The Mines of Spain Recreation Area will host a free introductory cross country ski clinic at 1:15 p.m., Jan. 13, with Earl Brimeyer serving as guest instructor.  To register, contact Brimeyer at 563-583-6345 or the park office at 563-556-0620.

Participants should meet at the Cedar Ridge Trailhead, located at the first parking lot coming in off Olde Massey Road by way of Hwy. 52.  Participants will need to provide their own skis, poles, boots, and other equipment. Rental skis are available in Dubuque at Bicycle World, on Central Avenue and Kunnert’s Sports, on Locust Street and in Galena at Fever River Outfitters.

The clinic will provide information on equipment gear and skiing techniques, with an emphasis on classical or inline skiing, as well as freestyle or skate skiing. The clinic will be entirely outdoors on groomed trails on the Cedar Ridge and Prairie Ridge trails that will allow participants to practice their skills and have some fun in the snow.

Cross country skiing is a fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed at any age.  The Mines of Spain offers five miles of classical skiing on the Cedar Ridge and Prairie Ridge Trails, and two miles of skate skiing on the Prairie Ridge Trail.  These trails are groomed as snow conditions allow.  Skiers can also ski thru other areas of the park and on other trails by breaking snow and creating their own trail.  For snow and trail conditions, contact the park office at 563-556-0620.

Cross country ski races will be held Jan. 26, in conjunction with the Iowa Winter Games.  The event will include classical ski race and the skate ski race.  To register contact Earl Brimeyer or you can register on the day of the event.

Logo courtesy Iowa Department of Natural Resources