click to enlarge
Pittsburgh just had one of its snowiest December days in history. And yes, it’s still a pandemic too. But why not make lemonade out of the lemons? And in this case, have fun with historical snow depths. Skiing is always fun, but it’s pretty expensive, not to mention the overcrowding.
But you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the snow while cross-country skiing. And the Pittsburgh area has many options. Most cross-country trails can be used free of charge, but usually do not have a ski rental on site. So it is best to pick up some rental cars beforehand.
IT’S SNOWING! We have skis! – https://mailchi.mp/fcef16646518/its-snowing-we-have-skis
Posted by 3 Rivers Outdoor Company on Wednesday 16th Dec 2020
When in the city of Pittsburgh, 3 Rivers Outdoor Company offers a cross-country ski rental that comes with boots and sticks. Rentals start at $ 25. In the suburbs, Willi’s has a location in the North Hills and South Hills and offers ski, binding, and pole rental packages starting at $ 20 per day.
Here are Pittsburgh City Paper’s tips for nearby areas where you can enjoy cross-country skiing and some snow-covered trails.
Raccoon Creek National Park – Beaver County
This Beaver County park is filled with trails that, when covered in snow, are great for cross country skiing. However, it is best to avoid the marked trails while skiing, as they are not ideal for sliding. The state park even has a designated 3.5 km cross-country ski run between the access road to the beach and the roadside picnic area to the east. Follow the white flames.
Hartwood Acres Park – Indiana Parish
This Allegheny County Park has probably the best cross-country skiing of the nine county parks, all of which allow cross-country skiing in plenty of snow. The 629-acre park has several hiking trails and open fields for skiing.
Moraine State Park – Butler County
This Butler County Park is set around a lake and is great for views and cross-country skiing. The Pleasant Valley and Sunken Garden trails are groomed when snow conditions permit. This provides much easier navigation and is great for beginners. Cross-country ski trails marked with blue markings are suitable for skiers of all levels of difficulty.
Schenley Park – Oakland
Yes, you can even go cross-country skiing within the city of Pittsburgh, although it’s not really advertised. Schenley Park has several large open fields that you can ski in. There are also hiking trails. It’s not necessarily the best option for cross-country skiing, but it’s still an option within the city limits.
Ohiopyle State Park – County Fayette
Hop into the mountains and explore the nearly 34 miles of trails this state park recommends for cross-country skiing. Although Ohiopyle is better known for its natural water slides in the summer, the park also has trails specially created for cross-country skiing: the Sproul Trails and a section of the Kentuck Trail. And in deep snow, the 27 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail are also great for cross-country skiing.
Sewickley Heights Borough Park – Sewickley Heights
This secluded trail in the hills north of Sewickley is great for cross-country skiing. It has a wide gravel road with not too much difference in elevation, and it is frequented by the locals. It can be accessed from the first parking lot on Hallaway Road.
Laurel Ridge State Park – Somerset County
This is one of the most extensive and best-managed cross-country ski trail systems in the state park system. So much so that there is a trail usage fee. But it’s worth it. About 35 miles of trails are available for cross-country skiing, and 20 of those are a well-groomed touring concession. Skiers can access the touring concession, which is located next to the PA 653 car park.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.