Instead of canceling XC races when there's no/low snow, why not shape-shift and work with alpine areas to create XC events? A course doesn't have to take up THAT much slope-space.
Skiathlom does better with allrounder midlength skis perhaps -- fine.
Any potential?
Lots better spectating and R&R. A little urban vibe might be a fun change of pace.
And it's not for events only. It could be a way to ski and have fun -- go up'n'down the bunny slopes, rig up a course to challenge turning skills, add a few little jumps, some nifty terrain. Some kinds of XC skiers might dig it. Keep it doable on touring gear, say.
Ride the lifts when you don't want to ski up -- tho I suppose that's ridiculously CHILLING. (Bring a backpack and a jacket to stuff in it?) Resorts probably won't want to deal with any cutrate pricing just because XCers ski back up the hill instead of riding the lifts. So who cares -- if you have a job, why worry. OK, even as a Junior I couldn't afford lift tickets but there's usually a solution (like doing some work at the resort). The alpine demographic isn't and wasn't mine, but THEY HAVE THE SNOW AND THE PEOPLE AND A VARIETY OF TERRAIN. What more do we need? Lonely trails and big miles are sweet but they don't have to be the only game in town. Maybe jibskate would grow a bit more.
