ski lodges

Nordic Skiing Basics - For Beginners

By Janet Fraser 17 May, 2023 2 mins read

Nordic skiing is a very popular winter sport. However, it isn't as easy as it seems. You have to start with the right equipment, learn the techniques and then get comfortable in variable terrain.

Cross Country Skiing - New

A guided lesson is an excellent way to get started if your are new to the sport. To find out if your local ski club offers lessons, check with them. If they don’t offer lessons, ask for recommendations from friends or family.

How to Buy the Right Gear

Choose skis with "fish scale" bottoms. This makes it easier to glide on slippery surfaces without losing control. You also need ski wax that's specific to the type of snow you'll be skiing on.

Make sure to buy skis that fit your needs. Amie Smith is the executive director of New England Nordic Ski Association.

A pair ski boots must be a necessity. A pair or poles are also required, which should be adjustable so that you can ski at different heights.

You should always have extra gear in case of extreme weather conditions. Warm layers, gloves, and a hat will keep you warm when it's cold or windy.

Take it easy on yourself

Avoid injuries by taking it slow and building up your confidence. Avoid downhills and instead, start on groomed trails in a ski area with tracks.

Glide Up Hill

To move uphill, use the herringbone technique by stepping back with your skis pointing outward and forward. This makes it easier to climb hills that are sloping, and allows you to step up more easily than if you were to walk uphill with your skis pointed inward.

You'll find it easier to perform this technique when you're on your skis alone.

Be Dynamic, be Balanced

Nordic skiing is a sport where you need to use all of your muscles to propel yourself. As a beginner, you should aim to keep your whole body strong and agile.

Classic (Traditional)cross-country skiing is the most common form of the sport for beginners, because it resembles walking on skis and relies on a kicking and gliding motion as you lean slightly forward. Although this can take some practice, it is a good cardio workout and provides plenty of opportunities to improve your technique while enjoying the outdoors.

Cross-country skiing offers a different challenge. It is similar to ice skating but requires you to propel each ski in V patterns. This is more difficult but fun, and you can develop faster speeds.

FAQ

What documents should be kept handy while on the road?

To make it easy to find important documents on the road, keep copies at home. If you plan on using an ATM machine, you may want to keep a copy of your passport, driver’s license and other official identification cards.

A photocopy is always a good idea. This can be used to verify your identity, if necessary.

Include copies of your reservation and itinerary. These will help keep you organized and allow you to plan your trip.

Keep a copy of the flight ticket and details for your hotel reservations. This way, you'll be able to contact someone back home if you get into trouble.

You should never leave valuables behind. It's a good idea to keep valuables safe and secure by storing them inside your luggage or on a money belt.

Avoid losing valuable items by making sure your luggage is checked before you depart.

Remember, it's safer to keep things simple rather than trying to plan everything.

Relax and enjoy your trip!

How much luggage do I need?

The amount of luggage you take depends on the length of your trip. You will only need to bring hand luggage if you're traveling by plane. This is typically less than 20kg. For a bus or train ride, however, you will require more space.

At the airport, you will receive a form that you need to complete with your details. This form will contain information about your flight, such as the weight and assistance required when you check them in.

This must be done before you leave your home. You might find yourself stuck waiting in line for hours as everyone else inspects their luggage.

Because you never know what could happen, it is better to travel light. You won't be able to use your bag if it gets lost.

What snacks can I bring on the plane?

There are many snacks to choose from while you're flying. You may want to consider bringing along any food items that you know you enjoy eating while traveling.

If you are a chocolate lover, you may want to bring some chocolates along with other snacks like crisps, nuts, and biscuits.

Perhaps you want something savory? You could pack some crackers or cheese.

It's also worth considering what kind of beverages you'd prefer to have aboard. Maybe you prefer hot or cold drinks?

Whatever type of snack or drink you decide to bring along, make sure they are all packed safely and securely.

This will ensure that your belongings are safe during transport.

How long does it take between two countries to fly?

The time taken to fly varies depending on the distance between the airports and the weather conditions.

The average flight takes around 3 hours.

The actual flying time depends on many factors like the airline, aircraft type and airport delays.

What should I pack for a vacation trip?

It is important to plan what you will do during your vacation. Not just packing clothes. Consider where you're going and how much time you'll be staying there.

The first thing you need to do is think about what types of activities are most appealing to you. For example, if you are going to an exotic destination, then you may want to try scuba diving. You might also want to participate in local festivals and events if you plan to stay longer.

Tell your loved ones if there are any health concerns so they can plan for you.

Statistics

That's an 18% jump from 2019, the previous record year. (travelandleisure.com)
You can use compression sacs or cubes to reduce the volume of your clothes by up to 80%—this is especially convenient for bulky items such as sweaters and jackets. (eaglecreek.com)
They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. (travelandleisure.com)
Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, is located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. (travelandleisure.com)
Between the ages of 11 and 13, kids, or tweens, will likely want some autonomy but also need boundaries. (travelandleisure.com)