Getting Started with Cross-Country Skiing: A Beginner's Guide
BY KRIS C., PROGRAM SUPERVISOR, REGISTERED MAINE GUIDE
Cross-country skiing is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to enjoy winter. It’s a quiet, low-impact activity that allows you to glide through snowy landscapes at your own pace—whether that’s a casual outing on groomed trails or a more adventurous exploration of open terrain. If you’re new to the sport, a little preparation goes a long way in making your first experience a positive one.
Preparing for Your Outing
Before you click into your skis, take some time to plan ahead. One of the most important first steps is checking the weather forecast. Winter conditions can change quickly, and knowing the temperature, wind, and potential for precipitation will help you dress appropriately and choose a safe location.
Appropriate clothing is key to staying comfortable while skiing. Cross-country skiing is an active sport, so you’ll warm up once you start moving. Dressing in layers allows you to regulate your body temperature by adding or removing clothing as needed. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer for warmth, and finish with a breathable outer layer that protects you from wind and snow.
You’ll also need a plan for where you’re going to ski. Many people are surprised by how many places allow cross-country skiing. Local land preserves, golf courses, and other recreational areas often welcome skiers when conditions allow, and some even offer groomed trails. A little research ahead of time can help you find a spot that matches your comfort and experience level.
Choosing the Right Gear
Having the appropriate gear can make or break your day on the trail. There are several different types of cross-country ski setups, and the best one for you depends on your goals and where you plan to ski.
A great place to start is understanding the differences between classic skis, skate skis, and backcountry skis.
- Classic skis are the most common starting point for beginners and are ideal for groomed trails, with or without set tracks.
- Skate skis are designed for a faster, more athletic style of skiing on wide, groomed trails.
- Backcountry skis are built for ungroomed terrain and deeper snow, offering more stability and control off-trail.
Many people begin with classic skis because they’re versatile, intuitive, and well-suited for general trail skiing.
Time to Hit the Snow
Once you’ve checked the weather, dressed appropriately, chosen a location, and have the right equipment, it’s time to get out skiing!
If you don’t have any skiing experience, start in a flat, open area where you can get familiar with how the skis move. Groomed snow is ideal, but any area with firm, packed snow (rather than deep, loose powder) will make learning easier.
Click into your skis, grab your poles, and begin experimenting with sliding and balance.
Fundamental Skills to Practice
Before heading out onto trails or into the woods, it’s helpful to get comfortable with a few basic skills:
- Gliding and Balance: Practice shifting your weight from one ski to the other while gliding forward. Start with short steps and gradually let the skis slide longer as you feel more stable.
- Basic Poling: Use your poles to help propel you forward, planting them slightly behind your feet and pushing backward rather than down.
- Stopping: Learn to slow and stop by stepping out of the tracks (if present) and gently angling your skis into a wedge shape, or by simply letting yourself glide to a stop on flat terrain.
- Turning on Flat Terrain: Practice step turns by lifting one ski and stepping in the direction you want to turn. This is a simple and useful skill for navigating trails.
These skills don’t require perfection, just enough familiarity to help you feel confident and in control.
Keep Learning and Keep Gliding
This is just a small sampling of what there is to know about cross-country skiing, but we hope it helps get you outside and gliding on snow this winter. Like many outdoor activities, the best way to learn is by doing—and by learning from experienced instructors.
If you’re interested in learning more, Outdoor Discovery Programs offers a variety of cross-country skiing programs in Freeport, Maine, designed to support beginners and help skiers continue developing their skills. Our experienced instructors provide a supportive learning environment to help you feel comfortable and confident on skis.
We hope to see you out on the trails!
