Advantages of cross-country skiing
1. Because it's not difficult to learn. The slopes are much flatter than alpine slopes. It's like strolling while skating, a great advantage if you know how to skate and enjoy it!
Therefore, it is a good way to learn to ski, if you have never done any skiing. And if you are an alpine skier, it will be easy for you (although don't be too confident that you will dominate the first time, it is quite different).
2. If you love snowy forests and nature, but dislike extreme sports or find alpine skiing anxiety-inducing, you'll love this. It's much more relaxed in every way, and you enjoy spectacular natural scenery. You savor the landscape at every moment, peacefully and with incredible views. There's no rush, no running. The skis don't carry you; you carry the skis.
3. Because it's much cheaper . Cross-country skiing is at least half the price of downhill skiing. Both lift passes and equipment rental are significantly cheaper than for downhill skiing.
4. Because the equipment is incredibly comfortable . If you hate boots and all the heavy gear that comes with alpine skiing , cross- country skiing will give you a break. The boots are incredibly comfortable, like a relaxing break, the skis are super lightweight, and the clothing is comfortable and light.
5 Because the infirmaries at cross-country ski resorts are practically empty . There are few accidents in this sport compared to other types of skiing.
6. Because with this type of skiing, you can do it accompanied by your young children (with a ski-pulling sled) and even with your dog (skijoring). More and more slopes allow it (for example, Lles de Cerdanya since last year).
7 Because there are no crowds . Everything is relaxed, nobody overwhelms you. There is silence and you experience nature in an extraordinary way.
8 The previous point entails a unique camaraderie among cross-country skiers, greeting each other on the slopes and helping each other with anything.
9 Because it's a sport that exercises your whole body—legs, arms—and you do it at your own pace, setting your own rhythm. A complete workout, but relaxed if you want, or more intense if that's what you're looking for.
10. Because it's a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone from the youngest to the oldest members of the family . It's not uncommon to see people in their 70s and 80s on cross-country ski trails. However, it's extremely rare on alpine ski trails.
I encourage you to try it and leave your comment here 🙂
Although if you are one of those who loves alpine skiing, for its speed and adrenaline, you will not like so much warning, 😛 you will surely say that it is boring hehehe
But those of you who are more relaxed and calm like me will surely love it and find the advantages of cross-country skiing meaningful. But take it easy on the first day, because like everything, you are not born knowing it! 🙂 A teacher also helps you to start and get the technique.
Great places to try cross-country skiing are these two:
El Capcir, Nordic space for relaxation
If you'd like to try another snow activity like snowshoeing, I encourage you to read this post about how to get started with a simple and really cool route: http://www.kucavana.es/iniciarse-en-las-raquetas-de-nieve/
Today I start my course, I am 60 years old and I have never skied although I do winter mountaineering, so let's go there and see what happens...
Hello Maria! I think you will like it, although patience the first days is difficult but little by little. Tell us how it went on your way back 🙂
Hello Maria! I think you'll like it, although patience the first few days is difficult, but little by little. Tell us how it went on your way back 🙂