Cross-Country Skiing Tips for Beginners

Cross-country skiing is an excellent cardiovascular activity that is suitable for beginners and experts. The key to a successful outing for the first-time Nordic skier is to start slowly, go at your own pace, be savvy about the trails and terrain and limit the time on that first outing for a doable, pleasurable experience.

  1. Physical Shape

    • While it isn't necessary to be a marathoner before starting out on the cross-country trail, it is important to note that Nordic skiing can be very taxing physically. Before beginning any exercise routine, you should check with your physician to confirm that the activity is within your physical capabilities. Taking a walk and stretching out warmed up muscles is a good idea before stepping into skis and hitting the trails.

    Dress Properly and Bring Snacks

    • A common mistake among skiers new to the sport is dressing for warmth rather than activity. Bundling up might work for a wintery walk or the waits in lift lines, but lighter is better on the cross-country ski trails. Dress in layers of breathable clothing, much as you would for running outdoors in cold weather. The wicking fabrics available in sporting-goods stores are ideal for keeping the skier warm and dry. Additionally, bringing a camel pack for hydration and a good supply of protein snacks to keep your body fueled as it burns some serious calories.

    Test Out the Equipment

    • Although a rental outfitter will fit your equipment to your size and ability, be certain to ask for instruction on the basics of its operation when you rent it. Before you hit the trails, practice clipping your shoe in and out of the bindings. Testing it outdoors is the optimum start to your cross-country day.

    Start on Groomed Trails

    • While escaping from it all on untrodden paths into the woods might evoke your ultimate ideal of communing with nature, as a beginner, it's a good idea to stick with to groomed trails. Go to a Nordic touring center and start with an easy trail to get the hang of the sport before venturing into uncharted territory.

    Use a Trail Map

    • The importance of a trail map isn't just about not getting lost; it's more about staying on beginner trails. Just as downhill skiers rely on green circles and black diamonds to let them know what level of trail they are on, so too do Nordic skiers need their green (easy), blue (moderate) and red (difficult) lines to let them know what they're in for. Check with trail administrators for keys specific to their trails.

    Consider a Lesson

    • Although by no means a necessity, it often is a good idea to get tips from an instructor that first time out. Most resorts sell packages that include equipment, trail passes and instruction. A skilled Nordic skier can effuse you with his enthusiasm for his sport and can give suggestions as to the best trails for the experience you want including hideaway spots for picnics or trails that pass by Nordic-friendly pubs and eateries.