Bob Woodward

There's often a certain lemming-like quality to cross country skiers. They tend to go only where there are machine-groomed tracks and, as a result, crowds. There are alternatives, however, for those who enjoy solitude and happen to own a pair of general off-track touring skis.
If you're in the mood for a more traditional (read: un-tracked) tour, here's a guide to several places where, if the snow is good (read: deep), the skiing is worthwhile. You'll have the added bonus of running across some wildlife, or at least a few signs that forest dwellers are out and about in the snow.

If you believe the numerous outdoor gear sites, self-appointed gear guru bloggers and outdoor magazine “test” stories and annual gear guides, no outdoor experience is worth undertaking unless you have the latest and greatest (read expensive) gear. A two-person tent's five-star rating by Backpacker magazine apparently means that every night spent in said tent during a howling blizzard will be as comfortable as a stay in a five-star resort. And woe be to anyone who even considers a snow cave as shelter.

It's the full-finger gloves, warm tights, warm inner layers, windbreaker jackets, beanies-under-the-helmet season. It's time for mountain bike riders who don't ski, or skiers simply looking for a change of recreation pace when the snow conditions aren't that good. And during most winters, there are always trails that will be snow free and worth riding. Here's a few of my favorite off-season rides: