How to Cross Country Ski: Tips, Instructions and Advice

by The Skiing Experts

Learn How to Cross Country Ski

To learn how to cross country ski is to learn a great winter sport different than most others.

Popular in many countries that feature vast snow fields, cross country skiing is the activity of moving yourself across a snow-covered ground with skis and poles.

As opposed to regular snow skiing, which exclusively features the downhill movement of skiers, cross country skiing generally involved traveling across flat surfaces and even climbing steep slopes on skis.

Some people learn how to cross country ski to take strolls through winter landscapes for purposes of sightseeing. Others learn how to cross country ski for an aerobic alternative to exercises like jogging or speed walking. And still other take it up as part of other activities, including the biathlon, Backcountry skiing, or Telemark skiing.

For those who want to give learning how to cross country ski a shot, here’s a brief primer for finding the right equipment and getting started in the snow.

First things first:

How to Choose the Right Size Cross Country Skis

If you are a beginner at cross country skiing, then the advice for is the same as for first-time downhill skiers: rent your equipment first. Unless you have the money to spend on expensive equipment you may not want to use ever again, renting is the best option for those just learning how to cross country ski.

There are different models, shapes, and sizes of cross country skis for different types of activities.

Here’s a look at some specific features of cross country skis:

Sometimes referred to as skinny skis, cross country skis are much thinner than alpine skis. This helps to distribute the skiers weight and help him/her move quickly across the snow.
Their tips are higher and more curved than downhill skis so that they have an easier time cutting through deep snow.
Aside from those used mostly for Backcountry and Telemark skiing, most cross country skis do not have metal edges.

As far as size goes, you need to speak to a professional about your cross country skiing intentions before deciding on what will work best for you. Skating skis are shorter and narrower than classic skis. And off track cross country skis are much wider and heavier than others.

You need to figure out what kind of cross country skiing you’d like to do, and then you’ll have a better idea of what kind of ski you will need to rent (or buy).

How to Cross Country Ski

There are three distinct styles of cross country skiing which include Classic, Skating, and Telemarking. Let’s take a look at the Classic form.

This technique is used on pistes (or prepares trails). Long, narrow skis work best in such environments.

For class cross country skiing, you should move in a walking or running motion with your skis splayed. Try to avoid a gliding motion. Plant the poles alternately behind the skis.

In order to learn how to cross country ski downhill, you need to become familiar with skate skiing. This is a gliding movement, similar to ice skating, that will help you keep control at high rates of speed.

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