Cross Country Skiing in the QC

Winter in the Quad Cities can be a long, hard slog through 12 or more weeks of cold and darkness. But for those who don’t mind a little snow and cold, winter presents a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a new and different way.

Just because there is snow on the ground doesn't mean there aren't trails to follow. If you have a fat bike (they have fat tires), you might already be crushing it in the snow/slush. Otherwise, snap into some skis to go cross country skiing.

2 men cross country skiing on sunny clear day on groomed snow trail

Where Can You XC Ski in the Quad Cities?

If you have your own skis, you can cross country ski at local parks and public golf courses on both sides of the river in the Quad Cities. At most locations, about 3-4 inches of snow is enough for XC skiing. (Be sure to avoid tee boxes and greens if skiing on a public golf course, especially when the snow is low.) If you ski in a local park or golf course, that’s probably going to mean breaking a new trail after each snowfall. Even once you’ve broken trail, there’s a great likelihood your tracks will fill in with windblown snow and ice between outings.

For a better experience, there is trail grooming for classic style and skate style cross country skiing at Crow Creek Park and Palmer Hills Golf Course, both in Bettendorf. Often, skiers can find skied-in trails at Duck Creek Golf Course and Emeis Golf Course (both in Davenport) and at Saukie Golf Course in Rock Island. We recommend joining the Facebook group Quad-City Nordic to get updates on trail conditions from others. This is also a great place to ask questions about getting started as a skier.

woman cross country skiing at night with snow falling

Equipment Rental

And speaking of beginners, you can rent cross country skis, boots, and poles at Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf. As noted above, Palmer Hills has groomed trails, which makes for a better experience, especially for new skiers.

Just a few miles outside the Quad Cities, you can rent gear at the Wapsi Environmental Education Center or Rock Creek Marina in Camanche, Iowa. For more on this, see Laurie Elliott’s post on the QC Moms Blog.

Getting Started

You can find some great videos about learning to ski with a web search. Find a source you like, and watch enough to get the basics, but don’t mistake YouTube viewing for actually getting out in the snow. Many will say the most important skill to learn as a new skier is getting up after a fall. When you first head out on skis, remember that falling down and getting up again is just a part of the experience.

As with any new skill, it will take time and experience to get the hang of cross country skiing. Ask questions on the Quad-City Nordic Facebook page. If you’d like a basic ski lesson, ask to meet up with an experienced skier for some advice. We expect you’ll find XC skiers are a welcoming group, eager to help beginners learn new skills.

man cross country skiing on sunny day in the woods

Get Out and Enjoy!

Outdoor enthusiasts who gear up and get outside in the winter months will experience the benefits of fresh air, exposure to sunlight, and a full-body workout that’s hard to replicate at the gym. You’ll know you’ve become a real enthusiast when you get excited to see snow in the forecast.

Enjoy the outdoors this winter! #QCoutdoors

Thanks to Quad Citizen Kirby Winn for his knowledge and enthusiasm on cross country skiing in the QC.