There’s only one way to burn 500 calories per hour, obtain a rosy glow to your skin, find new beauty in an already gorgeous city and learn to love winter– and that’s with cross country skiing in Chicago. Many Chicagoans are finding this sport to be their new weekend addiction; and with a plehtora of breathtaking trails to liven up an otherwise dull winter’s day, it never gets old.

To get started on your path, Warren Park and the Mortem Arboretum and Heller Nature CenterXCountrySkiing_HighlandPark in Highland Park (rentals are only $12) are great options. Northerly Island is also a favorite and features a Saturday cross country skiing program that’s fully free- with rentals included!

Although city cross country skiing may take a little extra effort on the front end (travel time to trails, equipment rental, bundling & buckling up), the rewards are tenfold. The freshness of the outdoors surges some serotonin into the system and who says apres-ski fun is only for downhill? No one! Besides being fun, this great workout engages all the major muscle groups along with others that often times get ignored. So you’ll be feeling good and looking good as a toned ski bunny.

If you find yourself getting totally addicted, buy your own equipment and take on the entire city like plenty of residents are already doing across Chi-town!