Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners: How to Get Started
Tips, Techniques, and Gear for Mastering the Basics of Nordic Skiing
December 11th, 2023
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Cross-country, or Nordic, skiing is a great way to jump into the world of winter sports. It’s a fun option for exercise when the temps are low and snow covers the ground. Nordic skiing isn’t quite as simple as something like trail running, but it does generally have a much lower barrier to entry than other popular winter sports like downhill skiing and snowboarding. If you’ve been curious about the kick and glide, here are some tips—from techniques to gear and more—to get you started.
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TYPES OF CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Not all cross-country skiing is the same, and there are different techniques and types of skis depending on what you want to do. Choose a discipline that most interests you and give it a try.
CLASSIC SKIING TECHNIQUE
Classic Nordic skiing technique is the most common in the sport and also one of the most accessible and easiest to pick up. This typically involves classic skis that fit into a track and don’t have edges (though you can use classic techniques on backcountry Nordic skis with edges).
In Nordic skiing, you often hear the term kick-and-glide, and that is because it describes basic classic technique. To ski like this, you will kick one foot forward and place pressure through your forward foot into the center of the ski. Then, you will allow your back leg and ski to glide forward and place pressure on that foot, alternating with each step or kick. With classic skiing, you are generally placing your weight on one foot or leg at a time, not unlike a long and smooth running stride. Your toes and knees are pointed straight forward as you make each kick and glide.
Classic technique will take a little practice to learn, but it’s generally easier to pick up than other styles of Nordic skiing like skate skiing. If you’re totally new to the sport, learning classic technique at a Nordic center is a great place to get started.
SKATE SKIING TECHNIQUE
Skate skiing is a style of cross-country skiing that is a bit more challenging–both in technique and fitness. You will generally use a different type of ski specifically designed for this technique and style of skiing.
Compared to classic skiing, which is a little more like jogging, skate skiing looks a little more like, well, skating. You will lean fully into each ski, going side to side like you would while ice skating. You’ll point your toes and the tips of your skis outward in a V-shape, place pressure on the inside edge of one ski at a time, and then push off to skate forward.
Folks who want a more intense aerobic workout often choose skate skiing over classic skiing. This is because the style of skate skiing is generally more demanding and intense than classic skiing.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING BASICS
PROPER BODY POSITION AND BALANCE
Whether you’re using classic technique or skate skiing, you’ll want to maintain balance and stability on your skis. Keep your feet roughly hips-distance apart and your weight balanced over the center of your skis where your bindings are.
TECHNIQUES FOR GOING UPHILL AND DOWNHILL
Going up and down hills on Nordic skis can seem challenging at first, but with a little practice and some proper technique, it will eventually become a breeze.
With classic skis, if you’re going up a mellow hill without too much of a steep grade, focus on engaging the grip portion of the ski directly underfoot and really push your body weight into it. This will help the ski grip better as you go up. When the hills get steeper, angle your skis outward, like you might when skate skiing, and engage the inside edge of the ski to give you more grip and leverage as you go up.
When going downhill, focus on balance and stability. You can go straight down with your weight centered on both skis and simply glide, or you can make gentle kick and glide strides like you would on flat ground. Unlike when skiing on flat ground, when going downhill, you will want to hold a lower and more athletic stance to maintain balance and control as you go down and gain speed. Keep your weight low and centered over the skis, not allowing your body to lean too far back or forward, throwing you off balance.
If you’re just trying cross-country skiing for the first time, opt to rent your equipment. Many ski shops offer this, but so do most Nordic centers. You can often get a package that includes a rental and a day pass.
POLE TECHNIQUE
Depending on whether you’re using classic or skate technique, there are a few different ways to use your poles while cross-country skiing. For basic classic skiing, the best technique to use is to use the opposite pole of your forward ski to help propel you. So, if you’re kicking with your right ski, plant your left pole, and vice versa. With a little practice this will become a fluid and natural movement.
You can also use a double poling technique, which is common with skate skiing. On every other stride, you’ll plant both poles simultaneously and use the momentum to help propel you as you skate.
ESSENTIAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT
SKIS
You’ll need specific Nordic skis for cross-country skiing, and which type you choose will depend on the skiing style you want to do. Classic skis are the most common and are typically used in Nordic centers with groomed tracks. They are narrow and long, with a grip section underneath the foot on the base of the ski and glide sections on the front and back. These skis are designed to fit inside the narrow groomed tracks found at Nordic centers, but they can also be used outside the track.
Skate skis are meant to be used for skate skiing specifically. They are typically shorter than classic skis, though still quite narrow, and have a longer glide section that goes along the entire base of the ski from tip to tail.
There are also backcountry Nordic skis, which, unlike classic and skate skis, have metal edges somewhat like an alpine ski. They are also often wider than classic and skate skis, though they tend to have a similar grip and glide pattern on the bases to classic skis. Backcountry skis can be used in designated Nordic centers, but the purpose of the wider ski and metal edges is to enable skiers to venture onto backcountry trails that aren’t groomed. If you’d rather ski on your favorite summer hiking trails in winter than go to a Nordic center, this is the type of ski you’ll want.
BINDINGS AND BOOTS
You will need specific Nordic boots and bindings, which vary depending on which ski style you choose, as they are not all compatible. Classic skis use boots with a small metal bar at the toe that clicks into the front of the binding. Unlike downhill ski bindings, your heel is never locked in with Nordic skis. Classic Nordic bindings can come in both manual and automatic versions. The automatic bindings are easier to step into, while the manual ones require that you press a button with your ski pole in order to step your boot in (though these manual bindings often cost less than automatic ones).
Classic Nordic ski boots allow for generous bend and movement over the toes and ball of the foot so that you can easily kick and glide. Skate ski boots are more rigid overall, but especially at the sides to allow you better control when skating.
Backcountry Nordic boots and bindings are different from both classic and skate ones. They often look very similar to classic bindings and boots, but the two are not compatible with each other. The design is similar, but backcountry boots and bindings use a thicker bar at the toe of the boot for more stability on ungroomed trails.
POLES
You will also need poles for Nordic skiing. These are generally much longer than alpine ski poles, giving you more power and leverage as you glide and skate forward.
CLOTHING AND LAYERING
When it comes to layering choices for cross country (nordic) skiing, you’ll want to think more like a winter runner than a downhill skier. After all, cross-country skiing is an aerobic activity, and you can work up a sweat if that’s your goal.
You’ll want to pick layers that fend off precipitation and wind while remaining breathable to avoid overheating (too much sweat will only make you cold in the long run). Start with a good wicking base layer. Wool is great, especially in winter, but technical synthetic layers work well too. From there, select either a pair of insulated winter running tights or light softshell pants for your bottoms and a breathable shell for the top. Remember: traditional insulated snow pants are out, and more breathable options should be in. If it’s particularly cold, you may want an additional midlayer like a fleece or some active insulation, like a light synthetic puffy jacket.
OTHER ACCESSORIES (GLOVES, HATS, GOGGLES, ETC.)
Nordic skiing is a winter activity, and even though it’s often aerobic, you’ll still want to bundle up a little. Pick lightweight gloves that keep your digits toasty while moving without causing your hands to overheat and sweat (remember that you’ll be moving your arms consistently, too).
A lightweight hat or headband to cover the ears will keep your extremities warm without causing you to overheat.
And, because you’ll be outside in the snow, you’ll always want eye protection–even on cloudy days. The sun’s reflection on the snow can damage the eyes without some UV protection. Goggles are often too warm for Nordic skiing, so opt for sunglasses that offer good coverage instead. A light face mask or neck warmer, like a Buff, can also be great to keep your face warm without adding too much insulation.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING GEAR CHECKLIST
FINDING SUITABLE LOCATIONS
LOCAL TRAILS AND PARKS
If you want to avoid paying day pass or season pass fees at a Nordic center, many summer hiking trails, forest roads, and parks offer a great place to cross-country ski on your own. This can be very peaceful and fun, but keep in mind that there generally won't be any grooming done in these areas, and having backcountry cross-country skis with metal edges can be very helpful.
SKI RESORTS AND DEDICATED CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREAS
Some ski resorts have areas where you can glide around on cross-country skis, though it’s much more common to find specific Nordic centers that have trails designed and maintained specifically for cross-country skiing. These places often require day passes, but the cost of those is typically far more affordable than a day at a regular ski resort. This is the best place to learn because Nordic centers have groomed trails and tracks designed for classic and skate skiing.
SNOW CONDITIONS AND WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
Nordic centers will groom and maintain their trails on a regular basis, so you should have smooth trails even after a snowstorm. If you choose to go into the backcountry, you’ll need to consider snow conditions and snow depth.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
STAYING WARM AND DRY
One of the best ways to stay warm during a winter aerobic activity like cross-country skiing is to ensure you stay dry. While this means staying protected from precipitation, it also means not sweating too much. Wear just enough layers to keep you warm without causing you to overheat while you move, and shed layers as necessary if you get too warm.
COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
While you’re likely to stay warmer Nordic skiing thanks to the constant movement, it’s still important to stay protected from the cold. Wear light gloves and keep your ears or head covered to help avoid frostbite. Everyone has their own threshold for cold, but on days when the temps are just too low, or the wind is howling too strong, it’s best to stay inside by the fire and wait for nicer weather.
NAVIGATING DIFFERENT TERRAINS
Skiing at a Nordic center is one of the best ways to start out cross-country skiing because there will be groomed trails with maps and often even a lodge or huts to warm up in. Practice your technique in the track and on the groomed trails before heading to ungroomed trails in the backcountry.
Remember that if you do want to ski on backcountry trails, you’ll want gear specific to that. And anytime you’re not at Nordic center and in the backcountry, you should be aware of your surroundings: know the trail you're on and the area you’re in, and be aware of any avalanche danger or other winter hazards.
AVALANCHE SAFETY (IF SKIING IN BACKCOUNTRY AREAS)
While you likely won’t take your Nordic skis directly on slopes that are steep enough to avalanche, you can very easily end up within avalanche terrain, even if you’re on a regular hiking trail that may be familiar to you in other seasons. In general, it’s best to avoid skiing under or near slopes steeper than 30 degrees to avoid avalanche-prone areas. If you are venturing into areas where avalanches are possible, ski with a partner and carry the appropriate avalanche rescue gear, including beacon, probe, and shovel.
TRAINING AND PROGRESSION
BUILDING ENDURANCE
You’ll want to start off easy and progress slowly when you first take up cross-country skiing. This will help you hone your skills and build endurance so you can eventually go longer and farther. Aim for consistency, skiing regularly throughout the winter, if this is your goal.
IMPROVING TECHNIQUE
One of the best ways to improve technique is to simply get out on your skis as often as possible. This consistency will help you learn skills and retain muscle memory. You can also consider classes at Nordic centers to help you learn the basics and progress.
STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY EXERCISES
Practicing strength and flexibility at home will help you to progress on your skis. Focus on body weight or light resistance exercises that strengthen your legs and hips, like lunges or crab walks. It can be great to stretch and loosen up after a day on your skis, too.
SETTING GOALS AND TRACKING PROGRESS
If you have certain goals you want to reach within cross-country skiing, there are lots of ways to track progress and stay motivated. Using a smartwatch to track your ski days and training can be very helpful. Many of these watches (like Garmin and Suunto) also pair with free apps that can show your training and progression overtime.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING ETIQUETTE
SHARING THE TRAIL WITH OTHERS
Cross-country ski etiquette is not much different than hiking etiquette. Be friendly and respectful of everyone else on the trail at all times. If you need to pass someone, kindly let them know before doing so. Try not to take up the entire trail or track, especially if you’re in a group, leaving space for others. When going down hills, stay in control and be conscious of other skiers. Many Nordic centers have directional routes, but if they do not, remember that the uphill skier always has the right-of-way.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Just as you would with any outdoor activity, be conscious of the area you’re in and practice Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Some areas, especially in winter, can be sensitive for wildlife, so be aware of that. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other animals, and if the wildlife is in a sensitive state during that time (like spring calving season or fall rut), consider picking a different area to ski for that time period.
TRAIL RULES AND GUIDELINES
If you’re at a Nordic center, there will likely be trail rules in place. That can include directional tracks (where you should only go one way). You should also be conscious of the grooming on Nordic tracks. Avoid walking in boots along the groomed path to prevent post-holes from forming and avoid damaging the groomed tracks with your skis or boots.
RESOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION
LOCAL CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
If you live in an area that sees consistent snow coverage, there’s a good chance there’s a place for you to Nordic ski. This includes Nordic centers and backcountry areas. It’s not uncommon for golf courses to operate as Nordic centers in the winter. Nordic ski clubs and groups are also common (much like running clubs), so if you’re looking for some community within the sport, this is a great place to start.
SKIING EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS
There are races and events available to recreational cross-country skiers across the country. These can be a great way to get more involved in the sport and challenge yourself. To start, look for events in your area. If you’re racing, start small and progress as you get better and stronger.
BOOKS, WEBSITES, AND RESOURCES FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS
There are many books and resources out there for beginner cross-country skiers, like Steve Hindman’s Cross-Country Skiing: Building Skills for Fun and Fitness. Training Peaks can also be a great resource for training plans and tracking progress.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held a WFR cert, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full time freelance writer and editor working primarily in the outdoor recreation realm. Her bylines can be found in Backpacker, 5280, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others, and she’s been testing and writing about gear for nearly a decade. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine.
Stasia has been living in the mountains her entire life and has multiple seasons of cross-country skiing in the books. She learned as a way to stay in shape in the winter and as a complement to downhill and backcountry skiing and generally gets out a few days a week in the winter. Aside from doing them herself, she’s been writing about winter sports, including all types of skiing, for more than a decade.
