Cross-country skiing keeps costs in line

With winter snows upon us, some skiers are reeling from announcements that daily lift tickets will exceed $70 at popular resorts such as Colorado’s Aspen or Utah’s Deer Valley. Even some of the lesser downhill locations will approach that price.

The solution? Cross-country in place of downhill. It’s challenging, fun and less expensive.

One of North America’s largest cross-country complexes -- Royal Gorge, in the Lake Tahoe area -- charges $28 weekends and $24 weekdays for a one-day adult trail ticket. And this is a top location. At more ordinary venues, such as White Grass Touring Center near Davis, W.Va., a weekday trail ticket is $10 for adults.

Cross-country skiing is less costly than downhill in other ways too: Equipment rentals can cost about half.

Cross-country skiers will challenge arguments that their sport is easier. But you can pick up basic techniques a lot more quickly. So lessons generally don’t cost as much. On downhill skis, you probably need a minimum of eight hours to feel comfortable. A 90-minute lesson should get you gliding nicely on cross-country trails.

Is cross-country as much fun as downhill skiing? Let’s start with the apres-ski scene -- beer pubs, bubbling hot tubs, mulled wine by the fireplace and dancing. Many cross-country skiing complexes are at or near downhill resorts. After a day on the snow, head for the same fun spots as the big spenders.

During the day, you glide through much the same scenic landscape as the downhillers. Generally, you start on beginner paths, then tackle the hilly stuff. Even on cross-country skis, you can savor the thrill of speed.

Resorts to get you started:

* Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, Soda Springs, Calif.: More than 200 miles of groomed trails trace 9,000 acres of woods and meadows. Fly into Reno, Nev.; stay in the historic railroad town of Truckee, Calif. Information: (800) 500-3871, www.royalgorge.com.

* Methow Valley Sport Trails Assn., Winthrop, Wash.: On the eastern slope of the North Cascades, this nonprofit maintains more than 120 miles of groomed trails. It is not near a downhill resort. Fly into Seattle or Spokane; stay in the cowboy town of Winthrop. Information: (509) 996-3287, www.mvsta.com.

* White Grass Ski Touring Center: This cozy place with country charm is set in one of West Virginia’s prettiest mountain valleys. Fly into Washington-Dulles or Pittsburgh; stay in Davis. Information: (304) 866-4114, www.whitegrass.com.

* Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, Jackson, N.H.: Nearly 100 miles of groomed trails meander through the scenic village of Jackson. Fly into Portland, Maine, or Manchester, N.H.; stay in Jackson or North Conway. Information: (603) 383-9355, www.jacksonxc.com.