Alan,
I live at 63deg north 1deg west in a typical coastal climate. If we are very lucky, we have sailable ice for 14 days during winter. But we do have hard snow quite often, so runners with skis should work.
Amazing that you are about 950 km / 570 miles north of me and it is so warm. Love that Gulf Stream!
People have tried skis but I am not aware of any success stories. Friction is so high and so variable plus the uneven surface.
