Vicki Longhini, left, and Coral France get a workout on the skating lanes groomed by the Sandpiont Nordic Club recently at the University of Idaho tree farm in Sandpoint. (SR photo: Rich Landers)

Cross-country skiers donating time, energy and their own grooming equipment are inspiring Sandpoint – a town of alpine skiing tradition – to get active on skinny skis. “It’s a classic example of build it and they will come,” said Coral France as she stepped into her skate-ski bindings. The parking lot was full at noon, as it had been since December, at the former University of Idaho Research and Extension Center tree farm off North Boyer Avenue. The town trails are among three venues being groomed in the lowlands around Sandpoint this season. The trails feature novice terrain ideal for teaching – the one notable shortcoming at the established 32-kilometer cross-country trail system above town at Schweitzer Mountain Resort/Rich Landers, SR. More here.

Question: Did you X-country ski this winter?