The Ski World is Bigger than You Think!

FasterSkierAugust 30, 2007

Summit Station, Greenland

Snowless hometown got you down? Tired of your rollerskis, rock skis, all those pine needles in your klister? Feeling hostage to climate and geography? FasterSkier is good about showing the farther-flung elements of our sport, as well as summer and early snow options…but perhaps you can’t quite afford a trip to Silver Star or the Snow Farm?

If you pursue contract work through the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs (as many skiers do), it is possible to train in good conditions nearly any time of year. The NSF maintains research stations in Greenland, Antarctica, and other high-latitude regions, most of which are home to numerous fitness skiers, and often a disillusioned racer or two. We may lack fresh fruit, flora, and females—but there is always plenty of snow.

I’ve been just a year in this line of work, but I've made it to a few of these places, and skied with the locals whenever possible.

McMurdo Area, Antarctica

XC Antarctica. Sure, the conditions can be tough, but they can also be lovely. Ross Island is always gorgeous, and it is home to the two largest ski events—December's Cape Evans Ski and January's McMurdo Marathon—on the continent. Such a bleak assessment is contrary to the spirit of the experience.

South Pole Station

www.usap.gov.

FasterSkier

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