Health Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing: What Are the Pros and Cons?

More information on cross-country skiing or ski touring

Is cross-country skiing good for your health? Is it a good sport for everyone? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, here’s a list of the advantages and problematics you may encounter when cross-country skiing.

What is cross-country skiing?

Cross-country skiing is a winter sport that involves traversing flat and/or gently undulating snow-covered terrain using long, rigid skis (attached only to the forefoot) and poles.

Originating in the Scandinavian countries, it was born over 3000 BC out of the simple need to move around the snow-covered lands of the far north. It only became an official Olympic sport in 1924. Accessible to all ages, cross-country skiing is the ultimate winter sport. Cross-country skiing is a great way to keep fit and discover beautiful landscapes enhanced by snow.

Health benefits and advantages

Cross-country skiing offers many advantages. Here are just a few of them:

• Cross-country skiing stimulates cardiovascular capacity, breathing and endurance
• Cross-country skiing improves balance, coordination and concentration
• Cross-country skiing tones the whole body
• Cross-country skiing promotes contact with nature and a sense of well-being
• Cross-country skiing teaches reflexes and decision-making skills
• Cross-country skiing burns a lot of calories

Drawbacks and disadvantages

Cross-country skiing has the same contraindications as any other sport (cardiovascular problems, chronic respiratory insufficiency, pregnancy, eye problems, etc.). Cross-country skiing is a discipline that requires good physical condition. It is therefore advisable to prepare well in advance, moving around as much as possible (walking, cycling, swimming, etc.) and making your joints supple.

In terms of pathologies, cross-country skiing remains a relatively safe sport. Falls, bruises and sprains are mild compared to downhill skiing. What’s more, cross-country skiing takes place at altitudes of less than 1,500 m, which means you can avoid the risks associated with oxygen depletion. Finally, it should be noted that some people can suffer from hypothermia. So be sure to keep well covered and well hydrated.