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Why Cross-Country Skiing Is a Budget-Friendly Option for Families at Garnet Hill Lodge
Posted in Winter at Garnet Hill
Winter is a wonderful time of year to explore the great outdoors, especially in the beautiful Adirondacks. If you’re looking for a winter activity that the whole family can enjoy, then consider cross-country skiing, which is fun for people of all ages and an affordable way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.
Read on to learn about the advantages of choosing cross-country skiing as your preferred winter recreational activity, and why you’ll want to plan a visit to our trail system at Garnet Hill Lodge.
Have Fun This Winter Without Breaking the Bank
Cross-country skiing is a family-friendly winter sport that continues to grow in popularity thanks to its affordability and accessibility. It’s easy to strap on a pair of cross-country skis and begin gliding across groomed trails, and the scenic views in the snow-covered woods are hard to beat.
Compared to downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is a more affordable option because of the cost of ski resort lift tickets. For example, at a typical downhill ski resort, the cost for Holiday Full-Day Passes for a family of four (two adults, one child, one teen) is typically over $350 when reserved online. When you add in Equipment Rentals, that’s often an extra $220+ plus tax. Combined, you’ll be paying over $570 + tax (on equipment) for your downhill skiing trip.
Here at Garnet Hill Lodge, where we offer full and half-day passes to our cross-country skiing trail system, the cost for Holiday Full-Day Passes is $81 for the same family of four. In addition, Holiday Equipment Rentals will cost just $105 + tax, so in total, you’ll be paying approximately $186 + tax (on equipment) for your family’s cross-country skiing adventure.
Falling in Love With the Sport? The Gear Is Affordable Too!
When it’s time to take the next step and purchase your own cross-country skiing gear, you’ll find that the average costs are more affordable than what you need for downhill skiing.
For example, on Amazon.com, the cost for a new, mid-tier package for one skier from a leading alpine brand is as follows:
- Skis and Bindings: $649
- Boots: $379
- Poles: $69.95
- Helmet: $85
In total, you’ll pay approximately $1,182.95.
If you look at a new, mid-tier, complete cross-country package available at our Ski Shop, the pricing is much lower:
- Skis and Bindings: $289
- Boots: $169
- Poles: $30
In total, you’ll pay approximately $488 + tax.
With your own cross-country skiing gear, you can head out and explore public trails for free, or purchase a day pass to your favorite ski center and skip the rentals.
Experience the Joy of Cross-Country Skiing in the ADK
There are several other advantages to choosing cross-country skiing over downhill skiing. While downhill skiers have to compete with snowboarders and wait in long lift lines for each trip, cross-country skiers can typically expect a more relaxed setting and fewer crowds throughout the vast trail systems.
With numerous routes to check out, you may not encounter anyone in the woods for extended periods of time.
Interested in cross-country skiing with the family? Come to our Adirondack resort in North River, NY for a winter getaway. We offer approximately 800 acres and 55+ km of trails bordering 115,000 acres of true wilderness, as well as lessons for kids and adults of all skill levels. Cross-country skiing is easier to learn than downhill, and our professional instructors can help you start off on the right foot and glide across our trails in no time. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons are available by appointment.
A ski trip to Garnet Hill Lodge is a genuine, peaceful experience even on our busiest days, and in the winter, cross-country and snowshoe trail passes are included with overnight stays. Plan your next visit today!