When the landscape turns to white, it's a sacred time for winter sports lovers. For Midwest endurance sports athletes, that means cross country skiing, and to a lesser extent, snowshoeing.

In our fragile and fickle northern Illinois winter climate, when someone says snow, you go. When it comes to racing, it's better to show up - in shape or not - than to "wait till next year." The opportunities are just too few and the camaraderie equals or surpasses anything you've found in other sports.

Sure, there is a lot of downhill skiing and snowboarding going on, too, but with cross country skiing (also called Nordic) and snowshoeing, you get out there and work as well as play, the same way you would in other sports.

"Cross country skiing brings together an amazing workout, beautiful natural surroundings, all ability levels of terrain and the ability to go out and easily do it 'just for fun' or to continue to challenge yourself in terms of technique and fitness every time you hit the trail," said competitive racer Elizabeth Plank, 32, of Glenview. "Further, it compliments other endurance training and is low-impact."

Once you've crossed (pun intended) the line from health club athlete to winter sports participant, the possibilities are endless, particularly in cross country skiing, as you learn about training, races and equipment. For many Illinois athletes, unlocking winter's secrets starts with local events, but, the ultimate accomplishment is skiing the Subaru American Birkebeiner in northwest Wisconsin. You can be a novice or seasoned veteran. Just bring a healthy attitude and you'll never look back.

"I am doing the Birkie due to peer pressure from friends who have done it for many years," said first-timer Gary Leff, 39, of Chicago. "They say I'll have a tough time, and I want to prove them wrong . . . I am a good athlete and I'm in reasonably good shape. I look forward to the challenge."

That says it all for newbies to the world of skinny skis and high heart rates.

Here is a rundown on top regional events for experienced winter athletes and newcomers alike.

Cross Country Skiing
Jan. 7 - Waukesha County Parks Citizens 10K, 5K, Nashota, WI. This event is well-run at Nashota Park, west of Milwaukee. 11:30 a.m. start is good for skiers traveling from Chicago. Call 262-548-7801.

Jan. 8 - Joliet Nordic 11K, Woodruff Golf Course, Joliet. You'll find hills and a great atmosphere, courtesy of the Joliet Nordic Ski Club. Call 815-722-6076.

Jan. 14 - Northern Illinois Nordic 13K, 6.5K, Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton. The course is flatter than Joliet, but still challenging. Beginners welcome. Call 630-269-4872.

Jan. 14 - Seeley Hills Classic 42K, 22K, Hayward, WI. This one is on the Birkie course and is for diagonal stride racing only (no skating). Count on good tracks and a great time. Call 715-798-3571.

Jan. 21 - Lapham Loppet 10K, Dousman, WI. A victim of no snow in recent years, this is a spectacular trainer for the American Birkebeiner with exciting terrain and Chip timing. Call 262-965-2636.

Jan. 22 - Aurora Healthcare Greenbush Challenge 15K, Greenbush, WI. Staged in northern Kettle Moraine, this event also has Birkie-like conditions. Call 920-892-7400.

Jan. 28 - Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon 51K, 25K, Ishpeming to Marquette, MI. This one can be tough but rewarding. You ski through the wilderness in the Upper Peninsula, finishing at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Call 866-370-7223.

Feb. 4 - White Pine Stampede 50K, 20K, 10K, Mancelona, MI. This Lower Peninsula race celebrates its 30th running this year. Course is technical in some sections, but generally provides a fun, fast ride. Call 231-587-8642.

Feb. 11 - North American Vasa 50K, 27K, 12K, Acme, MI. Just adjacent to Traverse City, the Vasa also turns 30. The course is a mix of hills, curves and flats. Michigan hospitality is everywhere. Call 231-938- 4400.

Feb. 12 - Mora Vasaloppet 58K, 42K (classic only), 35K, 13K, Mora, MN. This race, about 90 minutes north of the Twin Cities, is on gentle terrain where Illinois "flatlander" training can be an advantage. Don't skip the famed blueberry soup out on the trail. Call 800-368-6672.

Feb. 19 - Subaru Ice Age Challenge 15K, 5K, Madison, WI. This race has been snow-challenged for a couple of years, but is worth the drive. Call 608-224-4550.

Feb. 25 - Subaru American Birkebeiner 51K, Kortelopet 23K, Cable-Hayward, WI. This is the big one. You do this and you've hit a home run. The course is tough, but the volunteers make sure you have the experience of a lifetime. There are other races and tours throughout race weekend. Go to www.birkie.com or call 800-872-2753.

Snowshoeing
Feb. 11 - New World Snowshoe Championships 20K, 10K, 5K, Luck, WI. This is as good as it gets in the Midwest. It's put on by the In and Out of Luck Running Club. Protect the back of your neck from flying snow! Call 715-472-8231.

Also, the Runner's Edge in Wilmette and Libertyville has put on a race at Half Day Woods near Lincolnshire during January in years past. Call the store (847-549-1108 in Libertyville or 847-853-8531 in Wilmette) to see if anything is planned.

Downhill Skiing
There is NASTAR racing, downhill and slalom, at Wilmot Mountain, WI. Call 262-862-2301.