Learning How to Cross-Country Ski As an Adult

Originally published on Salomon.com.

In the United States, unless you grew up in a few lucky regions–the midwest, Alaska, or maybe Colorado–and were encouraged to join a Nordic club or team as a child, getting into cross-country skiing as an adult can be intimidating. 

Downhill skiing continues to garner much of the nation’s attention—you just can’t deny the allure of gravity-powered fun. But what happens when the slopes get too crowded, the ticket prices keep surging upwards, or your body is telling you it would prefer a lower impact sport? How do you make the leap to Nordic? That’s exactly the gap recreational skier Whitney James is trying to fill with Sisu Ski Retreat. 

Now in its third year, this women’s-only skate ski event has expanded from its original Colorado destination to include Washington State. The three-day retreats are only open to a limited number of participants, ensuring everyone has a custom experience based on their skill level. For the majority, Sisu Ski Retreat is their first time on skate skis. For others, it may be their first official clinic or a chance to hone in on the basic elements of the sport. The goal is simple: get more people on skinny skis. 

We caught up with Whitney to find out her recommendations on how to get into skate skiing for the first time. See her responses, below. 

(Discover the difference between skate and classic skiing, here.)

1. Go Ahead, Take a Lesson

Watching YouTube videos while sitting on the couch can only get you so far. When it comes to what happens after you click into your skis, you’re going to have a much higher rate of success if you enlist the help of an expert. Take a private lesson, or join a group clinic for beginners. (Even if you’ve skied before, there’s a lot to learn from the ground up!) Where should you start? Most downhill ski resorts have Nordic centers, but not all of them offer lessons. Do some research to find out what’s available in your state. Think of this as a treasure hunt—once you start discovering your nearby Nordic community you’ll find all kinds of resources to support your journey, from beginner-friendly races to wax clinics, ski swaps, and more!

2. Tackle Technique Step by Step

Don’t get discouraged if you’re confused at first by the difference between a V1 and a V2 alternate. Focus on mastering one gear at a time and starting from the very beginning with basic drills. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, relax and just ski for a period without focusing on any one thing. You may notice you’ve been clenching your jaw or curling your toes; getting frustrated with your form or how challenging it can be to master the rhythm of a V2. Remember that this is about being outside and having fun, and that it will all come together with time and practice! If all else fails, just remember what an accomplishment it is to be out of your comfort zone trying something new. You’ve already come a long way.

3. Have a Nordic State of Mind

For beginners, one of the most challenging parts of cross-country skiing is balance. After all, it’s not often in daily life that we have to stand on one leg! One of my favorite ways I’ve heard to incorporate practice for skiing into your daily routine is by brushing your teeth while standing on one leg. You can also look around your gym for different ways to challenge your equilibrium and strengthen your core. We always offer yoga classes at Sisu Ski Retreat, and find that there is a lot of crossover between certain poses and your time on skis. Cross-training with these activities and countless others is a great way to prepare your body for success on the trail. 

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be a Beginner

It can be intimidating to get into a new sport as an adult. One look outside my window in Boulder, Colorado and I see kids on roller skis running drills in the parking lot—they’re already better than I am! Instead of getting discouraged by playing the comparison game, I focus on my own achievements. I spent almost a decade on my skate skis doing V1 because I didn’t know any differently. Now, every winter I take clinics to find out how I can dial in my technique and improve my efficiency. Every year I learn something new. While I’m out skiing by myself, maybe my focus for the day is simply getting to the top of a hill without stopping, or practicing my step turns around a corner at the bottom. If conditions are challenging and I feel wobbly, I know that I am getting great balance practice that will help me the next time I get out. As a recreational skier there is always something new to learn or practice, and that beginner mindset is an asset if we can lean into it and be humble.  

Need more reasons to learn how to cross-country ski? Find more tips for getting started, including how to layer and what to eat to stay properly fueled, here. Interested in joining Sisu Ski Retreat next year? Follow along with us on social: @sisuskiretreat.