Cross Country

Expert’s Picks: Cross Country

  • How to Fit Cross Country Skis

    Cross country skiing is an ideal way to stay in shape while enjoying the snow. Wearing properly-fitted cross country skis will make the experience all the more enjoyable. Known as "skinny skis," cross country skis are typically longer, lighter and narrower than their alpine counterparts. Several factors should be considered in fitting cross country skis, inc… read more

  • Types of Cross Country Skis

    Cross country skiing is sometimes referred to as Nordic of XC skiing. It differs from alpine or downhill skiing for a number of reasons. First off, in alpine skiing, the entire foot is attached to the boot. In contrast, cross country skis are only attached to the toes. The heels are free. Additionally, downhill skiing requires the use of a chairlift or gond… read more

  • Types of Cross-Country Skis

    Cross-country skiing is a diverse sport. While true cross-country techniques are used primarily for transportation and racing across varied terrain, the term has come to include some types of backcountry skiing, and some gear has been designed to be useful in both environments. Typical cross-country skis are very long and narrow, normally ranging at around… read more

  • How to Skate on Cross Country Skis

    Skate skiing is great exercise and a fun way to get outside in the winter. You'll be surprised by how fast you can go when you hit your rhythm, and by how sore you'll be the next day! read more

  • What Is Cross Country Skiing?

    Cross country skiing is a sport that is enjoyed individually using cross country skis and ski poles to glide and maneuver over packed snow. There are also variations of the sport. There are different classifications of cross country ski types such as backcountry, groomed trail and race performance---because of this, ski designs vary slightly. read more

Related Cross Country Articles & Videos

  • How to Select Cross-country Skis

    Cross-country skiing lets you enjoy the outdoors almost anywhere there's snow, whether you want to explore parks, trails and the back country or stick to machine-groomed paths at ski centers. Glide quietly through peaceful woods or fee… read more

  • Cross-Country Ski Tips

    Cross-country skiing is a prehistoric method of travel and a sporting tradition originating in Scandinavian and Norwegian areas. Today it is used as a mode of exploration, sight-seeing and exercise all over the snowy regions of the wor… read more

  • How to Skate on Cross-Country Skis

    The ability to skate on cross-country skis adds the dimensions of speed and aerobic workout to an already enchanting winter activity. For someone who is comfortable standing and moving on cross-country skis, skating also improves gener… read more

  • How to Choose Cross Country Skis

    Cross country skiing is a great way to stay in shape while building endurance and skill. But before you choose a pair of cross country skis, you need to decide what kind of skier you want to be. You might like the thrill of racing, the… read more

  • How to Put on Cross-Country Skis

    There are several types of cross-country ski bindings, with boots made to match each type. Before you take your skis to the trail head, put them on at home to make sure your boots fit the bindings properly. Once you're ready to ski, wa… read more

  • How to Select Cross Country Skis

    Cross-country skiing is one the best aerobic exercises and an enjoyable way to explore the winter landscape. Although cross-country skiing is relatively easy to learn, advances in ski technology have made choosing the right ski far fr… read more

  • How to Buy Cross Country Skis

    Cross country skiing is a great form of exercise and a way to get outdoors during the cold winters. It is a good idea to rent cross country skiing equipment before investing in your own, to make sure you love the experience and know wh… read more

  • How to Size Cross-Country Skis

    Cross-country skiing is a wonderful way to see nature, all the while getting in an incredible low-impact aerobic workout. Depending on what you plan on doing with your cross-country skis, you will have to use a different formula for me… read more

  • How to Choose Cross-Country Skis

    Choosing a pair of cross-country skis is not difficult, but finding the right ski and right size has changed a bit over the last two decades. Skis really don't care how tall you are; it's about weight and having enough ski to provide p… read more

  • How to Fit Cross-Country Skis

    Getting out and about during a snowy winter can be troublesome. Good cardiovascular exercise on an outdoor basis is hard to come by. But, for the cost of the equipment, you can have access to one of the best ways to exercise in the wor… read more

  • How to Measure Cross Country Skis

    Cross country skiing has been around long before the invention of the ski lift. It can be a lot easier to do than downhill skiing and gives you an excellent aerobic workout, and you get to enjoy the outdoors and the snow. What length… read more

  • What Are Telemark Cross Country Skis?

    Many telemark skiers enjoy getting out where the slopes aren't groomed. Designed for "free heel" skiing on downhill terrain as well as for working in powder, telemark skis bear a great deal of resemblance to alpine skis, although they… read more

  • How to Turn on Cross Country Skis

    Cross-country skiing is the most physically strenuous form of skiing. Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing only provides minimal amounts of inertia and gravity to work with, forcing the skier to do much more work to move up and… read more

  • The Best Cross Country Shoes

    Cross country trails are comprised of ungroomed terrain that may include rocks, hills, grass, mud, gravel and snow. Though fun and challenging, going through those types of surfaces can be dangerous which is why it is important to wear… read more

  • Selecting Cross Country Skis

    Cross country skiing is an excellent form of exercise in the winter, and it offers many possibilities for fun and adventure, from track skiing at cross country resorts to light backcountry touring or "hiking" on skis. Selecting a pair… read more

Cross Country Photos

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

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  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

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  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

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