How to Nordic Ski

Nordic skiing, sometimes called cross-country skiing, is a popular and strenuous form of exercise that offers one of the best ways to access forests and wilderness terrain in the winter. It is often more physically demanding than alpine skiing, but at the same time it is also usually easier to learn. Although they might be very sore for it, after a single day's outing a beginner will have already mastered the basic skills.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Appropriate ski wax

Step 1

Wax your skis before setting out. You should choose your wax to match local conditions. For example, if the trail you intend to ski on is icy, you need some form of klister. That is a sticky wax meant for giving your skis extra grip. Apply the wax and then polish it with a nylon cloth.

Step 2

Stretch properly before you start on the trail. Nordic skiing is often strenuous and you can hurt yourself without a good stretch. Also, warm up gradually and avoid going all-out at the very beginning.

Step 3

Glide your feet forward to start moving. Slide one foot forward until you just start to lift the back heel of the other foot up to compensate. Then slide the other foot forward. Use your poles for balance. Keep repeating to maintain your locomotion.

Step 4

Push with the poles to add extra momentum. Use the opposite pole to match the foot that is forward (right-hand pole if the left foot is out in front). Put that pole forward, dig in and pull. Switch to the other side with the opposite pole and ski. Then keep repeating the motions.

Step 5

Fall down properly to stop loss of control. If you need to stop but cannot do so, fall over so you land on your side with your feet parallel and their bottoms pointed out. That will keep your skis from becoming entangled and putting a bad twist (or worse) on your ankle.

Tips & Warnings

Dress in layers when you are out. Nordic skiing is hard work and if you get too hot and sweaty, that sweat will cool off and chill you or perhaps even freeze up soon after you stop moving. Make sure you have the flexibility to bundle up or down to a level of comfort.

Remember to wear sun-goggles or sunglasses and sunblock. Sunlight reflects off of ice and snow very strongly, and it is easy to get a sunburn or even sun blindness without proper protection.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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