How to Start Out on Cross-Country Skis
The sport of cross-country skiing can take you to some of nature's most beautiful winter terrain. It is also one of the easier snow sports to learn.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Pick an easy trail to start. Flat terrain with only an occasional hill is the most suitable for beginners.
-
2
Put on your skis by inserting the fronts of your boots into the bindings.
-
-
3
Stick your poles in the snow at your sides and slide your skis back and forth while remaining in a stationary position. This exercise gives you a feel for your equipment.
-
4
Put your hands through the pole straps.
-
5
Put one foot in front of the other, letting the skis slide as if you were walking across an ice-skating rink.
-
6
Plant your poles in a rhythmic manner, placing the left one in the snow at the end of a right-foot glide and vice versa.
-
7
Practice until you feel comfortable enough to increase your speed and gliding distance.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make certain that your boots are free of snow before stepping into your bindings.
Expect to fall a few times on your first excursions - it's all part of the fun of cross-country skiing.
Skiing is a physically demanding sport that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.
More Like This
Comments
-
Nov 22, 2005
Skiing without poles quickly improves balance and position. Use a flat area with good tracks. Begin with small, gliding steps, shifting your weight entirely to one ski at a time. Gradually increase the stride as your balance and rhythm improve. Lean forward at the waist for increased stride length and power. When you are comfortable with leg power alone, add the poles. Be certain to use the straps correctly. With the strap hanging down the pole, insert a hand from the bottom, then grip the pole. The straps should exit the the side of the pole between the thumb and forefinger, cross down the palm, and wrap around the back of the hand. The two straps will be between the palm and the pole. Check that the strap lies smoothly, and is not twisted around the hand. Adjust the strap so that the web between the thumb and forefinger is close to where the straps exit the pole. When poling, release the pole at the end of the push so that the hand is open, wit the palm back, and pushing on the strap. Swinging the hand forward drags the pole back into the hand. -
Nov 22, 2005
If you're just starting out, the right way to fall is to bend your knees and fall sideways. This makes it easy to stop while going down a hill and not hurt yourself or your gear. Also while going up a hill for beginners, walk sideways up the hill. ...
-
Nov 22, 2005
If you live in Montreal, Quebec, a good place to cross-country ski is at the Botanical Garden. It's free and it's fun since they use all the hills available. If you don't live here, ask at the Botanical Garden or a park close to you to see what they have.
