Beginner’s Guide to Cross-Country Skiing

Photo of people cross-country skiing at Tahoe Donner XC. Photo of people cross-country skiing at Tahoe Donner XC.
Skiiers at Tahoe Donner XC. Photo: Katey Hamil

Beginner Tips for Cross-Country Skiing at Tahoe Donner XC

If you’re looking for something new to try this season, cross country skiing is the ideal winter sport. It has a moderate learning curve to get started, a wide range of health benefits and is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh mountain air and natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Discover your next winter passion with this beginner’s guide to the wonderful world of cross country skiing.

What is the Difference Between Cross County and Downhill Skiing?

Cross-country skiing is different from downhill skiing in several ways. While downhill skiing involves fast descents on steep slopes, cross-country skiing is typically done on flatter terrain, where the skier uses a gliding, striding motion to propel themselves forward. Cross-country skiing is often more about endurance and exploration, while downhill skiing is about speed and maneuverability.

Close up photo of someone clipping the toe of their boot in a XC ski binding.

How does the gear differ?

Cross-country skis are lighter, narrower, and longer than downhill skis, and the boots are more comfortable and clip in at the toes only — allowing the heels to move freely.  These differences in equipment are necessary for the mechanics of cross country skiing, which allow skiers to stride or glide with maximum efficiency. This striding or gliding motion propels skiers forward, as opposed to gravity and the pitch of the downhill slope.

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Additionally the longer length of the poles allow skiers to push off the snow to gain momentum and maintain balance, while poles in downhill skiing are used primarily for stabilization in turning. Even the grips and straps are different, ensuring the poles don’t slip out of your hands while you are pushing off the snow.

A group of three people skiing at Tahoe Donner XC.

What’s the Difference Between Classic and Skate Skiing?

There are two main types of cross-country skiing: classic and skate. Classic skiing follows a set of parallel tracks, while skate skiing requires a more dynamic, gliding motion on wider, groomed trails. Both are fun and provide a great workout, but skate skiing is a bit faster and more athletic. If you’re just starting, classic skiing might be the better option to ease into the sport.

A photo of two people enjoying a day cross country skiing.

What Terrain is Right for Me?

Cross country skiing is typically done on terrain with gradual inclines and declines or undulating hills, while alpine skiing takes place on downhill slopes with steeper pitches. However, the ideal terrain for classic or skate skiing ultimately depends on a skier’s skills, fitness levels and objectives.

Close up photo showing the boot of a cross country skier up and lifted as they are skiing.

What Equipment Do I Need?

For cross-country skiing, you’ll need skis, poles, boots, and bindings. It’s essential to make sure your skis are the right size, as improperly sized skis can make skiing more difficult. Classic skis are usually longer and narrower, while skate skis are shorter and stiffer. Boots should fit snugly, and poles should be just about the same height as your armpits when standing upright. All of these pieces of equipment can be rented at most resorts, but having your own gear allows for a more customized experience.

How Do I Get Started?

Tahoe Donner’s Cross Country Ski Center (TDXC) is a world-renowned XC facility located just a few miles from Highway 80 in Truckee. Open daily from 8:30AM-5PM, TDXC offers over 60 miles of expertly groomed trails, stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, a fully-equipped rental shop, retail store, cafe-style dining, a cozy indoor fireplace and outdoor patio with fire pits and meadow views. All trails at TDXC are accessible only from the Alder Creek Adventure Center with a season pass or day pass. All season passes, day passes, equipment rentals, and lessons can be purchased ahead of time on Tahoe Donner’s online store, ShopTD (shop.tahoedonner.com). Online reservations ensure the availability of your preferred ski days during peak weekend and holiday periods and save time and energy once you arrive.

Should I take a lesson?

Even if you are experienced in other winter sports like alpine skiing or ice skating, anyone new to cross country skiing can benefit from a lesson, as there is often an adjustment period or moderate learning curve to the different equipment, mechanics and movements.

“Although cross country skiing can look effortless, there are nuances to that perfect glide,” says Ski School Director Andrea Brideau-Miller. “An hour spent with a professional instructor at TDXC can help you develop the fundamental skills for a lifetime of fun.”

Brideau-Miller brings over 20 years of experience in teaching cross-country skiing and leads a team of skilled instructors, all certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Explore the full roster of instructors online at tahoedonner.com/xc. TDXC’s ski school offers both group and private lessons for adults and children as young as 5, catering to beginners as well as experienced skiers looking to refine their technique. Reserve your lesson in advance online through ShopTD.

Photo of a large reg groomer getting the trails ready at Tahoe Donner XC.

State-of-the-Art

Grooming Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center is home to some of the finest terrain in the Sierra Nevada. Trails are groomed daily for classic and skate skiing with specialized grooming machines. “Our grooming equipment operators are cross country skiers too. We all strive to make the conditions as good as possible for everyone,” says one of the lead groomers, Per Hurtig. “We take pride in our work, love the beauty of the area and the challenge of grooming the snow each night to make it ‘just right’ for every level of skier.”

Color-Coded Difficulty Rating on Trails

Similar to Alpine skiing, trails are color-coded with green circles for beginner terrain, blue squares for intermediate terrain and black diamonds for expert terrain. Four warming huts are also stationed throughout the trial system, offering a place to rest and catch your breath. Trail highlights include:

  • Lions Leap 1.6km | 1 mile loop starting and ending at Moondance Hut Newer skiers and veterans alike will enjoy this gradual ski up to the scenic Carpenter Valley overlook, followed by a fun return to Moondance Hut through the forest.
  • Sundance 1.6km | 1.0 mile climb from Moondance Hut to Sundance Hut This stunner takes you from Moondance Hut, up 300 feet of elevation on Sundance, to the Sundance Hut. As you climb, be sure to catch glimpses of the beautiful Euer Valley below – and make sure you’re comfortable coming back down the hill before you get too far!
  • I’m OK Euer OK 5.8km | 3.6 mile descent This one-of-a-kind experts-only trail descends 1,200 feet from Hawk’s Peak to Euer Valley. This trail combines steep downhills and tight turns for an exhilarating run.

NOTE: All skiers are advised to adhere to trails suited to their abilities. Though the terrain is less extreme than in Alpine skiing, both skate and classic skiing come with an inherent risk of injury.

Snowmaking + Nordic Pulse Grooming Reports

TDXC is one of the first XC resorts in the area to implement snowmaking capabilities, allowing for a more consistent, extended ski season or an earlier opening date. Daily grooming reports and downloadable trail maps are available online. Skiers can also download the Nordic Pulse app for additional grooming reports, topographical information and more!

Learn more in the full article at Tahoe Donner XC.

 

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  1. Great article. Nordic skiing is so fun and so different than downhill skiing. I live in Tahoe but have never been to Donner cross country center. It’s sounds so fun.

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