Discover cross-country skiing

The origins of cross-country skiing

Born in the Nordic countries in ancient times, cross-country skiing is the oldest ski discipline. Competition saw a sport that started out as a way of getting around become a fun sports discipline and an Olympic event for the first time at the Chamonix Olympics of 1924. It experienced a revolution with the growth of the freestyle practice (skating) and the evolution of the equipment to become a very popular activity from the end of the 19th century.


The practice
Cross-country skiing is practised on groomed trails specifically designed for this practice, and also off-piste on terrain of varying hilliness. As in downhill skiing, the difficulty of the slopes is distinguished by a colour rating, from green, the easiest, to black, the most difficult, through blue and red.
Cross-country skiing is practised according to several techniques which present themselves as disciplines: on piste, we can spot classic cross-country skiing, practised using the diagonal stride technique, and skating, which looks like a skater's motion. Off the pistes, we can spot Nordic cruising which consists of walking off the pistes while remaining close to them, and back country, which allows you to get further away and for longer, similar to ski touring.
In ski resorts nowadays you'll find play spaces where you can easily get started, spaces suitable for toddlers, and cross-country ski instructors who will support you as you first start out or as you progress. France has some of the most beautiful Nordic ski areas where it is possible to practise cross-country skiing in all its forms.

Cross-country skiing is an activity that allows great freedom: no lifts, equipment that enhances freedom of movement. You can practise it wherever you want, provided you have snow and the right equipment and you respect the safety rules.

On the slopes, on the other hand, everyone has their own space which must be respected by everyone: tracks for classic skiing on the right, the groomed part for skating on the left. And just like on the road, the pistes are laid out to follow one direction and you can't go in the wrong direction!

Some courtesy is also required: when a fast skier comes up behind, move aside to let them pass. Conversely, if you want to overtake someone and the piste is narrow or the skier is working hard to ascend, show patience before overtaking and take the opportunity to admire the landscape.

Cross-country skiing offers great freedom in unique spaces, combining nature, the great outdoors and intense physical effort.

Practised in the heart of the countryside, in often unspoilt landscapes, cross-country skiing can provide an opportunity to disconnect and rejuvenate yourself as you breathe in the pure mountain air, free of urban pollution.

It is an all-round sport, which requires the whole body, whatever the level. It is therefore excellent for maintaining or improving your fitness. If you're someone who feels the cold, you'll find you quickly warm up when you're cross-country skiing!

The practice of cross-country skiing also requires a lot of balance, and it works your proprioception, that is to say the capacity of the body to properly position itself in a natural way. This concept is important for improving posture, effectiveness and preventing injuries.

Cross-country skiing is a sport accessible to all, suitable for all ages from 4 up and all fitness levels.

Although the basics are easily acquired, especially in classic cross-country skiing, we advise you to have some lessons to master the movement and get even more enjoyment from it. Once you have learned the basics, you will be able to practise freely.

The different techniques and modes of practice correspond to different profiles.


WALKING MODE

Do you want to relax in the countryside, practising a sport similar to walking, which allows for different levels of effort? Walking mode, which is practised in classic cross-country skiing, is suitable for beginners and relaxed skiers, because of its gentle side and being accessible to all. In these conditions cross-country skiing is the ideal sport to practise with family, friends or simply at one with yourself.

SPORTS MODE

Do you want to push yourself and seek the excitement of gliding and speed? Already a practising sportsman or looking to gradually increase your fitness, a more technical mode of cross-country skiing is the one for you. It works the cardiovascular system, muscles, psychomotricity and coordination. You can opt for classic cross-country skiing or skating, after a few lessons to work on your technique as mush as you need.

The choice of equipment will depend on whether you practise classic or skate cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing equipment is lightweight and comfortable! Long, narrow and light, the skis are only fixed to the front of the foot and differ according to the practice.