Learning to cross-country-ski
With these tips you will master the art

Since the Biathlon and Nordic Combined winter sport disciplines have regained their popularity, the enthusiasm for the two styles of cross-country skiing - "classic" and "skating" - has also risen enormously. Not only alpine skiing, but also cross-country skiing has developed into a highly fashionable winter trend sport in recent years.

When practised properly, it is one of the most effective winter sports. It promotes stamina, fitness, endurance and fat burning. Simultaneously, it is surely the most beautiful experience to be actively underway in almost untouched winter landscapes. Cross-country skiing is not just a more active winter sport than alpine skiing, but is also a lot more economical, since expensive ski passes are not required. If you want to learn to cross-country ski, we have a few helpful hints on "cross-country skiing for beginners", the right equipment and first exercises.

Classic or skating - Which technique would you like to learn to cross-country ski?

In classic cross-country skiing, you ski in specially-groomed cross-country ski tracks, diagonally pacing  with parallel skis, while when skating you hold the feet and skis in a V position and push them forward from the side, similar to roller skating.

Which cross-country skiing technique is easier for beginners to learn?

Basically, the classic technique is better suited for cross-country skiing beginners as you will need less energy, it is easier to learn and requires less balance. In addition to the simpler technique of classic cross-country skiing, it is not as fast paced as skating. However, if you do a lot of roller and ice skating, you can also start with the skating technique, for which a lot more balance, strength and condition is required. Regardless of which technique you choose, we advise you to try either with rental equipment first and not to invest in your own expensive equipment straight away. This allows you to get a feel for which technique best suits you.

The right equipment for cross-country skiing

Regardless of the technique, you need the following equipment to learn how to cross-country ski: running pants, sport singlet, fleecy sport shirt, sport (running) jacket, gloves, scarf and a thin cap. Although this may seem insufficient for the wintry temperatures, you will quickly realise that it is more than sufficient, as you will soon “work up a sweat” practising this endurance sport.

Now to the cross-country skiing equipment which will differ slightly depending on the technique you choose. We recommend you hire this for your first few times. Take advantage of the cross-country ski hire service from Sport 2000 rent, where you will not only receive well maintained equipment, but also expert advice and equipment that is optimally suited to your height, weight and experience in cross-country skiing.

The right equipment for classic cross-country skiing

The skis for classic cross-country skiing should principally be 20 cm longer than your body height. Additionally, you should choose a wider model, as you don´t need to balance so much. The length of the poles should be calculated as follows: Body height in cm x .84 = the length of the classic cross-country ski poles. When choosing boots you should wear special sport socks and make sure the boots fit snugly without chafing anywhere.

Cross-country skiing – the right equipment for skating

For the skating technique you will need cross-country skis that are 10 cm longer than your body height. Beginners who want to learn the skating technique should also choose wider skis, as they require less balance. Make sure you get a lightweight pair of cross-country skis, to avoid strain on your legs. The length of the poles for skating is calculated as follows: Body height in cm x  .89 = the length of the skating cross-country ski poles. This means that the poles for skating should reach to your chin when you are standing on your skis. 

Make sure the length of the ski poles fits, as, particularly in the beginning, they are your engine when your legwork is not yet down to a fine art. Simply ask at the local cross-country ski hire where professional staff will provide equipment suited to your needs – and you are ready to hit the trail.

The classic technique: cross-country skiing for beginners

Cross-country skiing began with the classic technique several hundred years ago. In 1843 the first cross-country competitions were held in Norway as endurance races. This technique has been refined over the years and has become a real national sport in many countries.

In classical cross-country skiing the main focus is a targeted use of the pole and the correct pushing of the feet as well as optimal gliding. There are two techniques:

Diagonal stride

In the diagonal stride, arms and legs are used diagonally, as in Nordic Walking. In other words, you are pushing yourself off with the right foot and are simultaneously pushing yourself forward with the left arm using the pole. Through this you begin gliding on the left ski and then push yourself off with the left foot and the right pole.

Always try to glide for as long as possible while keeping your balance.  This allows you to better and more effectively use your strength. The pole is always planted at the level of the ski's binding into the snow, the arm should be slightly bent, stretched forward and then pushed through backwards.

Double pole

Using the technique of double pole, all work is done by the upper torso and the arms. The skis are parallel in the track, both ski poles are planted parallel into the snow at the level of the bindings and you push yourself off, gliding forward. Lean forward in doing so, to harness more of your strength. Then plant the ski poles back into the snow ahead of you and push off again to continue the glide. This is by far the more demanding classic cross-country skiing technique and was established in addition to the diagonal stride.

The skating technique: cross-country skiing for beginners

The skating technique is a little faster and more challenging than the classic technique and requires more stamina, balance and technique, as you are not skiing in a prepared track but on a smooth, groomed snow surface. Moreover, you not only push off on your ski, but also glide on it, which means you have to learn the correct technique.

For skating there are considerably more techniques than for classic cross-country skiing. For beginners the following techniques are relevant at first:

Exercises to learn the cross-country ski skating technique -
preparation for the ice skating technique

In order to get a feeling for the much narrower cross-country skis - compared to alpine skis - you should first of all put on just one cross-country ski and set aside your poles for the time being. In the beginning the leg technique is of paramount importance.

Insider tips for the start of the season

If you want to improve your technique, or even want to take a cross-country skiing course, many winter sport regions and sport equipment retailers offer special cross-country skiing events  to open the winter season. At these events, brand manufacturers are often present; you can test the latest models and participate in special cross-country courses at different levels. Or you book a special course or individual lessons.

Although learning the technique can be very challenging at the beginning, once the technique is learned, cross-country skiing is one of the most beautiful winter sports. On the expansive and remote cross-country ski trails you are often underway in unspoiltand remote winter landscapes, only interrupted by a cross country ski trail. Winter wonderland, peace and sport all in one - what could be more beautiful?