A wise man once said, “It’s a great day for a great ski.” Today, it’s cross-country or Nordic skiing, the less intense and less expensive version of skiing, with similar rewards. 

Cross-country skiing has easier accessibility than typical downhill skiing. There are two methods—classic and skate skiing—and both are dynamic and fun. 

Classic is more common in our area. Once the ground is covered in snow, all you need is a pair of Nordic skis, boots and poles, and you are ready to go. Even just a few inches of snow on a grass lawn is enough to get the Nordic skis out for a quick glide. Gaiters for your ankles, a nice pair of gloves and sunglasses make the experience better, but they are not necessary pieces of equipment.  

Once the snowcover stacks up a bit after some good storms, then a nice glide through undulating fields and meandering forests can be very enjoyable.

Groomed cross-country ski trails are hard to find around our immediate area in the Upper Delaware Valley. Some state parks in PA and New York do offer these commodities. 

It is best to get your skis out as soon as fresh snow of three or more inches has fallen. Set in a nice, easy track around your house or on a flat grassy lawn or field. Once the track is packed down, it will get easier and more enjoyable for gliding further and longer with each step.  

The actual movement of cross-country skiing takes a bit of balance and coordination, but overall, it is a pretty natural body movement, similar to speed walking. Using ski poles as a third and fourth point of contact helps stabilize the body throughout the skiing motion. However, it is important to remember that ski poles are not meant to be used as a braking mechanism—that would likely lead to a wipeout and a face full of snow. 

Fortunately, gaining too much speed while cross-country skiing is not often a problem. Everything is under your own force and inertia while cross-country skiing, because what you choose to go up is what you will likely have to come down. So choose wisely and use caution until you are comfortable on your skis. 

Cross-country skiing is a nice way to get the heart rate up and get the body moving during the cold of winter. During a long docile winter, our muscles can enter a period of fatigue and atrophy, and then it is much more difficult to build the muscle back. So it is important to prioritize exercise and movement throughout the winter and year.

Online marketplaces and local thrift stores are good places to find used cross-country ski equipment. Go check in at a local ski shop or dig out that old pair of cross-country skis and boots from the back of the shed. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this cold and snowy winter and try cross-country skiing.