I have never tried cross country skiing. Is it necessary to take lessons or just try it by myself?

Question

Also suggestions on what kind of clothes i should wear.

Answer 1

I never took lessons...just basically taught myself, but here are some easy looking instructions for you!  http://www.dianesabba.com/cross-country-...

Wear loose layered clothing, cotton or wool.  You'll want to be able to take off some layers because you'll definitely work up a sweat!  (Or have clothes on that will wick the moisture away from your skin.)  Cross-country is a lot more work than downhill!  LOL!

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

take a lesson. clothes, avoid cotten I mostly wear light weight long underwear and a wool sweather with a light wind shirt on top. you get very hot and sweatey drink lots of water

Answer 3

I never took lessons until 2 years ago (after xc skiing for 20 years).  You don't need lessons, but it's a good idea so that you have good technique.  I had picked up some bad habits through the years, but it's not necessary.  As the old saying goes...if you can walk you can cross-country ski.  There are several books that describe technique, turning, and getting up hill.

As far as clothing...dress in layers.  And dress lighter than you think - cross country is an aerobic activity and it will make you sweat.  Lightweight long underwear, an insulative layer (fleece) on top, and shell pants and jacket, along with a knit hat, and lightweight gloves.  Carry an extra hat and some thick gloves too, in case it gets real cold.  Avoid cotton because if it gets wet, it has no insulative value at all.  Dressing in layers allows you to modify your clothing system according to your level of activity.

When I skied to the South Pole a couple of years ago we had temperatures ranging from 15 to -30 degrees F.  While skiing, I wore long underwear bottoms and tops, with a gortex jacket and pants.  And that was it (except for some expedition mittens with glove liners).  The skiing kept me warm enough - if I wore anymore, I sweated too much and it froze on my clothes.  When stopping, I put on a down jacket to keep in all that good heat I had just generated (if if only for a few minutes).

Answer 4

You will be able to shuffle around quite successfully without a lesson.  To develop the most efficient stride, and an effective kick and glide (or skating stride) a lesson will help a lot.

Answer 5

No.  It's usually flat on the cross country trails, so no need.  The CC skis are a lot differant than downhill skiis and are not really made for turning AKA: Xtreme CC.

They have there own boots and bindings, so just wear thermals and water resistant snow pants and a sweatshirt and a jacket.  Also a hat and sunglasses so you won;t be blinded by the snow.  Oh and sunscreen :)