For beginners who don't want to overthink things.
Would you like to try cross-country skiing, but the last thing you want is a long and complicated preparation process?
You just want to give it a try and see what happens. You have neither the time nor the desire to study theory, different types of ski wax, ski stiffness or the fundamentals of tribology before you even get started?
I understand. Completely.
So let me ask you just one question:
Are you at a ski resort, or somewhere in the middle of nowhere, far away from civilisation?
The Answer: In the Middle of Nowhere!
If you have chosen a remote corner of the mountains for your first adventure on cross-country skis, you will have to rely primarily on yourself.
Unlike those lucky beginners surrounded by civilisation, you probably won't find a ski rental shop, a service centre or a helpful waxing expert waiting around every corner.
But don't worry. I have a few simple suggestions for you as well.
For your very first attempts, I recommend classic cross-country skiing, avoiding traditional hard kick-wax application, and trying one of these options:
- Skin skis with an integrated grip skin.
- Adhesive kick-wax grip tape.
- Easy-to-apply liquid kick wax.
And one more important piece of advice:
If it's snowing and the temperature is around freezing, perhaps leave your adventure for another day!
Or at least read the rest of these recommendations before making your final decision.
A Simple Rule for Getting Started
Remote mountains mean suitable skis of your own, classic technique, the simplest possible grip solution and, ideally, no fresh snowfall around freezing point.
Why?
1. Your Own Skis: Leave Grandpa's Old Skis in the Attic!
Far away from civilisation, you need skis you can actually rely on.
They don't have to be expensive or designed for racing. But they should suit your weight, abilities and the type of skiing you intend to do.
Those old cross-country skis that have been resting in the attic for twenty years may not be the best choice for your first adventure.
Leave the attic treasures where they are! You might be better off simply going for a walk.
2. Classic Skiing, or the Gentle Art of Shuffling Along
Classic cross-country skiing has one enormous advantage for beginners.
You can practise it in a wonderfully relaxed way, something I like to call the cross-country shuffle.
You move slowly through the countryside without any great sporting ambitions.
On flat terrain, you simply shuffle your feet backwards and forwards.
On gentle or steeper climbs, provided your skis have reliable grip, you can do much the same thing, just shortening your steps as necessary.
And when the hill becomes really steep?
You climb using the herringbone technique, again helped by good grip.
If the grip zone doesn't ice up or collect great lumps of sticky snow, your efforts climbing those smaller or larger hills will be rewarded.
By the delightful feeling of gliding downhill on your skis.
The result?
A lovely day outdoors, new experiences on snow, and perhaps a well-deserved stop for refreshments at a mountain hut.
3. Snowing Around Freezing? Maybe Not Today!
Slightly wet or freshly fallen damp snow, combined with temperatures around freezing, creates some of the most difficult conditions for reliable kick.
It is no coincidence that leading manufacturers offer a whole range of different kick waxes for this relatively narrow temperature range.
Finding the right wax under such unstable and constantly changing conditions can be difficult even for experienced professionals.
Which is why I would advise beginners not to tempt fate.
Unless, of course, you firmly believe in the motto:
"It doesn't matter what kind of experience it is, as long as it's unforgettable!"
Trudging along the side of the ski tracks, or even straight through them, with enormous lumps of frozen snow attached to your skis will certainly be an unforgettable experience.
Possibly so unforgettable that you'll never want to see another pair of cross-country skis again.
4. How to Avoid Traditional Kick Waxing
Fortunately, there are alternatives that can make ski preparation considerably easier for beginners.
The following options are worth considering:
- Skin skis: a practical solution that avoids traditional kick waxing of the grip zone.
- Adhesive grip tape: an alternative for skis with a smooth kick zone.
- Liquid kick waxes: relatively easy-to-apply products, although snow conditions still matter.
Each of these options has advantages and limitations, but for your first attempts they may be far more welcoming than experimenting with an entire collection of traditional kick waxes.
And What About Fishscale Skis?
Here I must admit to a certain personal bias.
I've never been particularly enthusiastic about fishscale skis.
Yes, they can work, and for some recreational skiers they offer a convenient solution.
But in my opinion, they come with a few rather annoying compromises.
Grip isn't always as reliable as I would like, and on descents those scales can make a remarkable amount of noise while slowing you down.
Perhaps I'm being unfair, but in my personal ranking of alternatives to traditional kick waxing, fishscale skis don't finish very high.
Long live skin skis!
One Last Piece of Advice
If you simply want to try cross-country skiing, don't turn it into a scientific project.
Choose suitable skis, use classic technique, find a simple and reliable grip solution, and wait for reasonably friendly snow conditions.
And if you are heading into remote mountains, remember appropriate clothing, navigation, the weather forecast and a safe way home.
Then just get out there.
And if your very first trip doesn't go quite according to plan, at least you'll have a good story to tell.
After all, that's exactly why Skiing with a Smile exists.