Many people love the idea of having a cross country ski track in their backyard. Thanks to the advancement of technology, it is now possible to build one. All you need is a bit of determination, some strong arms and lots of raw materials.
If you are looking to create a recreational and training center for your local community, you can follow the guide below to build a track that will be the envy of all your friends!
Table of Contents
Choose A Spot
The very first thing you need to do is to choose a spot for your track. You should pick a flat, open space with plenty of natural light. This is going to be your work space, so take your time in choosing the right location.
Make sure that you do your research before you choose a spot. If possible, visit the location a few times before making a decision (during the day, of course). This will help you see it with a fresh set of eyes and ensure that you make the right choice.
The Final Step
Once you have chosen the perfect spot, it’s time to move on to the last step. You need to clear the area of all obstacles. This is where your common sense comes in. You should create a list of everything that could possibly go wrong and try to prevent these problems before you start moving earth. Make sure that you work with a professional crew for this task, as they will have the equipment and know how to navigate all kinds of terrain efficiently.
After the area is clear, it’s time to lay down the track surface. You can choose from gravel, sand or a mix of the two. Whatever you opt for, make sure that it feels like a firm, comfortable surface underneath your feet. It should not be too soft or too hard, but just right.
Once you have a track surface, it’s time to start laying down the banks. This can either be natural banks or manmade banks. The main purpose of these areas is to prevent ice from forming on the track, so make sure that you take the time to do this properly.
These areas should have a slight dip in them so that when the sun starts to set, it does not directly hit the track. You should also place a few small trees and bushes around the perimeter of the track to further break up the monotony of the landscape.
You can also add some color to your landscape with flowerbeds, brightly colored shrubs or small trees. They will add life to your garden and give it that extra polish that only nature can provide.
Final Tips
Once you have finished building your track, you should take the time to enjoy it. Go for a walk, launch a few ski balls or just sit down and have a cup of tea with a loved one.
Make sure that you practice safety before you start using the track for any reason. Wear your helmet, put on your goggles and secure your ski boots. Once you are comfortable using the equipment, you can gradually add more strenuous exercises.
Also, remember that building a cross country ski track is a long and tiring process. You should not expect to be able to build it in a couple of hours and then head to the mountain to ski. It takes time to properly build a good track, get the proper equipment and know how to use it safely.
To help you plan out your journey successfully, this article will go over some of the things you need to consider before starting your project. Be sure to read the guide carefully and make sure you do everything by the book. You should have no problems following the instructions, but if you do, then you will need to find a new location for your track. Good luck out there!
The Legal Aspects
In most places, building a cross country ski track is not actually permitted. It is usually categorized as off-premise building or outdoor structure. If you live in an area where this is possible, then great! Otherwise, you will need to find a different solution. The good thing is that you can make it look like an extension of your house so that it does not appear to be out of place. This is especially beneficial if you are building it in a remote area where there is no one around to disturb you.
As mentioned above, you need a spot for this project. Make sure that it is situated away from natural hazards, such as ponds, lakes, or streams. Besides being the perfect location for skiing, it should be flat with no elevation changes. It is always nice when your landscape is as uncluttered as possible. This will increase the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
The Financial Aspects
Building a ski track is not exactly cheap. You have the price of the land to consider, along with the equipment and the labor. Depending on how experienced you are as a skier, you will also have to buy a decent ski kit. If you are just getting into the sport, then you will need to budget for a good pair of skis and ski boots. Even with all these expenses, you will still have money left over for a drink or two.
If you are looking for an affordable option, then you should consider buying a prebuilt track. These are completely assembled tracks that can be placed in your garden. They usually come with beginner’s guides and are fully customizable. This means that you can add extra features to the track, such as an uphill section or a few more jumps.
The Technical Aspects
When it comes to building a ski track, you need to think about the surface material and how you are going to tackle the various terrains. This will largely depend on your local climate. If you live in a cooler place, then you can use cement, gravel or sand as a base surface. If you are in a warmer place, then you will need to opt for asphalt or concrete. There are also premade track surfaces that you can purchase that are suitable for most terrains.
The material that you use to build your track must be firm and flat. If it is too soft, then it will become muddy in the winter and it will be hard to ski on. If it is too hard, then it will break under heavy foot traffic. No one wants a poorly made track that will eventually deteriorate. Before you start moving earth, be sure to test the surface material in your locality.
Along with the surface material, you need to think about how you are going to tackle the various terrains. If you live in a place with a lot of elevation changes, then you will need to opt for jumps or moguls. These are the tiny hills or little hills that you can find scattered around the countryside. If this is not the case, then you can opt for box jumps or slush runs. They are also known as liquid terrains because of all the precipitation that they collect (snow, rain or hail).
These are the basic guidelines for building a cross country ski track. As you can see, it is not exactly easy to achieve, especially if you are doing it yourself. If this is your first time building a track and your garden space is rather limited, then you should consider purchasing a prebuilt kit. This will make the whole process much easier and you will enjoy the benefits of a well-designed ski center in your backyard.