The November '09 issue of Cross Counry Skier Magazine was a winner in my book. It had a great overview of Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer who helped boost Norway's national identity at a critical time. It had an essay on a gem of a singletrack trail: something to look for and crow about in any area, I think. It profiled the amazingly huge club ski scene in the Methow Valley. It profiles a very popular ladies ski club. And it highlights skiing and racing in the Cable/Hayward area--showing how that area goes way beyond the Birkie.

Then there's a report on the revival of XC in Yellowstone -- until recently it had been a smog-ridden Sturgis-like mecca for snowmobiles. Now, most motorsports types think ever more is ever better but even they admitted that the blue air in winter just wasn't right. Now the tourists have segued over to snow-buses, where I guess they can party without having to steer. And everyone is lots happier. The air has cleaned up. And it's now an XC destination.

There's also a report on the ski scene in Madison, WI -- it's a big one!

I'm impressed by how this magazine -- and this issue in particular -- hits well the huge range of topics included under the XC umbrella. The only thing is doesn't go for is tele. : ) ...But lighter BC shows up occasionally.

Check out this sample then go to http://crosscountryskier.com and subscribe!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Volume 29, Issue 2 (November 2009)

Features
Amundsen and the Race to the South Pole
Yellowstone Resurgence
The Big Sierra Snowstorm
Confessions of a Weather Junkie
Ski & Tea
Cut to the Core
Teaching Kids

Departments
Fireside: Olavi Hirovenen
Feature: Methow Valley Nordic Ski Club
New Stuff: Footwear

Columns
Fresh Snow
Nordic Family
A Body in Motion
Technique & Training
Kick & Glide
Off Track

CCS Racer
Competitive Edge
Training Tips from CXC
Adaptive Skiing
Profile: Canadian Alex Harvey
2010 Vancouver Olympics: A Primer
Event Profile: Seely Hills Classic

Destinations
Cable-Hayward
Madison
Minoqua
Escanaba Lake
Skiing and Snowshoeing Directory