5 Reasons You Should Give Nordic Skiing a Chance This Winter
If you think nordic skiing is all about shuffling along at a snail’s pace on wide wooden skis, think again.
If you think, “why would I want to ski up the hills, too?”, the answer is because it makes you badass and makes the downhills that much more fun! And nordic skiers don’t just go uphill. There’s speed and precision involved in nordic skiing, too.
If you disagree, just watch Jessie Diggins’ epic finish to win Olympic gold for the USA in 2018:
There are two types of cross-country or nordic skiing: Classic and skate. Skate is what Diggins is doing in the above video and classic is the more traditional diagonal stride skiing you probably picture when you think of nordic.
Now what was I saying? Oh, right. Nordic skiing is badass! Here are five reasons why you should give it a try this winter.
1. Nordic Skiing is a COVID-Friendly Activity
Nordic skiing is a great activity to do during a pandemic. It’s easy to social distance while doing it, for one. Also, there are no lift lines and no sitting on chair lifts with others. Trails are generally uncrowded, often snaking deep into the woods, so you should have plenty of space and fresh air all to yourself.
2. Nordic Skiing is Great for Your Health
Nordic skiing is one of the best sports you can do for a full-body workout. If you want to improve your cardio fitness level, strength, coordination, and agility, then nordic skiing can help. You will likely work muscles you didn’t even know you had.
Nordic skiing is great for your mental health as well. The mayhem of an alpine lodge or base doesn’t usually exist in the nordic world. Things are much more calm and quiet and your ski can be a great time to check in with yourself, notice how you’re feeling, and let go of any stress you may have.
3. Nordic Skiing is Affordable
Nordic skiing is much more affordable than alpine. You can generally get a nordic season pass for less than the price of a day pass to an alpine resort. What a deal!
If you’re looking for an economical way to get outside and enjoy the winter, then this is it. When you’re ready to invest in your own gear, it’s pretty affordable, too. You can get a full beginner setup for a few hundred dollars that will work just fine while you’re learning the ropes.
4. Nordic Skiing is a Lifetime Sport
Almost anyone can nordic ski. Whether you’re five years old or 85, you can find a level of nordic skiing to suit you. I’ve taught people with knee injuries, bad hips, back pain, and more. Lots of these people were actually using nordic skiing as a low-impact form of recovery and strength. No matter your age or ability level, you can likely find a way to engage with nordic skiing that feels good to you and your body.
Nordic skiing truly is a lifetime sport that the whole family can go out and enjoy. You can pick it up at any time in life and at any level. Whether you want to participate in skate races at a high level or just strap on the classic skis and go enjoy the snow, you can find a home with nordic skiing.
5. Nordic Skiing is Fun
I saved the most important reason for last - nordic skiing is just plain fun! What could be better than getting outside to enjoy the lovely winter scenery, release endorphins, learn a new skill, and then enjoy a hot cocoa back at the lodge?
So, if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors during a pandemic winter - give nordic skiing a chance!
What’s your favorite place to nordic ski? Leave a note in the comments!