Cross Country Skiing:
The Fun and Easy Way to Learn How to
Cross Country Ski. Cross
country skiing is an excellent all-body workout which can get you working up a good sweat. At the same time,
being in the middle of a forest where you the only sounds you hear is your breath and your skis against the
snow, you can actually relax and come back from your workout completely refreshed.
When I tried cross country skiing, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I thought
it would be a bigger struggle and more tiresome experience than it was. I started the day with a lesson, and ended
with a plan to purchase equipment and a season pass for next year. Try this sport - even if you've tried other snow
sports and think you know what to expect, you may be in for a pleasant surprise.
Start by taking a short basic lesson. Most Nordic Ski Centers offer them. You'll be glad you did. After taking a lesson, I recommend
picking up a beginner's cross country ski guide like Cross Country Skiing: Building Skills for Fun
& Fitness which will give you expert guidance on:
 Basic ski skills, including uphill and
downhill tips, skate skiing, classic skiing, racing, training and back country instructions- Using, buying and maintaining ski equipment, optimal clothing and accessories that make your adventures so
much better
- Other useful advice, such as skiing with kids, dry land exercises and practical tips.
Also very good (when it's in stock) is the  Learn to Nordic Ski DVD - ideal for
visual learners and beginners who want to achieve the intermediate level. If you want to take your ski
abilities a step further, check out this more advanced instructional DVD >> Nordic Skiing Technique
If you've never been on skis before or are brand new to cross country skiing, here are some things to think
about when you're getting started:
- Rather than attempting to stride in the beginning, start by finding a flat piece of land and try walking.
Then, start leaning forward, bending your knees and tilting right and left as you take each step. Get
comfortable leaning over each ski
- One you feel comfortable with these basic movements and have managed to not cross your skis, you can start
practicing the most common step in cross country skiing, the diagonal stride. (When your right leg pushes off,
your left arm swings forward, and same with the other side.) Keep in mind that when your leg pushes off, it
pushes down, rather than back. This way, your ski is better able to grip the snow and propel you forward. Keep
your weight over your foot with chest and hips forward.
- In practicing the diagonal stride, focus on shifting your entire weight from ski to ski - gliding on one
while you kick the other ski back behind you, your foot completely off the ground. As you master this
technique, you will find that you're expending less effort!
Cross Country Ski Gear - What Should You Get?
Most likely, you're planning to spend most of your time on the groomed tracks at nordic ski centers, and simply
want gear that is versatile and affordable: focus on classic or touring ski equipment. You'll get the
stability and support you need. Also look for convenient automatic step-in bindings (great for beginners).
If you want to get into the faster skate skiing where you push your skis outward against the snow, look
for skate skis which tend to be shorter and stiffer than those used in classic cross country skiing. Combi
skis cam be used for both classic and skate skiing.
Maybe you like getting away from the groomed trails - backcountry skiing is more your style. The skis get
shorter and wider with more sidecut for increased flotation and the boots are stiffer. More information on
the different styles of cross country skiing.
- Classic Skis
 | Skate Skis
 | Back Country
Skis TIP: The bowlike arc that a ski has is called its
camber. You notice it when you lay a ski on the floor. Heavier or more experienced skiers will want more
camber, while lighter, less agressive skiers want less camber. Camber affects how easy or difficult it is
to grip the snow (too much and it's difficult to glide - too little, and you'll be slipping a lot).
-
Classic
Boots | Skate Boots
| Backcountry Ski
Boots TIP: when shopping for boots, you want support and
flexibility. Buy quality boots that are rigid enough to keep your heel on the ski when you turn. When
you're trying on boots, make sure your feet don't slide around in the boots - but you also don't want
them too tight.
- Cross Country Ski
Poles
 TIP: When skiing on groomed trails, use poles that reach
your armpit. If you are going off-trail or in powder snow, use longer poles (armpit to shoulder) - you'll
need the extra pole length to make up for sinking into unpacked snow. As you excel at cross country
skiing, stiffer poles may work better to handle the additional stress Stiff poles also work better for
skating.
Cross Country Skiing Trails - Where Can You Go?
-
 Cross Country Skier
For those who are interested in learning more about cross country skiing and how to improve technique.
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