Cross-country skiing provides for a mental break and a good cardio workout, said Jerry Rupert, assistant director of Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, who has been an actively cross-country skiing for approximately 30 years. Rupert is also the adviser of the ISU Ski and Snowboard Club.

There are various benefits to cross-country skiing as it serves as a cardio workout and it can be done socially with others or alone, Rupert said. The winter activity also allows for a mental break from working, classes and other stressors.

“My general philosophy about the outdoors is just being out there,” Rupert said of his cross-country skiing experiences.

There are several differences between downhill skiing and cross-country skiing.

“Downhill skiing involves a rider riding downhill using gravity to take them from the top to the bottom of the hill,” said Ryan Kramme, the ISU Ski and Snowboard Club president and senior in finance. “Cross-country skiing is a sport of endurance and distance. “

Cross-country skiing equipment includes warm clothing, boots, skis with bindings and poles. Locally, there are several places to go cross-country skiing, including Carr Woods located off of 13th Street and the cross-country course in Ames. Rupert said Utah has by far the best skiing nationally because of the snow quality.

The Outdoor Recreation Program offers equipment to rent and workshops and lessons for those interested in learning more about cross-country skiing.