Cross-country skiing

Often overshadowed by alpine skiing and sometimes saddled with a slightly old-fashioned image, cross-country skiing is in fact a discipline far more athletically demanding than it looks. Let’s dust off this complete sport. Time to hit the tracks!

Cross-country skiing: an ancestral sport

Cross-country skiing has existed for a very long time and was originally invented and used as a means of transport in the Scandinavian countries. It even helped open up far-off lands such as Greenland. Today, whether recreational or competitive, the practice lets you enjoy a real workout while taking in often privileged scenery — much like the other forms of Nordic skiing, including ski touring.

What gear do you need for cross-country skiing?

Cross-country skis are narrow and fairly light, with no edges, unlike alpine skis. They are fitted only with small bindings at the front, into which you slip the tab found at the front of your boot.

When you’re used to alpine skiing — and so to feeling firmly anchored to your skis — this new feeling of having a free heel is rather unsettling. Watch out for face-plants, especially on the descents where the sensations are amplified by this precarious, destabilising balance.

Once kitted out, hit the tracks!

Two disciplines make up cross-country skiing:

• The classic or alternating step. This is the one taken up by beginners as it closely resembles natural walking, where you move the arm opposite to the leg. The skis sit in tracks pre-set by a machine, and they feature small fish scales to grip on the climbs.
• The skating step looks like the gliding stride of a duck and is more for keen amateurs. It is performed with smooth skis that are slightly shorter than the previous ones.

Cross-country skiing opens up the lungs…

Whichever discipline you go for, cross-country skiing is a full-body sport that engages every part of you. The arms and core work hard, supported by a pair of poles, to drive you forward — particularly on the climbs. One of the keys to being a good cross-country skier is to manage your breath and endurance, as the discipline calls for considerable lung capacity, much like cycling or rowing. So don’t forget to breathe out — or beware the side stitch!

Where to practise cross-country skiing

Vast plateaus deep in the valley or up at altitude — cross-country skiing sites are often strikingly beautiful. In the Tarentaise, the most emblematic sites are without doubt Pont Baudin in Peisey and Champagny le Haut, both gateways to the Vanoise Park, each offering pristine nature in its purest form. They let you brush past forests, small streams, alpine cottages, vast expanses and even glaciers, delighting the contemplative soul in each of us. Far from the bustle of the lifts and from the alpine pistes — where speed rules and the crowds can be dense — it’s the silence and the calm that strike you when you arrive in these Nordic areas, ready to clip in. Your relationship to the mountains, to nature, is somewhat altered. So to help you handle the effort and lift your spirits, don’t forget to look up and take in your surroundings.

Inspired by the experience? Treat yourself to our all-inclusive winter chalet stays.

Discovering and practising cross-country skiing is possible with Pointe de Sel. Our all-inclusive, bespoke stays let you enjoy this restorative sport during a stay in one of the finest chalets in Savoie. 

Pointe de Sel arranges your mountain stay to your wishes, with private premium chalet accommodation, in-chalet dining and pre-booked activities. Travel with peace of mind — we take care of everything.

The benefits of an all-inclusive luxury chalet stay

An all-inclusive luxury chalet stay in Savoie is an excellent choice for those looking to live a dream holiday — combining the discovery of winter sports such as cross-country skiing with exceptional amenities, an ideal location and the flexibility of a bespoke service.

Pointe de Sel’s mission is to give you unforgettable holidays. Get in touch to find the perfect chalet stay for your family holidays in Savoie.