About cross country skiing

What is cross country skiing?

Skiing in Lapland

  • A fun way of exercising in the snow that leaves you feeling invigorated and relaxed.
  • A means of exploring the uncrowded countryside; gliding through quiet valleys and forests, down and uphill, stopping to refuel in local cafes or picnicking in the sun Scandinavian style.
  • A low impact, total body workout - you use more muscles than in any other sport but the effort is spread across the whole body so it doesn't feel as hard as it sounds.
  • An aerobic sport suitable for all ages and abilities that improves fitness and delivers multiple health benefits.
  • An environmentally friendly sport - you ski on prepared tracks without need for lifts and other installations.
  • The more adventurous can also ski off track and tour the high mountains. 

What equipment do I need?

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Cross country ski equipment

Lightweight cross country skis and boots, which feel like trainers and are quite different to alpine ski boots.  The boot is attached to the binding at the toe and your heel is free.  Poles are light and 20-30cm shorter than your height. 

Skis are designed for the traditional classic technique, with an area in the middle of the ski which is ridged or waxed to grip the snow as you weight the ski down, or for skating technique to enable easy gliding.  You can also get 'combi' skis which are a compromise for beginners.

Equipment for track skiing can be hired in most resorts.  If you want to ski off track you'll need heavier boots and metal edged skis which can be hired from specialist centres.

Which technique do I use?

Classic or diagonal stride is the most common technique.  It's similar to walking; you push off, your skis glide forward in parallel in the grooves of the prepared tracks, and you use your arms to help propel you along. 

Skating is an increasingly popular technique that is similar to ice or inline skating where you glide from side to side and use your arms to push you further.  You ski on the flat area of prepared tracks rather than in the grooves used for classic ski-ing.

Transfering your weight from ski to ski, balance and rhythm are the key to great cross country ski-ing whichever technique you use.  Taking lessons and spending a little time developing your skills will really help to build your confidence so you get the most out of your holiday.

Is it hard work?

Like any activity it takes a little more effort when you first start learning, but once you've mastered the basics then you can decide if you want to ski gently or more energetically.

Uphills always need a bit more effort but reward you [usually] with a magic glide down. 

You'll enjoy a ski holiday more if you work on your fitness beforehand - nordic walking and roller ski-ing use many of the same muscles and develop co-ordination and strength.  General walking, cycling, gym work ... anything that gets you off the couch and out of your car will help.

Do I need lessons?

Learning the basics pays dividends.  It's more fun if you can ski confidently, safely and efficiently.  And you'll be able to explore more of the countryside.

Choose a ski holiday where you get some instruction to get you going, or go independently and book into a local ski school.

Be prepared to keep learning!

Where can I ski?

Scandinavia is the home of cross country skiing but just about any country in Europe that has downhill skiing also has cross country but at different resorts.  And don't forget about eastern Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, even Argentina.

Is cross country ski-ing the same as nordic ski-ing?

Nordic ski-ing is the generic name for cross country ski-ing, which also covers roller skiing , as well as ski-jumping - the sport of crazy, fearless teenagers who begin start jumping at a very early age.

What about biathlon and telemarking?

Biathlon is an exciting sport in its own right which involves cross country skiing and shooting at targets.  It can be difficult to get into if you're not in the UK armed forces. For more info see:

Wessex Biathlon and Nordic Ski Club

British Biathlon Union or

Eurosport in the winter season with great commentaries from ex Olypmpians Mike Dixon and Patrick Winterton.

Telemarking is a form of alpine skiing which uses heavier equipment than cross-country but is good sport to learn if you want to ski higher, steeper and off track; or if you're a downhiller looking for a new challenge.  Have at look at Totally Nordic and The Telemark Ski Company for more information about this free heel type of skiing.