by Anne Michael, Sports Basement Alumni
 

“Nordic skiing is a lifelong sport.” Those were the words of my high school Nordic ski coach, and he wasn’t wrong! I grew up in Minnesota, where Nordic skiing is the norm in many parts of the state. At local races, I’d ski with folks of all ages; middle schoolers to my left and seasoned athletes on my right. It was great to be a part of a community that spans all ages. Whether young or “seasoned”, new to the sport or experienced, Nordic skiing is a fantastic way to get a full body workout, enjoy the great outdoors, and explore the b-e-a-u-tiful winter wonderland we’re experiencing this season!

Nordic skiing, also known as cross-country skiing, is a low-impact sport (one of the reasons it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels). And the best part is, you don't have to travel all the way to the North Pole to try it out. There are plenty of great places to Nordic ski in California and Nevada.

First things first, let's talk about gear

As a beginner, you don't need to break the bank to get started. Here's a list of the basic gear you'll need:

• Skis: There are two types of Nordic skis: classic and skate skis
• Classic skis are the traditional type, with a long and flexed shape, and are designed for use on groomed tracks (picture someone running or walking using that classic back and forth motion).. Fun fact, Sports Basement rents classic skis at our Berkeley location!
• Skate skis are shorter, and are designed for use on groomed or ungroomed terrain (picture someone skating on an ice rink and visualizing the side to side motion).
• There are a few factors that go into choosing your correct ski size, such as height, weight, your technical level, and your goals. Head into your local Sports Basement to chat with our staff about our Nordic options!
• Boots: Nordic ski boots come in two types: classic and skate
• Classic boots are designed for use with classic skis. Classic boots are generally lower cut, and have a more flexible forefoot to help with striding.
• Skate boots are designed for use with skate skis. Skate boots generally have an ankle cuff to provide optimal lateral stability while skate skiing.
• Combi boots are designed for both classic and skate skiing. They tend to have a more supportive ankle and a flexible forefoot - the best of both worlds!
• All boots should fit similar to running shoes or hiking boots. You want them to fit snugly, but still comfortably, with about a thumbs width worth of space up at the front of your toes.
• Poles: Nordic ski poles are designed to help you balance and propel yourself forward. To get the most from your technique, you should not use the same size pole for classic and skate skiing. Skate ski poles are taller than classic poles. Our friends at Salomon have a great article on how to measure your pole height. Check it out here!
• Clothing: Dress in layers, you'll want to wear moisture-wicking clothing like polyester or merino wool as a base layer, fleece or wool as a mid-layer and a waterproof and breathable outer layer to protect you from the wind and snow. Also think about lightweight gloves, a comfy hat, a hip-pack or Camelbak for snacks and water, sunglasses, and a neckwarmer. Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes to keep in your car or at the chalet for after your workout. No one wants to go home in sweaty clothes!

Now that you have the gear, where should you go to try out the sport?

Here are a few suggestions for places to Nordic ski in the Sierras:

• California: Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, and Kirkwood Cross Country Ski Center are some of the best places to go Nordic skiing.
• Nevada: Mount Rose Ski Tahoe and Spooner Lake & Backcountry are great options for beginners.

I recently checked out Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort for a day-trip. What stunning trails! I got up early, skied in the morning and into the early afternoon, kept on driving to North Lake Tahoe for an early dinner around Kings Beach, and got back into the Bay Area by 8pm.

Before hitting the trails, it's essential to know some basic techniques.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started:

• Take a lesson: If you're new to the sport, it's essential to take a lesson to learn the basics. Most ski resorts and cross-country ski centers offer lessons for beginners. Or find a friend that would be excited to teach you the basics. I also recommend watching a few youtube videos on nordic skiing for beginners so you can visualize the basics (and learn how to get up if you fall!).
• Be patient with yourself: Nordic skiing is a technical sport. It takes a couple times to figure out what you’re doing. It can also be quite the workout! You might have sore muscles in places you didn't know existed! It's essential to start slow and work your way up to longer and more challenging trails.
• Keep your upper body relaxed: Don't tense up your arms or shoulders as you ski. Keep your upper body relaxed and let your legs do the work.
• Use your poles: Your poles are there to help you balance and propel yourself forward, so use them!
• Go at your own pace! Some people ski to compete, while others simply want to take it slow and enjoy the outdoors. No matter your goal, go at your own pace and on your own time!

 
Now that you know the basics, it's time to hit the trails and enjoy the winter wonderland. Remember to have fun, always tell someone where you’re going, take it easy, and don't be afraid to fall. Falling is part of the learning process, and it's also a great opportunity to make a snow angel! So grab your gear, lace up your boots, and hit the trails. Happy skiing!