Despite it being great exercise (and actually a lot of fun), many Alaskans still look upon cross-country skiing as a bit of a crazy activity. You put on spandex, go out in sub-zero temperatures, and go uphill on skis -- without the help of a ski lift. To some, it surely still seems like a bit of a strange way to get around, an archaic winter transport option gone the way of the dogsled.
It's hard work, sure, but pushing yourself up to the top of a long hill -- thighs burning and ski poles pockmarking the snow behind you -- all seems worth it when you're rewarded with a quick zip back downhill, perspiration frosting over on your eyelashes and cold wind slapping you in the face.
But if that's not exciting enough for you, you can always spice it up a bit on your own. That's what cross-country skiers Reese Hanneman, Erik Bjornsen and Pete Kling did when they decided to take their exercise to the air off a jump at the Birch Hill Nordic Ski Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. Using the YouTube username EngineRoomAK, that's exactly what they did in this video uploaded by Hanneman.
Perhaps Hanneman, a ski racer with the Alaska Pacific University Elite Ski Team who has raced competitively for years and who has Olympic aspirations, best explains the appeal of XC skiing in his blog:
These days, I love racing. I love being able to create my own speed. I love the adrenaline, and I guess I love the pain, although I can definitely think of times when I would say otherwise. I love the beautiful trails and outdoors that you get to see with skiing. I love catching air...and I love having to eat constantly in order to keep up with it all!
That last sentiment is surely one everyone can get on board with. To read more about Hanneman, his training, his cross-country skiing competitions and clinics, visit the blog above, or his website at FasterSkier.com.
Our Alaska takes a look at the people, places, activities and wildlife that make Alaska great. There's the Alaska that many people know from reality television, and then there's Our Alaska. If you have a video that puts the spotlight on the positive, educational or unique aspects of Alaska and its people, send links or submissions to ben(at)alaskadispatch.com.