Because of the rapidly melting ice sheets of the Arctic Ocean, Greenland and Antarctica; polar exploration can reveal the immediacy of the world’s climate-change crisis. Read more . . .

Every year since 1973, come mid-February, a small, highly trained and motivated citizen army begins to stir. They come from the small communities of Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin; and across the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and the entire Midwest to take their positions. Read more . . .

Never before have we presented such a diverse collection of media and styles: oils, woodblock prints, fabric and fresco; as well as some poetry. We hope you enjoy this year’s gallery. Feel free to contact the artists to let them know how much you appreciate their work. And be sure to let us know of other deserving artists out there that we might feature in the future. Read more . . .

In the last few years, interest in backcountry skiing has increased steadily. Phil Leeds, owner of Skinny Skis in Jackson, Wyo., says, “People may be happy skiing at a touring center and enjoy the aerobic element associated with that. Other times, they want the tranquility of exploring or the thrills of skiing on more rugged terrain. People are getting into it.” Read more . . .

Classical Skiing Renaissance (November 2008)

Everyone is capable of achieving “fluid striding” and it need not take the supernatural training discipline of a Bill Koch, or the full-time waxing coach and unlimited resources of a Björn Dæhlie, to do it. Recent advances in the sport change the equation by removing many of the impediments that have held the average skier back. Read more . . .

A snowmobile review in a cross country ski magazine? Not to worry, we haven’t changed our editorial focus. But as we move forward to continue to meet our mission of covering all facets of the sport of cross country skiing, this season we bring you a series of articles that looks more in depth at grooming. Read more . . .

The Birkie Turns 35 (January/February 2008)

By Ron Bergin — It started in 1973 with only 53 skiers, including those who participated in its half-distance version. The Birkie now annually attracting 6,500 or more skiers. Read more . . .

By Lou Dzierzak — The pay to play business model works -- from non-profit organizations to business relationship between resort owners, ski trail systems have honed financial business models to create stable long-term revenue streams. Read more . . .

Cross Country Skier presents its sixth annual look at the work of talented artists. New this year: poetry and a photography contest. Read more . . .

By Ron Watters — It was 1948 and Jack Meissner decided to ski 250-300 miles of rugged Oregon mountainous terrain. His motivation? Money. Money? Read more . . .

Off the Beaten Track (November 2007)

By Lou Dzierzak — While some think of backcountry skiing as an extreme adrenal rush, cross country skiers find it a quiet way to explore the woods and see familiar summer surroundings made mystical by blankets of snow. Read more.

By Ron Watters — Ron turns a grooming breakdown into a festive night of winter stargazing. Read more . . .

More than 3,000 skiers, snow by Thanksgiving, manufacturer demos and great food. What's not to like about West Yellowstone, Montana, in November? Read more . . .

There is a sport that can inject a kind of dark horse, come-from-behind excitement into your racing: biathlon. The element of shooting adds a wild card; even the good skiers may end up on the penalty loop. Read more . . .

Advocacy: Step it Up '07 (October 2007)

In the kingdom of sports, the most sensitive species is almost certainly cross country skiing. Its dependence on natural snow means that it may not have a future at all — unless, of course, we’re able to do something about the carbon dioxide pouring into the atmosphere. Read more . . .