Cross Country Skiing - Getting Started

Cross Country Skiing, also know as nordic skiing or xc skiing requires some basic equipment that one can either rent or purchase

. For the recreational cross country skiier looking to tour in their backyard or at a local cross country ski touring center, the beginner will need xc touring skis, boots, bindings and poles. Unlike alpine skiing, nordic skis are attached to the binding by only the toe, allowing the boot to flex as you are propelled forward. The cross country skis are narrower and lighter than their alpine cousin, and ski pole lenght is typically longer.

The sport of cross country skiing has two main techniques - classic skiing and skate skiing. The recreational user generally begins with the classic method, which is what most people typically have seen, using the diagnol stride. Classic cross country skiing for the beginner is a bit like walking or running. The skis are propelled forward by putting your weight on one leg and pushing forward with the heals down. The poles swing opposite the skis. Classic cross country skiing depends upon keeping your knees and ankel flexible, keeping your weight over one ski at a time, and putting the heel down first on the forward ski so you can engage the "kick zone" - where the wax or fish scales are located, and get enough traction to propel yourself forward. At first ski touring may require a bit more balance, since the ski bindings are fairly flexible and the heel is not attached to the ski. With enough practice, cross country skiing becomes easy and will allow you to get away from the crowds and into some beautiful winter scenery. For the beginning cross country skiier, taking a cross country ski lesson is well worth it.

Skate skiing is also great fun, but requires separate equipment, since skate skis are typically shorter, the bindings are much more rigid, and the boot is stiff. Some choose to dive right into skate skiing, since it is faster and requires more cardiovasular output. Skate skiing is a bit like speed skating, so if you have ever been ice skating, the transition is not too tough.

Most beginning xc skiiers have a tendancy to over dress. Nordic skiing is a cardiovasular sport and considerable energy is excerted. Dress in layers, so as you warm up as you are skiing you can shed the layers and remain comfortable throughout your ski.

by:XC Skier

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