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Cross Country Skiing Articles and Videos

Easily the most aerobic winter sport, cross country skiing is a great way to avoid the doldrums of winter with a healthy release of endorphins. Trails.com wants to help you get out into the backcountry or onto your local track with useful articles and videos on waxing skis for different types of snow, skating technique, fitting cross country boots, and how to choose poles and skis. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and exercise, and Trails.com has everything you need to get started.

  • 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 suc...

  • How to Make Cross-Country Skis

    Cross-country skiing has a long history going back at least 6,000 years. According to the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, cave paintings found in Russia and dated to around 4,000 B.C. depict a hunter on cross-country skis. Until rece...

  • Things to Do in Lake Tahoe During the Winter

    With its high mountains and regular, predictable and heavy snowfalls, the Lake Tahoe area has been a magnet for ski buffs for decades. There is plenty of downhill skiing to be had, much more than one could ever take in during a single trip. Howev...

  • Nordic Ski Equipment Review

    Nordic ski equipment can be divided into three basic categories: racing, touring and back country. Nordic-style skis (cross-country skis) are typically much skinnier and longer than alpine or downhill skis, although later model extreme back count...

  • 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 proper flota...

  • 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 from easy. Y...

  • Cross Country Skiing Rules

    Cross-country skiing is generally easy to learn and easy on the environment. Once you have the gear (skis, poles, boots) and proper clothing, an outing is practically free, especially if you can find a ski area nearby. Plus, cross-country skiing ...

  • AC Joint Pain Exercises

    The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is where the collarbone and scapula meet. It can be damaged through a fall onto an extended arm or the point of the shoulder, as may occur in skiing or a bike accident. Dislocations and cartilage tears are possibl...

  • The Best All-Around Cross Country Skis

    Cross-country skiing has seen increased specialization over the last 15 years, especially as shorter skis have become more popular. Cross-country skiing offers an excellent winter workout, as well as the ability to travel on trails in national pa...

  • Cross-Country Ski Resorts in Utah

    Although world renowned for its downhill ski resorts, Utah has a great deal to offer the cross-country skier. Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to explore the Wasatch Mountains and experience Utah's Greatest Snow on Earth.

  • What Size Cross Country Skis Should I Buy?

    Cross-country skiing is one of the best aerobic workouts out there, but finding correctly fitting gear can be a challenge. As you choose a pair of cross-country skis, it is important to consider the type of terrain you are interested in skiing, ...

  • Primary Muscles Used for Cross Country Skiing

    Many people prefer cross-country skiing, not only as a means of enjoying the outdoors but also for a full body workout. Depending on individual form, a cross-country skier may use slightly different muscles, but there are at least three main musc...

  • 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, walk with you...

  • The Best Places for Cross-Country Skiing

    Shortly after the snow piles up, thousands of skiers dust off their skis and head out to enjoy the trails. Cross-country skiing is an aerobic exercise that has become more popular each year, bringing skiers deep into the mountains. Each year cros...

  • 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!

  • Colorado Tourism Facts

    Located where the plains meet the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is a state of extremes and natural beauty. This makes it a popular destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

  • The Types of Bindings for Cross Country Skis

    Manufacturers produce several types of cross-country ski bindings, which can be a bit confusing for beginning skiers. There are three main binding types for regular cross-country skis, all of which require specific boots.

  • Cross-Country Skiing Tips for Beginners

    Cross country skiing can feel awkward at first, especially if you are only acquainted with downhill alpine style skis. Remember that it takes time and patience to gain skill. Stick with it, and the magical, peaceful feeling of gliding slowly thro...

  • Cross-country Ski Techniques

    Cross-country skiing is a great way to experience the outdoors in the winter. It allows for an escape from the busy slopes and crowds of downhill skiing to an environment where quiet serenity is more important than speed. Additionally, it burns...

  • Parts of a Dog Sled

    Dog sleds have been in use for thousands of years as a means of transporting supplies and people across terrain that would otherwise be nearly impassable on foot. According to Ultimate Iditarod, dog sleds were traditionally made from materials su...

  • Nordic Ski Waxing Tips

    All Nordic skis are made a bit different. Some are made with a "waxless" base, for example, but most perform better with a little wax. There are loads of different waxes to choose from depending on what the weather, season and snow conditions are...

  • How to Choose Skate Skiing Gear

    While skate skiing and classic style are both examples of cross-country or Nordic Skiing, in many ways, this is one of the only things that they have in common. Skate skiing is performed from a "V" position. One ski is pushed out at an angle, whi...

  • Maintain Cross Country Skis

    Maintaining cross country skis during the off-season is important, yet often overlooked. If you want your skis to be in tip top shape next winter, you need to spend some time with your skis after the snow has melted to prepare and maintain them f...

  • 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 longevity ...

  • Primary Muscles Used for Cross-Country Skiing

    Cross-country skiing is the most dynamic winter sport. Unlike alpine skiing and snowboarding, which rely primarily on the core and lower body, cross-country skiing also makes active use of the muscles of the upper body. As such, a one hour sessio...