“Cross country skiers live longer.” This popular German saying probably contains a kernel of truth, but it does not begin to explain all the reasons this old sport’s popularity is on the rise.
Cross county skiing has been around for centuries. Rock carvings found on a Norwegian island in 1927 depict a hunter on very long skis. The carvings are believed to be several thousand years old. More recently a Scandinavian bog yielded a very old pair of skis in excellent condition.
For Nordic peoples, skiing has been a way of life for centuries. More than a mode of transportation, it was considered so important to their survival, at one time they worshiped a ski god and goddess. Over the centuries, the Norsemen have perfected their tools, improving ski design and shape and developing better heel and toe strap systems.
However, were it not for a race staged in Telemark, a mountainous area in south-central Norway, cross country skiing may have remained a little known sport reserved for a few northern hemisphere residents. Fortunately, this race had long-reaching results and cross country spread across most northern Europeans countries.
Nonetheless, it did not become an international sport until the 19th century when Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer, introduced cross country to the world. Fridtjof was a smart and adventurous man who was also passionate about skiing. In fact, he was so passionate about skies, he led an expedition across Greenland in 1888 on skis. His memoirs, published in 1891 and translated into English, French, and German, enthused his Victorian readers. With their romantic notions fully ablaze, Fridtjof’s readers took cross country skiing to its next level.
The introduction of family ski touring brought more growth, and helped to direct the sport’s future. Organized and launched on a major scale in the 1960′s, family ski touring resulted in new conveniences. Ski centers emerged which specialized in cross country skiing. Equipment manufacturers began producing more sophisticated gear. The fashion world created chic new designs. Even municipalities began grooming trails on golf courses, through parks, and along biking and hiking paths to meet the growing demand.
Modern cross country skiing offers two styles. Classic, the original, allows access to nearly any snow-covered surface, is safe and fun, is relaxing, and uses a rhythmatic gait which is relatively easy to learn. Skate skiing, the newcomer, is harder to learn but appeals to ‘speed seekers’. It requires different equipment than classic style and is best done on a groomed ‘platform’.
Unlike skate skiing or alpine skiing, classic cross country skiing does not require lessons to learn. However, an hour or two of basic instruction benefits most skiers who are moderately fit. With continued practice they will become fairly proficient within a few days.
Cross country skiing’s growing popularity has resulted in more families enjoying the sport together. It is so safe and enjoyable, it is ideal for a large age range, from children as young as two to elderly adults.
Not only is cross country a great multi-age sport, it is also good for you. “Nothing hardens the muscles and makes the body so strong and elastic.” When Fridtjof Nansen, our Nordic explorer, said these words back in the 1800′s, he had never heard the word aerobic. However, fitness experts agree. Because cross country skiing requires you to use ever major muscle group, it is considered one of the best aerobic activities.
Although skiers can burn up to 800 calories per hour, cross country is not hard. In fact, it is one of the safest sports. It has a very low accident rate, partly because its movements are fluid and rhythmatic. In addition, while many winter sports can leave you chilled, cross country’s total aerobic activity generates enough body heat to keep you comfortable, even in cold conditions.
Further benefits identified with cross country skiing include increased self esteem, increased self confidence and increased productivity. It is also valuable for decreasing stress, decreasing disease, and decreasing obesity.
Possibly the most desirable aspect of cross country skiing, however, is the back country winter access it makes possible. Because cross country is often considered an undramatic or semi-solitary sport, it has slipped under the press’ radar for years. This has actually helped to keep the experience enjoyable.
Cross country skiers can enjoy a few hours on local groomed trails. However, if they get the itch for a more solitary experience, their skis allow them to traverse into national forests, small or large state parks, national parks, and even wilderness areas. Depending on the terrain and their equipment, cross country skiers can even enjoy a high mountain experience.
With such a large area to explore, cross country skiers enjoy the ultimate winter adventure. Skiing can be a social outing, a family bonding time, or a solitary adventure. Skiers have the benefit of few companions (unless they are desired) which allows them to enjoy the quiet beauty winter provides.
Cross country skiers are also blessed with the ability to adjust their speed and energy outlay to their personal desires. Some prefer a quiet ski-stroll across a mountain meadow, enjoying the scenery with little thought for ‘getting’ anywhere. Others wish to travel over hill and dale with a destination their goal. This is not unreasonable, either, as decent cross country skiers can cover up to 20 miles daily with relative ease.
Before you head to the hills, you will need to give some thought to your gear. While it is certainly reasonable look for second hand ski equipment, it behooves the new comer to consider a few guidelines:
Skis: Waxless skis are preferred by most because they require no wax application and use knowledge. Before you start your search, you will need to know your appropriate ski size. Your local ski shop can help you clarify this point.
Boots and Attire: Modern ski boots are warm and comfortable. Gaiters, a nylon ‘sleeve’ which covers the lower leg from below the knee to over the top of your boot, are worth the purchase if you anticipate spending much time off the groomed trail. The fashion industry has created specialized ski outfits to keep you looking chic, however, nothing special is required for cross country. Just remember to layer your clothing so you can remove layers when hot and put them back on as you cool down.
It is easy to see why cross country skiing continues to grow in popularity. As Sue McCullough, a Washington ski instructor has said, “The biggest thing for me is that cross country skiing is outside. It’s the best way to get outside in the winter, it’s the best way to stay in shape, and you can do it your whole life.”
By: Lerrina Collins
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