The Basics: Styles of Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing encompasses three main styles:

• Classic Skiing: The original form of cross-country skiing, using a walking or running motion. Performed on groomed tracks, it’s ideal for those looking for a smooth, meditative glide.
• Skate Skiing: A more dynamic and aerobic style that mimics ice skating, requiring a different technique and greater physical effort.
• Off-Track Skiing: For adventurers seeking solitude and wilderness, this involves skiing beyond prepared trails, often on wider skis with metal edges for stability.

Each style offers something unique, making cross-country skiing accessible for beginners while challenging even the most experienced skiers.

 

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The Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

Why everyone should try this unique winter sport

Cross-country skiing is a versatile activity that blends fitness, adventure, and tranquillity. It’s perfect for exploring peaceful landscapes, challenging yourself with new goals, or simply enjoying the process of gliding through snow. Beyond the winter season, off-season activities like running, cycling, and roller skiing help maintain fitness and keep the sense of adventure alive, building strength and endurance for longer routes. Affordable and accessible, with lightweight gear and welcoming communities, cross-country skiing offers an enriching way to connect with nature, stay active, and embrace the joy of the journey – or après ski.

 

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Cross-Country Ski Trails

What does each level mean?

Before heading out on a cross-country skiing trip, it’s helpful to understand the variety of trails available to suit different skill levels. Much like downhill ski resorts, cross-country destinations use colour-coded systems to indicate trail difficulty, allowing you to choose routes based on your ability and preferences. Some trails feature steeper climbs and tighter downhill turns for a more technical challenge, while others are flatter and less demanding, ideal for a more relaxed experience.

 

Trail Difficulty Levels in Cross-Country Skiing

• Blue (Easy): Ideal for beginners and children, blue trails are mostly flat with gentle gradients of no more than 10% on both ascents and descents. Any downhill sections on Classic-style trails are designed with visibility in mind, allowing skiers to see the entire descent from the top, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
• Red (Intermediate): Red trails are suited for skiers with some experience. These trails feature a rolling terrain with gradients of up to 20% or more, offering a mix of ascents and descents. Downhill sections on Classic trails may include blind corners and sharp turns, requiring more confidence and control.
• Black (Difficult): Reserved for advanced and expert skiers, black trails include challenging gradients that often exceed 20% on both ascents and descents. These demanding routes require a high level of technical skill and fitness.

 

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Where to go

Great destinations for every skill level

Europe and its neighboring regions offer an unparalleled range of cross-country skiing opportunities for all levels. Whether you’re starting out on gentle alpine trails or taking on the challenges of remote Scandinavian landscapes, there’s something to inspire every skier. To help you explore, Tracks & Trails has highlighted some top destinations and included links to trips for those interested in learning more.

 

For Beginners

• Switzerland: Resorts like the Obergoms Valley and Davos feature well-groomed, flat trails with stunning alpine scenery, perfect for learning the basics.
• Italy: Cogne in the Gran Paradiso National Park provides gentle loops in a beautiful setting, ideal for first-timers.

Finland: Ski areas such as Äkäslompolo and Levi offer beginner-friendly trails through snowy forests.

 

For Intermediate Skiers

• Norway: Trails like the Peer Gynt Trail offer multi-day journeys with rolling hills, breathtaking views, and technical trails to challenge your technique.
• Italy: The Dolomites provide diverse terrain for skilled skiers, with highlights such as the trails around Dobbiaco/Toblach, including access to a World Cup stadium.

Austria: Seefeld combines varied trails with alpine beauty, offering a balance of challenge and comfort.

 

For Experts

• Norway: Explore the wilderness of Hardangervidda Jotunheimen National Parks, featuring steep climbs, deep snow, and long-distance off-track routes.
• Sweden: The Arctic landscapes of Abisko National Park provide demanding, off-piste adventures in pristine terrain.

• Iceland: The rugged beauty of Thingvellir National Park combines challenging off-track skiing with awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes.

Broader Options to Consider

• Multi-Nation Trails: The Kungsleden Trail in Sweden or the Grand Traverse of the Jura unique challenges and international experiences.

Expeditions: For extreme adventurers, destinations like Greenland or Antarctica provide unmatched skiing in untouched wilderness.

 

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Choosing The Right Kit 

What to wear and the correct gear

Choosing the appropriate equipment is key to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The boots are free-heel and are not attached to the ski, they are only attached at the toe. 

• For Classic and Skate Skiing: Lightweight skis designed for groomed tracks, paired with flexible lightweight boots and long fixed length poles. 
• For Off-Track Skiing: Wider skis with metal edges for stability, sturdier boots, and adjustable poles to handle varied terrain

Clothing needs to be more dynamic than for alpine skiing. If you like to run/jog/cycle, then you can make a comparison with the clothing used for these in winter. You need freedom of movement and also multiple layers that can be added to adjust to temperatures. A whole new world of ‘reasons to buy kit’ will be opened up to you, but equally most people starting out can find items in their wardrobe that will work for cross-country skiing. If you’d like to explore more about equipment options, read Tracks & Trails’ guide on choosing the right kit.

 

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Sustainability in Cross-Country Skiing

How harmful is it?

Cross-country skiing is one of the most eco-friendly winter sports, relying solely on human power and minimal infrastructure. Groomed trails require far less energy to maintain compared to downhill resorts, supports local businesses, and there’s no need for lifts.

Ski wax plays a crucial role in cross-country skiing, enhancing grip and glide for different snow conditions. However, traditional waxes often contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which are harmful to the environment due to their long-lasting impact and toxicity. Understanding the options for sustainable waxing is key to reducing the sport’s ecological footprint.

Fluorine-free waxes, now widely available, provide excellent grip and glide while eliminating harmful PFCs, and biodegradable options made from natural, plant-based ingredients offer an environmentally friendly alternative by breaking down more easily in nature.

 

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Embrace the Adventure

Experience something different this winter

Cross-country skiing offers something for everyone, from serene track skiing to thrilling off-track adventures. It’s a sport that invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and challenge yourself in new ways. Whether you’re seeking a fun winter activity or a way to explore remote wilderness, cross-country skiing is a journey well worth taking. Ready to explore the world of cross-country skiing? Browse Tracks & Trails trips and take the first step toward your next winter adventure.

Ski Club members have an exclusive 5% discount on Tracks & Trails holidays, to find out more head to our discounts page.