Cross-Country Skiing for Hikers
If you love hiking but dread spending winter indoors, cross-country skiing opens up a new world. Your hiking fitness, navigation skills, and outdoor clothing already give you a head start.
Types of Cross-Country Skiing
Classic (Track Skiing)
Skis glide forward in parallel tracks set by a grooming machine. The easiest style to learn.
- Linear kick-and-glide motion
- Groomed trails at nordic centers
- Equipment is lighter and narrower
Skate Skiing
A side-to-side skating motion on wide, groomed trails. More athletic and faster.
- Steeper learning curve
- Requires specific skate skis and boots
- Better aerobic workout
Backcountry / Nordic Touring
Skiing off-trail or on ungroomed paths through wilderness. Closest to hiking.
- Wider skis with metal edges for control
- Climbing skins for uphills
- Free-heel bindings compatible with hiking-style boots
- Navigate with map and compass just like summer
Gear for Getting Started
Renting vs. Buying
Rent for your first 3–5 outings. Most nordic centers offer classic packages for $20–35/day. Once you are committed, buy used equipment — the market is strong.
Classic Ski Package
- Skis: Sized to your height (roughly your height + 20 cm)
- Boots: Comfortable, warm, compatible with binding system (NNN or SNS)
- Bindings: Match boot system
- Poles: Sized to your armpit height
Budget for a new classic package: $250–500 Budget for used: $100–200
Backcountry Package
- Skis: Fischer S-Bound, Rossignol BC series, or Madshus Epoch
- Boots: Insulated, above-ankle, compatible with BC bindings
- Poles: Adjustable length, larger baskets for deep snow
- Climbing skins: Attach to ski bases for uphill traction
Recommended products to consider:
- Lezyne GPS Out Front Mount ($14, 149 g)
- Wahoo Fitness Elemnt ACE GPS Bike Computer ($625, 207 g)
- Garmin Edge 1040 GPS Bike Computer ($600, 125 g)
- Garmin Edge 1040 Solar GPS Bike Computer ($700, 133 g)
- Brunton TruArc 5 Compass ($45, 51 g)
- Brunton TruArc 10 Compass ($56, 48 g)
- MILLET Prolighter 30+10 Backpack ($170, 998 g)
- MILLET Prolighter 38+10 Backpack ($200, 1.1 kg)
Clothing
Your hiking layering system works perfectly with one modification: expect to sweat more. Cross-country skiing is one of the highest-output aerobic activities.
- Base layer: Lightweight synthetic or thin merino (not midweight)
- Mid layer: Lightweight fleece or softshell. Skip the puffy — you will overheat
- Shell: Wind-resistant, breathable. Save waterproof for wet days
- Legs: Thin softshell pants or tights. Full winter pants are too warm
- Hands: Thin gloves while moving, warm mittens for breaks
- Head: Thin beanie or headband
Critical rule: Start cold. If you are comfortable standing still, you are overdressed. Within 5 minutes of skiing, you will be warm.
Technique Basics
Classic Kick and Glide
- Stand with weight on one ski
- Push off (kick) with that foot
- Glide forward on the other ski
- Transfer weight and repeat
- Arms swing naturally, planting poles for additional propulsion
Going Uphill
- Herringbone: Point ski tips outward in a V shape, step up one foot at a time
- Side step: Turn perpendicular to the slope and step sideways up
Going Downhill
- Snowplow: Point ski tips together, heels apart, press edges to slow down
- Step turn: Step one ski in the desired direction, bring the other to match
- Weight back: Shift weight slightly behind center for stability
Where to Go
Nordic Centers (Best for Beginners)
Groomed trails, rental gear, instruction, and warming huts. Search for centers at skinnyski.com or cross-country ski association websites.
National Forest and State Park Trails
Many summer hiking trails are skiable in winter. Check with local ranger stations for recommendations and snowpack conditions.
Your Favorite Hiking Trails
Any relatively flat trail with adequate snow cover works. Avoid steep terrain until you are confident with downhill control.