing and doesn’t come with the waiting around in lift lines. Two hours of vigorous cross-country skiing will leave you ready for lunch followed by a good book. It’s light-years more interesting than snowshoeing. It transports you to wondrous places. And most importantly for me nowadays, it’s good fun for the whole family.
Three decades later. (Image: Casey Funke / Seattle’s Child)
How to Take Toddlers Cross-Country Skiing
How do I take my kids? – We have two boys, a 3-year-old and a 7-month-old. I’ve been pulling my oldest on skis since he was 6 weeks old. We have the Thule Chariot stroller outfitted with the cross-country ski attachment. We’d bundle him up, and he’d nap while we skied. Last winter, when he was 2, we strapped skis on him for the first time. He gradually went from nonstarter to, I’m not completely opposed to this, but I won’t be doing it for long.
Now with two kids, I’m eager to see what this winter brings. We upgraded to the Double Chariot so I can potentially tow both kids. We hope our 3-year-old builds on the experience he gained last year and continues to hone his skills. But when all else fails, there’s always the sled hill!
Nearby sledding parks can save any day. (Image: Casey Funke / Seattle’s Child)
What Gear Actually Helps
For beginners, Classic skiing is recommended, and it allows more versatility in bringing kids along. I’ve seen parents on the ski trail bundle up infants and strap them to their fronts. Or carry down bunting-wearing toddlers in backpacks. In short, there are options for taking young children cross-country skiing. You won’t find a better solution, though, than the Thule Chariot cross-country ski attachment. Be sure to search Facebook marketplace or other secondhand sites for used options, or connect with your Buy Nothing, or local parenting groups to see if you can borrow or rent one.
(Image: Casey Funke / Seattle’s Child)
Where to Go Cross-Country Skiing Near Seattle
Have I convinced you yet? If so, there are so many options for cross-country skiing within two hours of Seattle.
If you’re ready to get out there, we’ve put together a separate guide to where to cross-country ski near Seattle, including groomed Nordic centers, Sno-Parks, rental availability, and drive times from the city. It’s a helpful next step once you know how you want to ski with kids.
Our family favorites are Hyak (Exit 54 – I-90) and Cabin Creek (Exit 63 – I-90) Sno-Parks. Snoqualmie, Stevens, and White Pass all have Nordic Centers where you can purchase a day pass. If you are looking for a getaway, Suncadia, Lake Wenatchee, and Leavenworth all have groomed cross-country trail systems. For the pinnacle of cross-country skiing in our region (some might even say North America), the Methow Valley has over 200km of pristine groomed trails covering all sorts of terrain. This is where I grew up learning to ski, and it is my favorite winter destination to this day.
“I’m not so sure about this …” (Image: Casey Funke / Seattle’s Child)
How Much Family Cross-Country Skiing Costs
How much does it cost? – One of the selling points of cross-country skiing is the cost. Compared to lift tickets, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per day, most trail passes for cross-country skiing typically cost around $30/day. The most cost-effective way to ski all winter is to purchase a Seasonal Non-Motorized Permit/Special Groomed Sticker Combo Sno-Park pass which costs $120 and is valid at all Sno-Parks in Washington, less than the price of a daily lift ticket at Stevens Pass.
If any of this has piqued your interest and you’d like to learn more, reach out, I’m happy to offer more tips and ideas for family-friendly cross-country skiing. And if you see us on the trail this winter, say hi. Until then, pray for snow!
