Health benefits to cross-country skiing

A traditional mode of transport in Northern Europe, cross-country skiing has been around for years and in a world of high speeds and 1080 spins, it’s often labelled a ‘niche’ hobby.

Perfectly groomed cross-country trails under the Northern Lights in Geilo, Norway

The advantages to cross-country skiing are plenty; not only can it be learned pretty quickly, but it’s also a great workout. Plus, unlike its downhill counterpart where skiers are often restrained to queues, cold lifts, busy slopes and over-full cafes, cross-country skiers glide silently past.

Health benefits

• Low-impact: With very little lifting of your feet, there are no shocks for the joints here. While the benefits of other cardiovascular exercises like running are undeniable, cross-country skiing is a clear winner where the long-term health of your knees is concerned.

• Total body workout: In cross-country skiing, the skier must use both the arms and legs to propel themselves forward. Cross-country skiing uses the whole body, activating more muscles, burning more calories.

• Burns calories: See above: cross-country skiing is on par with running in terms of calorie-burning potential. In an hour a cross-country skier can potentially burn over double the calories of a downhill skier.

• Great for your heart and lungs: Cross-country skiing is an excellent form of aerobic exercise, helping dramatically reduce your risk of heart and lung related illness and increase your overall physical health.

• Increased endurance: Training in this slower, more stable way builds strength in the supporting muscles you use in everyday life, as well as those crucial to downhill skiing. In short, it will help you get stronger and go for longer.