This nonwinter has left skiers longing for snow, cross country skiers included.

But with the recent snowfall in the Laurel Highlands, I was one of many clicking into skis for a little cross training of the Nordic variety.

After running on frozen pavement in my neighborhood during the recent cold spell, gliding along the Summit Trail on Laurel Mountain without lifting my feet felt heavenly. But while my feet rested, other neglected body parts felt the stress of the workout.

I tottered like a toddler learning to walk, weak core and untested balance being summoned for duty. My neglected arms and shoulders ached through the first mile of poling. I vowed to begin a strength training program on Monday.

But after a few stops to stretch and shake out the kinks, the technique came back to me. I soon found my stride and settled into a rhythm of kick, glide, breathe.

I felt at home poling around exposed rocks and ducking under snow-heavy boughs on my favorite Spruce Run Trail. The trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge rail bed through a tunnel of spruce and hemlocks along the tumbling spring-fed Spruce Run, then turns uphill to loop through mixed hardwood forest before returning to the ridge of Laurel Mountain.

A fine frozen mist stuck to my fleece pullover and settled on the lacy fingers of hemlock. It coated marshmallow puffs of snow on top of the laurel and rhododendron, still green under the frosting. I stuck out my tongue for a cool drink from the sky before beginning the uphill trudge.

By the time the trail leveled out, my shirt was damp with sweat. I crested the summit, then leaned on the poles to catch my breath before heading toward home.

Wisps of blue smoke from the warming hut's fireplace appeared through the tree tops as I rounded the final turn toward the parking lot. A last drop of energy propelled me to my car.

It hadn't been a long ski tour, but I hadn't skied in a long time. It was just enough to remind me of how much I love snowy Pennsylvania winters.

If you've never cross trained with cross country skis, make a plan to get out into our next snowfall.

Beginners should stick with level-groomed or already-tracked trails, such as Kooser State Park in Somerset, Moraine State Park Bike Trail or Butler-Freeport Rail Trail before heading for the back country. Some golf courses, such as North Park's public course, are open to skiers, but always ask for permission first.

Ski resorts, such as Hidden Valley or Seven Springs, rent equipment for use on their terrain or on nearby Kooser trails. Locally, ski shops and rental stores can get you fitted for a day of fun in the snow.

Newer, shorter cross country skis are much more user friendly than the old superlong, superskinny varieties. And it's not hard to catch on to the kick-and-glide technique. Ask an experienced skier for a quick lesson or ask for a demo when you rent the equipment for the first time.

If you currently run or walk for fitness, you're fit enough for cross country skiing. Be aware that, like any new sport, skiing works different muscles than you're used to. Don't overdo it on your first time out or you'll pay with fatigue and soreness the next day.

Cross country skiing, like running, works up a sweat. Dress accordingly. Layers work best with an outer jacket that can be unzipped and hat that can be removed. Wear gloves with palms that grip and warm socks with a tight weave to prevent blisters.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSunday, 8 8 a.m.: Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, Miami. Flat course, warm sunshine. Let's go! 305-278-8668 or www.INGMiamiMarathon.comFeb. 4: All-Comers Indoor Track Invitational, Slippery Rock University. 724-738-2798Feb. 11, 10 8 a.m.: ERC Valentine Prediction Run and Walk, Erie. Closest to predicted finishing times win chocolate and candy awards. 814-774-3209 or www.erie-runnersclub.orgSend comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. Email: bigp16@connecttime.net