WINTERSPORTS -- Cross-country skiing is an active way to glide through winter, as S-R columnists explored in the paper this week.

But several readers pointed out that they prefer other less athletic ways to endure the snowy months.  Among them, Gary Polser, who writes:

My Story! Years ago the wife and I lived on 27 acres north of Spokane at Riverside.  We worked at FAFB.  Having been raised in California, I was not familiar with Skiing.  Cross-country skiing sounded like maybe fun on my property.  I checked out some skiing equipment at the base Rec Hall.  Installed same on feet at back deck of house.  Started out in the back parking area.  Made it about six feet and fell on my behind.  Took off the skis and never tried it again.

Perhaps it's a blessing that Gary found some other winter pastime after suffering little more than a bruised ego.

Better to cut your losses early before enduring more serious cross-country skiing rites of passage, such as frostbite and Nordic Nipple.