Best of 2003: Best Cross-Country Skiing

Laguna Meadow off Sunrise Highway

Cleveland National Forest

www.r5.fs.fed.us/cleveland/

619-445-8341

Rise before dawn on the day after a major storm from the northwest has swept over San Diego County and moved eastward, December through February. Throw cross-country skis and boots in the car and drive a short hour (from central San Diego) to mile 19 on Sunrise Highway. Park on the wide shoulder there (don't forget to display your "adventure pass"). Ski north over a low divide into the wide-open, crisp, snow-covered Laguna Meadow -- which will probably be track-free at this early hour.