Ski NYC, Day 1

Most people would be surprised to learn that cross country skiing is possible within the limits of New York City. Over the past few years, I've had the opportunity to ski at Prospect Park in Brooklyn and even Central Park in Manhattan. While some look at me like I'm crazy, others give a smile or ask how it's going. I usually even see another skier or two.

Where do you ski in NYC? If you're one of the crazies out there on skinny skis like me, post in the comments below! 

I live in the Bronx now, so I have been excited all winter to ski at Van Cortlandt Park. With its large parade ground flats and wooded trails through the "back hills," it's a great spot for kicking and gliding.

Fresh tracks with Van Cortlandt Mansion in background

When I woke up yesterday to the scrape of snow plow on concrete and branches turned white with snow, I jumped out of bed, wolfed down some toaster waffles and a banana and headed out the door. Check out my GPS file below. I did a few loops of the Parade Grounds, went up Freshman Hill, and even took a run up and down Vault Hill, with slow conditions making it manageable going up and down.

Conditions were pretty good. I would describe the snow as fresh but heavy. We got roughly 5 inches, as you can see from the deep tracks in the picture below. The snow was made heavier by light rain on and off throughout the morning, but that also meant it was warm, and I quickly shed my second layer, skiing in a long-sleeved cycling jersey, long running tights, and a winter cap.

Van Cortlandt was delightfully quiet and I enjoyed some casual camaraderie with a group of 5 or 6 runners who were also braving the snow to log some miles.