If youve never been cross-country skiing before, it might seem a bit daunting, but speaking from experience, once you have tried this fantastic sport, you will be hooked and never look back. Here arethree reasonswhy I am now a dedicatedcross country skifanto inspire you. You will wonder what took you so long to try.
Healthy body
The health benefits of cross-country skiing are now well-documented. An excellent cardio-vascular workout in fresh clear mountain air beats a sweat in the gym in my books any day. Depending on the style of skiing you choose, classic or skating, you can adapt your fitness level accordingly but whichever way you choose, you will come back feeling invigorated and full of energy. It is low-impact, gentle on the knees and joints, unlike running for example. It will give you a total body workoutas to propel yourself forwards, cross-country skiers simultaneously employ every major muscle group, which burns a lot of energy. On a par with running in terms of calorie-burning potential, cross-country skiing is a great way to lose weight. In an hour a cross-country skier can potentially burn over double the calories of a downhill skier. Stamina is improved which not only increases your staying-power, but also reduces tiredness, giving you more energy.
Healthy mind
Not only are you exercising your body when cross-country skiing, but it is also a wonderful tonic for the mind. Being out in the snow-covered valleys, following the tracks through woods and along mountain streams, you will leave everything behind and let the natural surroundings soothe your soul. The effects of snow, sun and silence never fail to bring a certain serenity to an otherwise over-busy mind. Whether you go off alone, or with a friend or a group of friends, a cross-country skiing trip always seems to work the same magic and you come back feeling refreshed and positive about life.
Healthy environment
When you set off on cross-country ski tracks, you can be sure you will be part of the natural landscape, and in some areas it is not unusual to see deer disappearing through the trees, red squirrels scampering along branches, birds of prey wheeling overhead, and you pass quietly by, grateful to be part of it all, but without disturbing them. My memories of my first outings are of birdsong echoing through pine forests. The cross-country community is one that attracts people who love the countryside, you wont find any litter left, there is minimum impact on the environment for the upkeep of the tracks, and minimal infrastructure. It is a simple sport which respects the natural beauty of the areas where it takes place.
Cross-country skiing is easy to pick up, and is a great way to spend a day with family and friends. Or if you need some time alone, there is nothing better than a couple of hours of quiet thinking-time gliding through the snow.
