What is Cross-Country Skiing?

Cross Country Skiing (XC), aka Nordic skiing, takes you through scenic and serene forest and meadowland on groomed trails. You glide through changing terrain: level and straight, curving, and up and down gentle hills. It is a low-impact activity that can translate into an endurance sport. It provides a great cardio and strength training workout, but it is much easier on the knees and back than high impact sports like running or tennis.

The clothing and gear for XC skiing is lighter and less elaborate than for downhill skiing. You wear layered, breathable clothing and a light boot that comes up to your ankle (rather than heavier alpine ski boots). The toe of the boot is clipped into the ski, but your heel lifts as you glide. As with alpine skiing, you use poles, but more for propulsion than balance.

Our day trips and XC Ski School (XCSS) centre around Classic Skiing, Skate Skiing, Snowshoeing and Fatbiking

CLASSIC SKIING

Classic skiing is the traditional Nordic ski motion of gliding on parallel skis.

Using a diagonal stride technique, you shift weight from one ski to the other, pushing on the centre of one ski to shift weight and propel yourself forward. Other techniques include herringbone to climb hills and snowplow to control your descent.

Classic skis may be waxed or unwaxed, and some skiers use skins for grip.

Skate Skiing

In skate skiing propulsion is still provided through pushing off each ski while changing weight, but the skis are used in a V formation and you push off the inside edge of the skis. The skate trails are groomed, but have no parallel tracks.

Skate skiing can be more technically challenging than classic skiing and require a greater level of physical fitness, but once the technique is mastered, skate skiers glide smoothly at impressive speeds. If you are looking for an athletic challenge and feel the need for speed this winter, try skate skiing.

SNOWSHOEING

Snowshoeing is like hiking in the snow.It is a very safe sport, is easy to learn and allows you to get deep into the woods.

Snowshoes are worn with hiking boots or snow boots (not ski boots) and prevent you from sinking into deep snow. Some snowshoers use trekking poles to help balance, and gaiters to keep dry in heavy snow.

Many ski centres offer snowshoe trails, which are separate from skiing trails.

FATBIKING?

As the name suggests, fat bikes have very thick tires, and are designed for riding on soft, unstable surfaces like snow or sand. Fat bike tires use lower pressure than road or mountain bike tires, which prevent them from sinking into the snow.

Fat biking is great for developing your balance and core strength and offers an excellent, high-calorie burning workout.

Due to room constraints on buses, if you choose to Fatbike please either drive-up and bring your own bike or rent at the destination.

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