We recently shared 4 cyclists perspectives on why they switch to XC skiing in the winter rather than fat biking. Today we hear from Ben Senkerik who is another cyclist who, after a bad original experience with skiing, now finds the change to cross-country skiing refreshing during the winter along with the enhanced physical activity.
Words by Ben Senkerik
My journey to becoming a cross-country skier started in high school. I was an avid downhill skier, so once I began cycling in 2008, cross-country skiing was the logical next step.
Around 2010, I first attempted to cross-country ski. I thought I would naturally excel as I had spent the better part of 10 years downhill skiing. Well, that preconceived notion was quickly changed.
After falling six times before we even made it to the Zillmer trailhead, my coach, Joe Cieszynski, told me to hit the kiddy loop while he completed his workout.
After this day, my ego was bruised enough that I hung up the cross-country skis for the next nine years.
Returning to the Trails: Training for the Birkie
Now in 2019, my good friend, Chad Sova, pitched an idea to ski the Birkie for his 35th birthday. I, being blissfully unaware of what is to come, took him up on this offer.
That December, we started our training at the Iola Winter Sports Club. Chad, being the great athlete he is, quickly exceeded my abilities and left me behind. Again, with a bruised ego from being unable to ski down the front straightaway, I used that fuel to propel my Birkie training and first attempt. Starting from the seventh wave, I weaved through a throng of people to complete the race in under 3-hours.
Now in my sixth season, and fourth year in the elite wave, this sport is slowly becoming my primary sport.
Getting back to the normal format in 2025 excites me, but I do have to say that the 2024 looped course was amazing! Skiing in the elite wave, through a crowd of people three rows deep around the entire course, was the coolest experience. Having a "World Cup" in our backyard was truly something special.
Thinking about this race still gives me chills to this day.
Why Skiing Complements My Cycling Training
The reason I feel in love with skiing is that it gives me a reason to get outside during the cold winter months.
Skiing when it is 30 degrees in a short-sleeved shirt and light pants beats sitting on the trainer or bundling up to ride outside.
You also don't have to deal with the road slop and salt ruining your equipment.
Along with this, coach always says, "Great cyclists are made in winter". There is a reason why skiing has produced most of the highest VO2 max numbers ever recorded.
After a season of skiing, I am stronger and faster than if I stuck to cycling. Skiing makes me a more dynamic athlete. I also feel refreshed coming into the spring as I have stepped off the bike. The changing of the sporting season is now something I need to keep things fresh and exciting.
For anyone looking to start or continue with their skiing journey, this sport is one of the best sports I have tried but is as equally frustrating since it is so technically demanding. Effortlessly gliding on a two-and-a-half-inch board takes years of practice and constant refining. I still find myself struggling to find my flow after a summer away but the challenge is what makes this so gratifying.
Now with snow on the horizon, I hope you all find a reason to hit the ski trails this winter.
