XC Skiing - Camp Saratoga

Old Boy Scout Camp Saratoga is part of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, near Exit 16 of the Adirondack Northway, and only a short drive from home. It's groomed regularly, and can be a nice place to ski if the conditions are right. We tried skiing here a few weeks ago, but found very icy conditions. Since then, several inches of new snow have fallen atop the icy crap, and the area was regroomed just a few days ago. We found excellent conditions there today as we got out for a short afternoon ski.

There's something about skiing in good tracks that's entirely different from the usual backcountry-type skiing we like to do. The almost effortless full-extension kick/glide motion, up and down rolling hills, around turns, trying to keep a smooth rhythm - that's what's missing from trailbreaking and slogging through deep snow. Both kinds of skiing have their appeal, and today was a very nice outing for its own reasons. I'll always continue to wear wool instead of lycra, but this kind of skiing can also be a lot of fun.