How Cross-country Skiing Works

Cross-country skiers must take certain physics principles into account, including the following:

So what kind of gear do you need to begin cross-country skiing? Keep reading to find out.

Cross-country skiing doesn't require much in the way of equipment. Plus, cross-country equipment is both lighter and less expensive than alpine equipment.

If you'll be skiing on maintained courses, you'll want skis that are light, fast and thin. If you'll be blazing your own trails, you'll want backcountry skis that are heavier and several millimeters thicker. Combination skis are also available. Skis come in different lengths, but short and mid-length skis are most popular. If you're unsure which ski length you're most comfortable with, try renting skis first to determine which is the best fit for you.

Poles are light and normally have basketlike attachments at the ends -- these enable them to grip the snow's surface before the tip plunges to the ground. Poles typically reach from the ground to the skier's chin, and they have straps that keep the pole attached to the skier's wrist.

Boots for cross-country skiing are lighter and less block-like than alpine ski boots, and their bindings match the ski, leaving the heel free to rise and fall.

Plan to dress in layers when you're skiing -- some clothes will inevitably be shed as the exercise heats you up. Think about what clothing you would wear if you were to go jogging on a very cold day. Ski gloves and sunglasses typically round out the cross-country skiing ensemble.

When you place a ski on a flat surface, you'll see that the front and back end touch the ground, while the span between them, the camber, arches off the ground. When one ski is gliding, it does so on the two points of contact. However, as the other leg pushes down for the kick, the middle of the ski is pressed down, and this middle portion provides grip. This is often enhanced by grip wax, while the front and back tips of the ski are covered in glide wax.

Waxless skis have raised patterns manufactured into the length of the ski to provide grip, eliminating the need for grip wax. However, these skis aren't always ideal for all conditions, and they don't allow for adjustment in terms of applying different types of wax.

Keep reading to learn about the finer points of cross-country skiing.

There are two different styles of cross-country skiing: ski skating and classic skiing, which is also known as striding, diagonal or traditional. Classic skiing is planting one ski down and pushing it back in order to propel the other ski forward. For example, as you put your left ski down, you'll simultaneously use the pole in your right hand to help balance you and push you forward. When you push down and back with your right ski, your left pole will be put into action -- hence "diagonal." Despite this moniker, the resulting motion is a smooth forward glide.

This method will also enable you to perform a diagonal climb and ski uphill, using shorter strides and assuming a more vertical posture. Steeper hills may require using the herringbone technique in which the skis are arranged into a "V" shape and the skier walks uphill by planting the inside edge of the ski into the snow.

Ski skating utilizes a motion that resembles rollerblading or ice skating -- you push out with one ski while gliding ahead on the other, and the two skis are always pushing away from each other. If both skis stayed on the ground, you'd likely find yourself spread-eagled on the snow, but your one grounded ski maintains your forward motion.

Alpine skiers don't have a monopoly on downhill descent -- such drops are no problem for cross-country skiers as long as they utilize the telemark turn. This turn involves bending one leg behind the other, pointing the forward ski into the turn and pointing the tip of the rear ski into the side of the leading ski. This is a free-heeled method of making wide controlled turns as you descend a hill.

On slight hills, skiers may opt for a double-pole technique in which they hold their skis in a fixed position facing forward and use both poles simultaneously to reach ahead and pull themselves forward. On flat or slightly uphill terrain, you can combine the double-pole technique with alternating kicks.

Don't strap on your skis just yet. Keep reading to learn some helpful cross-country skiing tips.

To an observer, it may look easy to gracefully glide across the snow on skis; however, learning the techniques needed for cross-country skiing takes time. You may have no trouble getting up and gliding your first time out on skis, but you'll intuitively pick up some tricks for better skiing as you gain experience. Cross-country skiing requires a mix of different techniques, motions and rhythms that can be mastered only through practice.

While you may be proficient enough on your first outing to get from point A to point B, it may be helpful to take some skiing lessons. A skilled instructor can help you learn proper techniques and prevent you from developing bad skiing habits.

There's a good reason why most gyms feature Nordic machines: Cross-country skiing is an excellent cardiovascular workout. If you're not in decent shape before trying cross-country skiing, you may be in a for a long day of huffing and puffing. If you have a trip planned, try to get in shape beforehand so you can enjoy the sport.

While you're skiing, try to keep your knees and ankles flexed and your upper body forward. It's also important to work on establishing a rhythm as you kick, stride and glide -- move your arms and body forward, not side to side, and prolong the forward glide. When first starting out, you may feel more comfortable on wider and slower skis. After you get the hang of cross-country skiing, you can experiment with different types of skis that can provide you with a speedier and more agile experience.

For more information on cross-country skiing, see the links on the following page.