Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing
Cross country skiing is both a popular fitness activity and adventure sport, which involves traversing along prepared tracks and through natural terrain, using equipment including skis, boots and poles. Enjoyed as either a pleasant and leisurely pastime, or a strenuous and challenging endurance sport, which now features in major competitions such as the Olympics and World Cup, cross country skiing can be enjoyed in resorts throughout Europe, as well as all over Canada and North America. Originating in Scandinavia, cross country skiing historically developed as a necessary mode of transport, and today, along with ski jumping, Nordic combined, biathlon and telemark, makes up the Nordic sport family.

The sport of cross country skiing - One of the best ways to keep fit
Using every major muscle group, cross country skiing is considered one of the best aerobic fitness sports around, and is known to burn an extremely high amount of calories in an hour. The main difference between downhill skiing and cross country skiing is the way that the foot is attached to the ski - in downhill skiing the whole foot remains connected to the length of the ski, limiting movement to just going downhill, whereas in cross country skiing the heel is left free, resulting in the ability to climb and traverse, as well as descend. Divided into two styles, cross country skiing is performed in one of two ways, either classic (traditional), or freestyle (skate skiing). Classic cross country skiing involves following two grooved channels that are cut into the snow, with skiers moving forward in a straight ahead gliding motion, whereas freestyle skiers move on a packed trail using a technique much like ice skating, with angled skis.    

Cross country skiing - Hit the trails and discover the beauty of the outdoors
Nordic enthusiasts choose cross country skiing as much a way of keeping fit, as discovering the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors, and the challenge and thrill of backcountry skiing. Many ski resorts are home to hundreds of kilometers of trails, with cross country skiing a great sport to be enjoyed by everyone, whatever age, ability and level. As with downhill skiing, proper equipment for cross country skiing is essential, as is knowledge of trail navigation, etiquette, and safety.