Take the Not-So-Scary Plunge

By Alex Kochon

The holidays have come and gone, and you’re left with this raw feeling of starting anew in 2022 – maybe even those brand-new skis that were left under your tree are beckoning to you. 

At the same time, you’re intimidated. You really want to learn to ski, but where do you start and how are you going to experience the least amount of pain or embarrassment? First off, as a lifelong skier, I can tell you that skiing is all about having fun. That’s what hooks us, gets us through the winters, and makes us addicted to snow. 

Like any new sport or hobby, there’s going to be a learning curve, but the beauty of cross-country skiing is that it’s one of the easier winter sports to pick up. Also, when you fall or simply lose your balance and topple to one side, it’s usually at a snail pace and isn’t going to hurt. As long as you laugh it off and get back up, you’ll be fine and get the hang of it in no time.

Last month, we shared some tips on what and where to buy cross-country skiing (a.k.a. Nordic) equipment. We also shared local pointers for those interested in backcountry ski touring. For beginner skiers wanting to learn how to shuffle on mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, taking a lesson at a Nordic center is key (reserve by calling ahead). There, you can also rent gear (advance online reservations encouraged, sometimes discounted) if you’re not committed to buying or just want to try something new.

“The best way to ensure a successful first time on skis is to take a lesson from a professional, learn the basic skills and understand your equipment and how to use it,” explained Garnet Hill Outdoor Center manager, Michele Pearsall.

For anyone who just wants to get out there and wing it, here are a few very basic tips to keep in mind: 

Know your equipment – Do your skis have metal edges and a width greater than 65mm at the tips/widest points? If so, chances are you have a backcountry touring setup, which is designed for ungroomed, off-trail skiing. While more stable than traditional skinny skis, this setup is going to be heavier and cumbersome for groomed skiing. There’s also a good chance your backcountry skis won’t fit in groomed classic tracks. You can ski out of the tracks in the middle of the trail (where the skate skiers roam), but it’s going to be slower and less efficient. (Also, watch for fast-approaching skate skiers from ahead and behind!)  

Start with waxless classic skis – This is what most ski shops will set you up on if you’re renting for the first time. The bottom of the skis will have a fishscale pattern in the kick zone, below the foot and binding plate, or mohair skins for grip in this area. You need grip to help you move forward as you start by walking on the skis – and progress to an elongated running/gliding motion. The grip also helps on the hills. Skate skis, which are for more advanced skiers as they require more technique and cardiovascular fitness, do not have a kick zone as the entire base is glide waxed (the motion is a lot like ice skating or rollerblading, but the timing with each step and pole plant can be a bit tricky for beginners; lessons are strongly encouraged). Classic skiing is slower; skating is faster.

Dress like you’re going for a jog, even if you don’t run – While layers are encouraged, you’re going to want to underdress. Even at a slow pace, you’re going to work up a sweat while learning how to cross-country ski. Start with a baselayer (sweat-wicking, next-to-skin layer, like long underwear) and cover with a midlayer (thicker shirt, usually with a front zipper for ventilating as needed). Top it off with a lightweight jacket – like a lightly insulated windbreaker, not a heavy downhill-skiing or down-insulated jacket. On the bottom, Nordic-specific training pants or tights are ideal, but anything lightweight, water/wind repelling, and stretchy will work. You need clothes that allow you to move freely. Do not wear heavy snow-pants, which are too thick and hot. You don’t need a helmet or goggles; stick with a lightweight hat or headband and sunglasses if it’s sunny, windy, or really cold (to protect your eyes).

Master the snowplow, herringbone, and getting up – Before losing sight of the lodge at the Nordic center (and risking a ski-patrol rescue because you have no idea what you’re doing or how to get back), learn how to slow down and stop (snowplow), get up a steeper hill (herringbone), and stand back up after falling on the ground. If you’re terrified or totally confused by any one of these things, take a lesson. Otherwise, practice in your own backyard until you feel confident enough to go on the trails.

Groomed tracks are your friend – Step into those classic tracks that are designed to keep your skis pointing straight ahead, and start moving. Push one foot forward, and allow the other to float freely behind (ultimately, you should be standing on one leg at a time). The tail of the back ski will come up off the ground, and then you’ll switch, sending that ski forward and the other back. Your arms and poles should move opposite of your legs for balance: if your right leg is forward, left arm comes up and the pole tip plants at a diagonal angle in line with or behind the opposite ankle. Planting the pole too far forward can make you stop. The idea is to propel yourself forward by fully transferring your weight to one leg at a time. Beginners will start with a shuffle, keeping their weight centered, but should aim toward lengthening their glide and balancing on each leg as they gain confidence.

Enjoy the beauty of it – Cross-country skiing is an inherently healthy, solitary, and nature-centered sport. It is not a gravity sport that comes with lift lines and fear of others crashing into you. Your strength, fitness, and technical ability dictates your speed; just stay within your comfort zone and on appropriate green or blue trails for beginner or intermediate skiers. Pack a trail map in your pocket, give yourself ample time to go explore, and soak up the quiet wilderness as you meander along. If you fall, it’s OK. We all do.

Where to go – If you want a full-service Nordic experience – complete with lodge amenities, rentals, daily grooming, and more – buy a day or season pass at Lapland Lake XC Ski & Snowshoe Center in Northville, Garnet Hill Lodge & Outdoor Center in North River or Mt. Van Hoevenberg Nordic Center in Lake Placid. Tickets are available online, and online or phone reservations are encouraged for rentals and lessons. Other local XC venues include Pineridge Cross-Country Ski Area in East Poestenkill, Gore Mountain Nordic Center at the North Creek Ski Bowl), Dewey Mountain Recreation Center in Saranac Lake, and McCauley Mountain Ski Area in Old Forge.

There are also numerous town and state parks that offer free groomed cross-country skiing (no trail pass required): Brookhaven Winter Park (Greenfield), Cole’s Woods (Glens Falls/Queensbury), Garnsey Park (Clifton Park), Capital Hills Golf Course (Albany), Fern Park, Inlet Golf Course, Limekiln State Campground (Inlet), Tupper Lake Country Club, Big Tupper (Tupper Lake), BREIA Trails (Boonville).

Some of these venues also host various free or low-cost, learn-to-ski programs, including the Bill Koch Youth Ski League (BKYSL). Weather dependent, they’re offered at Cole’s Woods (youth and adult programs on Wednesday nights, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, contact billkochskileague@gmail.com); Garnsey Park (Shenendehowa Nordic BKYSL, Tuesday nights, shennordic.org); Dewey Mountain (youth program, Tuesday/Thursday nights, Jan. 4-early March); McCauley Mountain (Polar Bear Nordic BKYSL, ages 13 and under, contact neen54@gmail.com); and Brookhaven (youth program for ages 5-14, Tuesday nights, mid-December to March, sold out but seasonal adult equipment rentals available, call Greenfield Recreation Director Rebecca Sewell 518-428-2267).

Once you get more comfortable with the sport, try some fun community races that welcome all skill levels: Tuesday Ski Races (6th Grade-Under, Freestyle, 5:15pm & MS/HS/Adult, Classic, 6:15pm, under the lights) in Jan./Feb. at Dewey Mountain; Wednesday Citizen Ski & Snowshoe Races (6pm, under the lights) from Jan. 12-Feb. 16 at Gore Mountain; Thursday Winter Races: Ski (Skate/Classic) & Snowshoe (free, 6pm, under the lights) on Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10 at Cole’s Woods. On the weekends, see the Winona Forest Tri-It (Classic/Skate) Races on Jan. 22 in Mannsville and Swix Lake Placid Loppet & Nordic Fest on March 5. To get you hyped, cheer for Jessie Diggins and the U.S. cross-country ski team at the Olympic Games.

Alex Kochon (alexkochon@gmail.com) of Gansevoort is a freelance writer, editor, and outdoor-loving mom of two who enjoys adventuring in the Adirondacks.