Cross Country Skiing For Beginners
You don’t need to be a superhuman athlete to enjoy cross country skiing. But if you have some basic skills and know what to expect, it’s a lot of fun! The first thing to do is get a pair of skis and poles. Unless you plan to ski in untracked terrain, stay on groomed trails.
Choose the Right Equipment
Cross Country Skiing is an excellent sport for people who want to keep their fitness up over the winter, and it is a fun way to get out and explore nature. But before you can start a cross-country ski adventure, you need to have the right equipment.
Choose the right skis for you based on your goals and skill level. Classic skis are best for groomed tracks, skate skis work well on soft snow, and backcountry xc skis are great for off-trail terrain.
The boots you wear on your skis significantly affect how comfortable and enjoyable you’ll be on the trails. They need to fit comfortably without rubbing or pinching your feet.
Poles are another essential piece of cross-country ski gear. You need to ensure that they are long enough and lightweight to be easy to maneuver, but they also need to be durable to avoid dropping them on the trail.
Find a Mentor
If you’re serious about trying cross-country skiing, find a mentor who’s experienced in teaching beginners. These people know their skis, are patient and have a natural ability to teach beginners.
They’ll likely be willing to take you out for an afternoon or a week. But remember, it’s an unpaid job, and if they’re also a mentor, you should make an effort to provide something of value in return.
You can get a lot out of a mentor’s time by showing up prepared. Learn how to shift gear, practice your skiing technique, dial in avalanche awareness and orient yourself correctly.
Once you’ve gotten the basics down, pick a relatively flat trail (no avalanche hazards) and groom. You want to get a feel for skiing on ski tracks before you venture into the backcountry or stray from the groomers.
Dress for the Weather
Whether you are an avid skier or new to cross-country skiing, the proper clothing can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time in the snow. Invest in clothes that offer protection but allow the excess heat to escape.
A well-dressed cross-country skiing outfit usually consists of slim cross-country ski pants, a lightweight jacket, thermal socks, gloves and a headband or beanie. On sunny days, consider adding sunglasses too!
Water conducts heat away from your body 50 times faster than air, so you must wear clothing that keeps you warm and dry. You’ll also need a good hydration pack to carry some energy-rich snacks.
As with any winter sport, cross-country skiing is an aerobic activity that gets your body warmed up quickly. It is, therefore, essential to dress in layers that can be removed or added as needed. This will save you time and money by reducing the unnecessary gear you must carry on your excursion.
Learn the Basics
Whether you’re looking to get into a new winter sports or want to keep active in the colder months, cross-country skiing (aka Nordic or XC skiing) can be a great option. It’s an easy-to-learn, low-impact activity that trains your cardiovascular system while minimizing the impact on your joints and muscles.
It’s also an excellent way to spend time outdoors during the winter and a great alternative to running, putting a lot of stress on your knees. The best part is that you can learn how to do it right at home if you have access to a pair of skis and a trail!
Start by learning how to ski on flat terrain with a classic technique requiring skis that move straight. This differs from the speedy ice-skating-inspired skate skiing that is more difficult on more challenging trails and requires longer poles.