Does anyone have any suggestions for areas to cross country ski in the DC area itself when there is enough snow (as there is today Jan. 5). If one is not up for the drive to Canaan Valley and White Grass Touring Center in WV, where have folks found good cross-country skiing in DC area istelf, within and around the Beltway? parts of Rock Creek park? other Northern VA parks?

It'd be pretty cool on the lawn of the white house, but I think the SS would frown on that thought. Maybe someone could visit the Capitol and provide us with a shot like the one in the DCSki Yearbook?!

If I had today off, I'd head for the hiking trails in Rock Creek Park above Broad Branch road. Some of them are steep (use metal edged skis if you have them), but should hold snow fairly well. Also, there's a golf course in the Rock Creek Park if you want flatter terrain:

http://www.nps.gov/rocr/ppmaps/rocrmap%2Epdf

PS A good place to park is the lot just above military road.

[This message has been edited by johnfmh (edited 01-06-2003).]

Fairfax County Parks and Rec has a list of county parks in which there are trails for skiing. I've never been, though, so can't give you a firsthand report.

My boss's wife skis those trails whenever there is snow and she loves them. Also, some of the Golf Courses in Fairfax County allow freeheelers. Call ahead.

[This message has been edited by johnfmh (edited 01-17-2003).]

My favorite in Rock Creek has always been to start up around the stables -- behind them is steep and interesting, and you see no one. Over around the corral near there is good too, and that road is always closed when there's snow. You can start at the top (at Military) or at the bottom (near Pierce Mill). There are loads of places and trails and roads to ski between those two areas