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Originally a popular sport in the Nordic countries, cross-country skiing has grown in popularity as a prevalent world wide winter sport.
CHOOSING CROSS COUNTRY SKI EQUIPMENT
Warm clothing is a necessity as with all winter sporting events, choose clothing that layers easily and is weather resistant. Wearing two pairs of socks is generally warmer than one thick pair of socks. Ideally your should wear a thin pair of cotton socks followed by a heavier pair of wool socks for utmost comfort.
Never travel alone and be aware of the signs of hypothermia, frostbite and snow blindness. Snow blindness is caused by the ultraviolet glare from the snow and can be avoided by wearing dark sunglasses or goggles. Snow blindness can take up to eight hours to appear and can include swelling of the eye lids and loss of vision so it should be taken seriously as a potential hazard.
Carry along a first aid kit, hot thermos and snacks high in carbohydrates. When you first learn to cross-country ski it is advisable to rent your equipment. Choose cross country ski's that reach your wrist when your arm is extended over your head. Cross-country polls should be approximately shoulder high.
WAX TIPS
Using the right wax will give your ski's a strong push off and allow the ski to glide without friction. Generally a base coat is applied first followed by a final waxing. Olympic and professional skiers travel with a variety of skis that have different wax coatings to help them with a peak performance according to any weather condition that may arise. Of course, the also have professional wax technicians to apply the wax as well. For general use, the colder the temperature is, the harder the wax you should use.
BASIC MOVES AND TECHNIQUES
The "Herringbone" step, also used in snow-shoeing, can be invaluable in getting you up a steep slope. Angle your ski tips outward to form a V shape and step upward with your ski's one after another. The steeper the grade of the slope the wider your V stance will need to be.
The "Diagonal Stride" is one of the skiers basic steps. Practice hopping from one ski to the other as you transfer your weight back and forth. Simultaneously thrust your pole out on the opposite side. Some skiers call this a hop or kick, this is what gives you the thrust of power to glide forward on the other ski. This is a natural movement because the arms and legs move as they would when walking.
"Snowplowing" is another important beginning maneuver used for downhill breaking. Position your body in a exaggerated knock-kneed stance and face your skills with the tips almost together in a wedge shape. Ski's should be tilted with their inner edges digging into the snow. Shift your weight to the ski on the opposite direction you want to turn. Your descent will be faster if you make your wedge angle narrower and will be slower if your wedge is wider.
Basic "Downhill Running" is enjoyed with you keep your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder width apart. Your arms should be ahead of you and poles parallel with your skis. When you come to a snow bump, slightly straighten up before you get to it and then bend your keens to absorb the shock as you go over it.
"Double Polling" is performed with you extend our arms at shoulder level and plant your poles on either side of the skis. Keep your knee's bent and thrust down and back with the poles. Make sure you have an even balance.
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