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Practical tips
A complete sport with multiple benefits
Practiced for over 3,000 to 5,000 years in the Scandinavian countries, cross-country skiing is one of the world’s oldest winter sports. Far more than an iconic cold-season activity, it is a true source of well-being and vitality.
Like hiking, it engages all the body’s major muscle groups while allowing you to fully enjoy nature. Its unique gliding sensation stimulates the release of feel-good hormones — dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins — creating a deep sense of pleasure and balance.
Physically, cross-country skiing enhances breathing capacity, strengthens cardiovascular health, and builds endurance. It even surpasses running, cycling, and swimming in terms of aerobic benefits.
Skiing techniques
The Classic Technique
The classic technique is performed on trails with two closely spaced parallel tracks. The skis glide one after the other within these grooves, much like rails guiding the motion.
Propulsion comes from the grip zone located under the foot, which varies depending on the type of ski — wax, fish scales, or synthetic skin. During weight transfer, this grip zone catches the snow, allowing the skier to move forward efficiently.
This technique is ideal for beginners, as it helps develop balance, control in braking, and the ability to navigate turnsbefore progressing to skate skiing.
The Skate Technique
Also known as skate skiing, the skate technique is practiced on wide, well-packed trails about two meters across. This style requires a side-to-side skating motion, demanding amplitude and effective weight transfer.
Unlike the classic technique, no grip wax is used — only glide wax is applied along the entire ski to ensure smooth motion between each push.
This technique offers a unique sensation of speed and freedom, combining endurance, power, and the joy of gliding— an experience that is both athletic and exhilarating.
Classic skiing equipment
Skis
The camber of a ski is a key element, as it directly affects both the grip zone and the glide.
The length of the skis depends primarily on your weight.
A ski that is too stiff will prevent the grip zone from adhering properly to the snow, reducing propulsion.
Conversely, a ski that is too soft will cause the grip zone to stick too long, hindering glide efficiency.
Boots
Comfort is the top priority.
Classic ski boots generally have a height similar to hiking boots. When purchasing, prioritize a snug yet comfortable fitand good foot support to avoid friction and ensure stability.
Poles
Pole length should be approximately 83% of your height — in other words, the top of the poles should reach your armpits.
Properly sized poles ensure efficient propulsion and maintain a good posture while skiing.
Waxable vs. Waxless Skis
Waxable skis: Designed for more experienced skiers, these require a good understanding of grip wax application to adapt performance to temperature and snow conditions.
Waxless skis: Divided into two main categories:
Fish-scale skis: More affordable and require very little maintenance. Applying a glide wax a few times per season is sufficient. They offer decent grip and glide — a simple and reliable option.
Skin skis: Require only minimal maintenance (occasional cleaning and water-repellent treatment). They provide better grip and glide than fish-scale skis, making them a worthwhile investment for skiers seeking greater performance.
Skate skiing equipment
Skis
Skate skis are generally shorter than classic skis. They are easily recognizable by their less curved front tip, making them stiffer and more aerodynamic. This design enhances speed, stability, and efficiency during the lateral skating motion.
Boots
In skate skiing, boots are stiffer and higher, covering the ankle to provide better lateral support and power transfer. It’s important to choose a snug fit — boots that are too large can cause a loss of power and precision with each stride.
Poles
Poles used for skate skiing are longer than those for classic technique. Their length should be about 89% of the skier’s height, typically reaching between the chin and the nose. This length allows for efficient propulsion while maintaining a strong and balanced posture.
Waxing
A glide wax should be applied before every outing, adjusted to match the snow temperature and conditions. Regular waxing enhances performance, protects the ski base, and prolongs its lifespan.
Since skate skis do not have a grip zone, the same glide wax is applied along the entire length of the ski.
Waxing
If waxing isn’t your thing, fish-scale or skin skis are perfect for hassle-free skiing — no waxing required. Don’t hesitate to mention this to your retailer, who can help you choose the models best suited to your needs.
If you prefer waxable skis, this step-by-step video tutorial will guide you through the classic preparation process, using both glide wax and grip wax, applied with a waxing iron.
A simpler alternative now exists: cold application glide wax, which is quick and requires no special equipment.
For skate skiing, only glide wax is used, applied along the entire length of the ski base.
Since the 2023–2024 season, the use of fluorinated waxes has been banned in competition by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and Nordiq Canada. This measure aims to protect the environment and athletes’ health, while also reducing performance gaps and simplifying ski preparation.
How to dress for cross-country skiing
It is essential to wear the right clothes to ensure your comfort and optimize your performance during your cross-country ski outings. Here are the two key elements to consider:
- The intensity of the activity: If you are practicing intensely, wear breathable clothing to avoid overheating. For outings in cold weather, add a warmer layer, such as a lined jacket.
- Outdoor temperature: Adapt your outfit to the weather conditions. In very cold weather, opt for a warmer cross-country ski jacket, long tights or mid-layers. In mild weather, choose light, breathable clothing to avoid heat build-up.
Follow the three-layer system to effectively adjust your outfit, with one or two layers for the top and one layer for the bottom.
Useful documentation and links
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