Things You'll Need:
- Ski poles
- Ski boots
- Ski attire
- Nordic or cross country skis
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Step 1
Get to know your equipment. In cross country skiing, the ski boot or shoe is attached to skis at the toe only. You will have more flexibility than in downhill skiing, so take your time adjusting to this new sensation.
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Step 2
Go with the flow. The key to cross country skiing is moving with a fluid motion. Your skis should be waxed to provide less resistance on the snow, and your poles can help you keep a good rhythm as you traverse the powder or packed snow.
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Step 3
Get a grip on your poles. The proper way to hold them is to place the strap between your thumb and fingers so that you can grab the strap and the handle of the pole at the same time. When you select your poles, be sure to bring your gloves along so that you can maintain your grip even when suited up.
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Step 4
Stretch your muscles before you start skiing. By warming up the muscles in your legs and arms with a few simple stretches, they will be looser and more capable of rebounding from a fall.
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Step 5
Practice falling to your side after you've warmed up. Your hips should be as low to the ground as possible and you should try to land on your behind.
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Step 6
Avoid putting your poles in front of you when you fall. You should point them behind you, making it less likely that you will fall on them.
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Step 1
Get up by shifting your weight to your knees, keeping them over or on top of your skis.
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Step 2
Use your poles to shift your weight from your knees to your feet by placing the tips in the snow on either side of your skis.
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Step 3
Stand up slowly and dust yourself off!
