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Published: 2/15/2024🏂 Winter sports
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Cross-country skiing – what to wear while cross-country skiing, which equipment to choose?
Cross-country skiing is an alternative for those who want to enjoy skiing with reduced risk of injury and lower intensity, or explore intriguing trails far from well-groomed pistes. This discipline, however, requires us to learn proper skiing technique, demand professional equipment and attire for cross-country skiing, which protects against cold and wind. Learn how to get ready for your first cross-country skiing adventure and find your new winter passion.
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Cross-country skiing – skiing technique adjusted to your skills
In this article
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Cross-country skiing is a low-impact winter sport with various techniques and equipment options.
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It can be enjoyed by people of most ages and fitness levels, but proper technique and equipment are crucial for safety and enjoyment.
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Types of Techniques: There are two main techniques: classic (skis glide parallel, requires specific skis with kick zones) and skating (skis at an angle, faster but more demanding).
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Equipment: Skis, poles, and boots are essential. Ski length and flex depend on technique and skill level. Consider renting equipment initially.
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Clothing: Dress in layers for warmth and breathability. Waterproof boots are crucial.
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Learning: Taking lessons from an instructor is highly recommended, especially for beginners.
Short summary
Cross-country skiing – a technique for beginners
Cross-country skiing can be enjoyed by people of nearly all ages, provided that they’re healthy and there are no health-related contraindications for the discipline. It’s a winter sport also known as XC skiing, popular in countries boasting vast snowy areas. It belongs to Nordic skiing sports. Current techniques of cross-country skiing evolved from primary skiing, understood as a way of traveling over snow. Whenever practiced off-piste, these techniques are called backcountry skiing or ski touring.
This sports discipline, though often enjoyed as a hobby, can be found among sports found at the World Cup, the Olympic Games and world championships. Some skiers conquer short trails, some long ones, often even using tents and camping equipment. It takes time to find one’s own way to enjoy cross-country skiing.
You can enjoy cross-country skiing for the first time soon after the first snow. There are no special requirements regarding weather conditions, as neither precipitation nor fog or sub-zero temperatures aren’t much of an impediment here. When it comes to preparations, physical fitness and stamina are important. Cross-country skiing engages the entire body, but there’s no need to start with the most intense technique. If you want to get ready for this sport even before the start of the season, you can give Nordic walking a try, as many professionals treat it as an imitation exercise.
Cross-country skiing: classic and skating techniques
There are two main cross-country skiing techniques: classic and skating. (Attention – competition may involve either classic or freestyle racing, which is understood as the participant choosing between the classic, skating, or mixed style).
Classic style
The classic technique requires appropriate skis which are long, narrow, and properly curved. The special profile makes it easier to push off the snow and the skier’s weight is distributed evenly. The middle part of the skis has a kick zone; snow doesn’t stick to it. The classic technique is distinguished by skis gliding parallel. In the meantime, you should push off using the poles that are held close to the body.
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One-step double pole – a technique in classic cross-country skiing used on flat or slightly sloped terrain, especially when the speed is too high to employ the diagonal stride. After kicking off on one of the skis, we push off with both poles simultaneously, making the glide longer.
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Kick double pole – in this cross-country skiing technique, we move slower. The movement consists in pushing off both skis while swinging our arms back.
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Double pole – used on gentle downhills and on flat sections of the track. It consists in using a low stance, pushing off with both poles simultaneously and gliding on both skis placed parallel, close to each other.
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Herringbone – perfect for steeper hills – we place the skis in a V position and take steps without gliding. Plant your poles on the area behind the binding.
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Diagonal stride – we glide on one ski during every step, using the poles alternately. This is a cross-country skiing technique suitable for gentle uphills and on flat terrain.
Skate skiing technique
The characteristic feature of the skate skiing technique is that the skis are placed at an angle in relation to the direction of movement. This technique employs symmetrical arm movements as well. Compared to the classic technique, this style allows us to move faster by as much as 10-15%. The skis are usually 10-20 cm shorter than classic models. These feature no scaled base and are waxed along the entire length. Poles should be 10–15 centimetres longer than those used for classic cross-country skiing technique. Skate skiing technique is more difficult, as it requires more advanced technical skills and better stamina. Moving comfortably will be possible almost only on groomed trails.
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Skating skiing – cross-country skiing technique similar to herringbone employed in the classic technique. Steps are taken almost without gliding, with the skis wide.
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One-step skating skiing – suitable for flat terrain or gentle uphills, consists in skating skiing combined with double poling and symmetrical movement of each ski.
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Synchronic and asynchronic double-step skating skiing – used on flat sections of the track, gentle downhills. The asymmetric step is used on uphills. Synchronic double-step consists in combining the skating skiing with simultaneous pushing off using both poles. The movement accompanies simultaneous kick-off of the ski. The difference between this variation and the asynchronic one lies in that we push off asynchronically, e.g. in a right-handed option.
It is not recommended to learn cross-country skiing on our own. It’s worth using the help of an instructor who will teach you proper skiing behaviour, rules, turns, stopping, manoeuvring and correct critical situation reactions. Remember that despite the fact that you’re excellent at alpine skiing, cross-country skiing techniques might not come equally easy to you.
Cross-country skiing equipment
To enjoy cross-country skiing off piste, you need slightly wider skis – the so-called backcountry skis – that do not sink into the snow. It is even recommended to use special backcountry skis with narrow steel-reinforced edges that protect them should you hit any stones, rocks, and tree stumps.
If you plan to enjoy cross-country skiing on groomed trails, your skis should be ca. 10-15 taller than you. In the case of professional skiers, it’s 20–30 centimetres. The more advanced your skills, the longer the skis for classic cross-country skiing should be. Shorter models are more versatile and allow easier manoeuvring. This type of skis is simply called cross-country skis.
Note: the skier’s body weight is the basic length parameter for both skating and classic cross-country skiing technique. Detailed recommendations can be obtained from manufacturers of selected models.
Ski flex rating is equally important. Skis with high flex rating that are more responsive are used for the skating technique to make better use of ski edge. Beginner cross-country skiers are, however, advised to select more flexible models used for classic style. These help improve your technique and have larger contact surface with the terrain.
Poles should be selected depending on the planned manner of transportation – models with larger basket work best off-piste, while models with a good tip and a small basket will come in handy on groomed trails. Regarding length, poles for amateur cross-country skiing using the classic technique should reach your arm. The skating skiing technique requires poles longer by about 10 centimetres.
Still, in the very beginning of your cross-country skiing adventure, there’s no need for you to own skis or poles. That’s why we don’t delve deeper into this issue. The equipment is available at ski resorts near prepared trails – and it comes with professional advice regarding equipment selection.
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View productDressing for cross-country skiing
Just like in the majority of sports, boots play an important role in cross-country skiing. First of all, they should be waterproof, durable, warm and comfortable. They’re adjusted to your skiing style. Every boot style should guarantee the effective transfer of power from your legs to the skis, facilitating the kick-off. Ski boots are usually available with skis and poles at ski shops.
Apart from boots, you need to put on professional clothes for cross-country skiing. Such attire will ensure thermal comfort, so it will maintain constant body temperature without overheating you even during intense movement. Cross-country skiing attire has to limit wind resistance. The base layer, namely seamless underwear, should be breathable and snug-fitting. It should also wick away sweat and allow unrestricted movement.
Next part of your cross-country skiing outfit is a warming layer, such as men’s or women’s fleece jacket, that will keep you warm on colder days. The outer layer has to protect against precipitation and wind – that’s why membrane jackets are recommended. Styles for cross-country skiing shouldn’t feature a hood, or it should be detachable. In very low temperatures, it’s worth considering a snugly fitting ski jacket and ski trousers. Clothes for cross-country skiing should be form-fitting so as not to increase wind resistance. You can complement your style with dedicated, tight running trousers that provide protection against cold, wind, and precipitation.
Don’t forget about accessories. The following are recommended when cross-country skiing: a double-layered winter hat that protects the head against cold and wind, well-adjusted gloves and warm sports socks reinforced in strategic zones. Sports sunglasses with UV filter also come in handy while enjoying this discipline. They will improve visibility and protect your vision on both sunny and cloudy days. Styles allowing moderate amount of light will be the best.
Remember that you should feel slightly cool while leaving to enjoy cross-country skiing so as to avoid overheating your body even during low-intensity workout.
Cross-country skiing – skiing technique adjusted to your skills
Cross-country skiing can become a way to explore wonderful, snow-covered mountains, active leisure and new, less injury-prone sport. It’s an all-around activity that engages the largest muscle groups; it perfectly complements gym workouts or fitness classes. Want to give it a try? Plan your winter holidays in the Lower Silesia, which is called a cross-country skiing mecca. World Cup competitions and Bieg Piastów [The Piast Race] are held in Szklarska Poręba.
See sports clothes perfect for cross-country skiing and other skiing activities that will help you rediscover the beauty of winter sports.
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