5 reasons to consider cross country touring

Breathtaking views, clean air, and the sounds and smells of nature. Cross-country skiing is one of the most meditative and stress-relieving activities you can engage in. Once you try it, you'll be hooked for life!

The essentials

For cross-country touring, you’ll need a set of skis that are slightly wider than standard cross-country skis. This is because you’ll encounter deep powder when you venture off the groomed trails.

Let’s begin with the most obvious and significant reason to consider this sport:

1. Enjoy nature in a new way

Experiencing the world on a pair of skis is different from hiking. By choosing cross-country touring, you can still enjoy the unique silence of the wilderness while also experiencing the spiritual joy of gliding through a winter landscape, leaving only ski tracks behind.

The main difference from hiking is that you can cover vast distances much faster than you would on foot.

The skis under your boots also allow you to access areas that would be impossible to reach with regular hiking boots. In other words, you will achieve the ultimate sensation of being one with nature.

2. Achieving a new skillset

If you hike, run, or skate, you’re likely in good shape, which is advantageous when exploring cross-country touring.

Learning new things is always enjoyable, and if you’ve never skied before, learning will be necessary.

Once you master it, cross-country skiing becomes a highly efficient and enjoyable way to appreciate nature’s beauty.

3. Superb workout

It’s no surprise that cross-country touring is an excellent workout. Your entire body gets a workout since you use it fully to move forward.

Despite this, cross-country skiing is very gentle on joints and bones because the movements are much softer compared to, for example, running.

4. Increase of balance and visual acuity

Skiing enhances your visual acuity, which is your ability to detect terrain changes in both bright and low light conditions.

The weight shift in the diagonal stride while gliding on snow improves your balance, which is crucial in all sports and also helps prevent falls as we age.

5. A great way to spend time as a family

If a child can walk, they can essentially learn to ski. Just put on the skis, and they will start practicing immediately.

Children are quick learners, and it won’t be long before your kids are ready for cabin-to-cabin skiing and exploring the magnificent wonders of nature.

No snow - Don’t worry

If you enjoy hiking in areas with little or no snow, another option is Nordic skating.

On Nordic skates, you use poles for momentum and stability. The technique is very similar to cross-country skiing, making it perfect for skiers who want to train out of season.