Mike McCourt skiis with Jean Smith on the IU golf course. David Snodgress | INstride

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Probably one knows more about local cross-country skiing than Jean Smith.

Photos of Jean Smith and friends skiing at IU Golf Course

Smith started tracking details of his every snow outing. Similar to a scientist, he wanted to see if his theory was true: It’s possible to cross-country ski 30 times a year in south-central Indiana. For three years, there were 30 or more days and one year brought 40-45 days. Smith, who owns BikeSmiths, stopped his detailed documentation a few years ago. He also no longer sells cross-country skiing equipment at the downtown Bloomington bike shop. But his love of the sport is strong as ever. If there’s snow on the ground, he’s likely gliding through the Indiana University Golf Course, Cascades Golf Course or Karst Farm park.

“It’s always beautiful,” Smith said. “It’s always quiet. You’re out there on your own, away from everyone.”

Smith first picked it up about 20 years ago when visiting a friend in Colorado. He was hooked.

Smith views skiing as walking; he enjoys coasting along but said it can be easily tweaked for difficulty (i.e. a good sweat).

“It’s exercise in the winter, especially for cyclists,” he said. The best time to go out is during a rain when the snow is melting. All skiing is water-skiing, he said, explaining that the friction of skis melts the snow allowing you to seriously glide or hydroplane. “You can have a great time and really fly,” Smith said. But he’s not interested in flying down-hill.

In all of his time on skis, he’s never done it, preferring cross country.

“I’m cheap,” Smith said with a laugh after returning from a trek on the IU Golf Course. “I don’t like to pay fees.”

With no ski-lifts and no lodge to purchase frothy hot chocolates fireside, cross-country skiing is much more economical.

“There’s no charge once you have the skis,” Smith explained. “You can buy everything for between $175-$225.”

Not a bad investment considering the return.

Smith has used the same skiis for 20 years and his boots are about 14 years old.

Mark Taubensee plots a course with Jean Smith. David Snodgress | INstride