Ski Walking Clinic Teaches New, Healthy Exercise

After holding ski walking clinics at Mission Point Resort, Pete Edwards owner and founder of skiwalking.com of Glen Arbor, enjoy the sport on the Island with his son Kiefer.

Count them off: There’s downhill skiing, slalom skiing, cross-country skiing, water skiing, but who has heard of ski walking?

Not many Americans, although Mackinac Island had the opportunity to get in on the trend Tuesday, August 9.

Pete Edwards, the owner and founder of skiwalking.com, offered free ski walking clinics at the Mission Point Resort Fitness Center, which included an introduction to ski walking and an opportunity to go out and try the sport.

Ski walking is a perfect sport for Mackinac Island, Mr. Edwards contends, because paved and unpaved roads offer different types of ski walking and because of the natural beauty.

Ski walking is a cross between walking and cross-country skiing, in that a person walks, but with ski poles to help maintain posture and increase physical exertion.

“Besides being the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe, and besides burning 40 percent more calories than just plain walking, ski walking is great because it’s perfect for all ages and all fitness levels,” said Mr. Edwards. “Regular walking is awesome, but this is even gentler because the poles make it mandatory to walk with correct posture, and the four-wheel-drive of the poles reduces stress on the legs and back.”

The sport is highly popular in Finland and its popularity is spreading, he said. As a form of exercise, it can be used by everyone from the elderly to athletes who are working on endurance training.

“It sounds goofy, it looks kind of goofy, but once people try it, they’re shocked,” said Mr. Edwards.

His company is in Glen Arbor and provides coaching, clinics, and equipment.

Mr. Edwards is looking forward to working with Mission Point and the Tourism Bureau to further ski walking on the Island. Next summer he hopes to offer more clinics and begin an around-the-Island walk.