First Cross-Country Ski Trip

Everything you need to know before your first Cross-Country Ski Trip

Cross-country skiing has grown in popularity ever since Pippa Middleton competed in the Engadin Marathon in 2013. It’s a wonderful, full-body workout in fresh mountain air with superb scenery, but it’s very different from downhill skiing. We talked to cross-country ski coach and British Ski Team athlete Fern Cates about how to learn cross-country skiing.

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Tips for your cross-country ski trip

Skiing Styles

There are two cross-country skiing styles – classic and skating. Classic is easier to learn, but harder to perfect, while skating is harder to learn but easier to master. says Fern. “People often see classic as walking on a set of skis, just shuffling around, but to ski well it’s much harder than you think. Picking up the basics might seem reasonably easy, but mastering the classic techniques can be a lot harder than skating”.

“A lot of people enjoy learning the skating style because it’s like ice-skating and it’s the faster of the two techniques –younger people enjoy getting out there and doing the motion that they enjoy.”

Kit for the trip

Cross-country skiing clothing is more specialist, too, though if you’re just having a go while on a holiday in the Alps, it’s easy to adapt your kit. The main thing, as with downhill skiing, is a good set of base layers rather than one big thick coat.

“You go out in varying temperatures but on a typical cross-country skiing holiday in France you might be skiing in -5C or -10C and you will get surprisingly hot,” says Fern. “Beginners often go out wearing too much kit. Lycra base layers, some light, softshell over-trousers like you might take touring are useful. I like to ski in a gilet because you need to keep your chest and core warm but you do build up quite a sweat using arms going up a hill.”

Fern advises to always ski with a neckwarmer, headband and hat, as well as a cross-country skiing jacket for the downhill sections. “Gloves are essential – downhill ski gloves are too thick so a thick running glove is usually a good option – there are lots of specific cross-country skiing clothing brands around too.” Good sports shops to head to for clothing are Millets, Odlo, Dynafit and Decathlon.

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Discover Club Med

Ski Holidays with Club Med

Experience the ultimate ski holiday with Club Med, where everything is taken care of, so you can focus on the slopes and relaxation. With all-inclusive packages, enjoy ski passes, expert lessons, gourmet dining , and premium accommodations in stunning alpine locations. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Club Med offers something for everyone, making it the perfect choice for families, couples, or solo adventurers.