Need a change of pace after cycling all summer or looking for a new reason to love winter? Strap on some planks and learn how to cross country ski. Nordic skiing is one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the season, make the most of the snow, and stay fit.
Cross Country Skiing for Beginners
There are two kinds of cross country skiing, skate skiing and the more traditional classic skiing. For beginners, starting with classic skiing is a great way to get started because the movement is quite similar to walking or running. It is also more accessible for people of all abilities levels and there tend to be more trails groomed for classic skiing, though that can changed based on where you life.
Learning How to Classic Ski
To start, you’ll need a few items in addition to your winter clothing. The basics are:
- Classic Skis
- Classic skiing boots
- Classic skiing poles
Work with your local ski rental location or ski shop to find the right fit for each piece of gear and to ensure the proper pole length, which will be based on your height.
The Basics of Cross Country Skiing
Keep it simple. On your first day in the tracks, set a realistic
goal and simply have fun. Some beginners leave their skis behind their first
time out so they can focus on learning how to balance and glide on their skis before
additional movement and timing of poles. 
- Walk before you run. To start, simply try walking with your skis on. Pick trees or posts 50-100 meters up the trail and focus only on getting that far. Choose a flat loop to keep it simple.
- Shuffle. Practice putting weight on one leg and pushing off. The resulting glide might be short-lived, but that’s the basis of Nordic skiing!
- Continue practicing that shuffle and glide pattern, with the “kick-off” part alternating with your right leg then left leg.
How to Use Cross Country Ski Poles
One you’ve got the hang of the kick-and-glide movement, introduce your poles. This poling motion can help with balance, but remember, they’re not for leaning or catching yourself. Poles offer additional power and speed, though it’s worth noting that most of your power will be from your legs.
Related Content: Take It Outside: The Benefits of Winter Sports
Double-Poling
First, try double poling. Standing with knees slightly bent, put your arms straight out ahead of you and let your pole tips sink into the snow. Tighten your arms and use your core muscles to pull your body forward, starting a glide. While you’re still moving, repeat the motion. Double-poling is great to mix into your skiing when the tracks are exceptionally fast. That’s usually a result of having the right wax for snow conditions.
Diagonal Stride Poling
When people think of cross country skiing, this is what they imagine.
Start with your kick-and glide technique, then tie in the following:
- 1.Put your right arm in front of you like you would to double pole.
- 2.At the same time, push off with your left leg.
- 3.Repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Try to use the glide between kicking and poling.
How to Ski Uphill
When your wax isn’t sticky enough to go up hills, you may need to adopt the herringbone technique. Even the best skiers in the world need to do this, so think of it as having an extra gear in a car; this is like putting your transmission into low.
First, step out of the tracks on. Then, create a triangle or V with the back of your skis. Take small steps, using the inside of your skis as edges. Just like diagonal stride, your arms and legs will work as opposites (right arm, left leg) to propel you forward.
The steeper the hill, the more you will need to increase the angle of your skis. It also helps to almost stop to ensure a strong footing and enhance your grip.
Where to Cross Country Ski
Communities in cold weather climates do an exceptional job supporting groomed trails near them. Ask your local ski shop or bike where the best places to ski are. You might also consider joining your local ski club, which may also offer lessons and clinics. Traillinks.com offers a large database of skiing trails.
One of the most important elements of Nordic skiing is having well-maintained trails. Look for trails that are groomed regularly with professional cross country ski grooming equipment. Always support your local grooming by becoming a member or donating to the cause.
Most cross country ski trails use an XC skier groomer like ours. This classic track setter creates the tracks that make Nordic skiing much more fun and separates it from the big wide lanes needed for skate skiing.
Organize Your Cross Country Ski Gear
Once you’re hooking on Nordic skiing, and you will, you’ll want to better organize your skiing storage area with nifty storage options like The Gondola and the Ski Wax Bench. Need more help organize all your outdoor gear? Let us know how we can help!