Cross-country skiing is growing in popularity across Canada as a low-impact wintersport and useful recovery activity after injury.
Nordiq Canada, the national governing body, reports continued growth since the pandemic, and Cross Country BC calls it a low risk “sport for life,” easily learned with no barriers for age, gender or fitness level.
Demand for cross country skiing is also growing in Sun Peaks, according to Level 3 instructor, Laura Kalina.
“There’s a trend in people crossing over to Nordic particularly among the 55-plus demographic,” Kalina said. “It can sometimes be because of hip or other injuries, as Nordic especially with our consistently fabulous grooming at Sun Peaks is more forgiving on the body.”
Reflecting that growth, she said Sun Peaks has doubled its team of instructors this winter.
“In classic skiing, beginners learn how to glide in tracks, manage their balance on one ski and use a diagonal stride that feels similar to walking or hiking with poles,” Kalina explained. “In skate skiing, lessons focus more on lateral balance, edge control and learning to push off to the side in a skating motion, similar to ice skating.”
Encouragingly, basic proficiency comes quickly, she added.
“Even in a single lesson, simple balance drills and terrain choices can help people feel more stable and relaxed, which immediately improves their technique and confidence,” she said.
After the first lesson, beginners can explore green trails, gradually progressing across approximately 37 kilometres of machine-groomed track-set terrain.
Among those embracing Nordic this winter are local couple Linda Strachan and Kelly Brown.
“As a triathlete, I’m always working on cardiovascular fitness and Nordic skiing is a new challenge that helps me increase my level of fitness over the winter,” Strachan explained. “I’m also struggling with my eyesight, and skiing at the slower Nordic speeds allows me to be able to ski in more flat light conditions than Alpine skiing.”
Keen to improve in both classic and skate, the couple took advantage of instruction programs, and are now comfortable skiing across the Nordic network.
“Except Stellar Jay, the only black run. But it’s our goal to do it by the end of the season,” Strachan added.
Brown’s cross-country journey was less smooth.
“I had purchased a set of skis during Covid that were way out of my league,” he recounted. “Every time I tried I had an awful experience.”
Switching to rental skis was a game changer, encouraging him to order beginner Fischer skis from Freefall. Once confident in classic, he diversified to skate skiing.
“Lessons have been critical to helping me find my balance and get even more enjoyment out of the sport,” he said. “It’s a much more technical sport than it first appeared, and using the ‘self taught’ approach only served to reinforce bad habits.”
After more experience and even more research, Brown returned to Freefall for skate skis.
“Having the right gear is key,” he concluded.
Gearing up for cross-country skiing in Sun Peaks
While Sun Peaks retailers carry a small selection of Nordic equipment, including Alpina and Leki at McSporties, most experts recommend renting initially. Rentals are available at the Sun Peaks Nordic Centre, McSporties and Jardines.
At the Nordic Centre, Salomon skis and poles are matched by computer to height, weight and experience level. The Salomon Pro Combi unisex boots, for classic or skate, are insulated, supportive and so comfortable they make alpine boots feel medieval by comparison.
When it comes to purchasing gear, online guides such as the one created by MEC offer tips. Just like alpine, the first priority is boots.
“Warm, comfortable feet equals much more fun on skis,” Kevin O’Shea, Merchant for XC Ski equipment at MEC said. “Boot fit is very important, if too big, you can get blisters. If too small or tight they will not only be painful, but your feet will be colder.”
O’Shea also advised trying different ski brands and lengths before purchasing and ensuring boots and bindings are compatible, as systems do not always interchange.
XC Clothing
As a high-output activity, Nordic skiing requires a careful layering system. Although this involves some sport-specific purchases, other items could already be in your winter wardrobe.
“Synthetic and wool, both fast drying while offering warmth, work to create a comfortable temperature regulated layering system,” Haley Watts, Assistant Merchant for XC ski apparel at MEC said. Think merino by Smartwool or Kari Traa or MEC’s own T2 merino base layer.
Next is a breathable mid-layer or vest, followed by a slimline, stretchy and sweat-wicking jacket. A smart option is a battery-heated vest, base or mid-layer with adjustable heat like those made by Volt Heat. Pants, such as Rossignol’s Genetys, are stretchy, slimline and soft-shell with wind-blocking panels.
Accessories also matter. Watts advised a light merino under-glove plus warmer synthetic insulated or soft-shell mitts or gloves. The outer layer can be shed as you warm up. Swany makes a variety of lightweight-plus-liner options. Other necessities include a sweat-wicking tuke or headband, neck buff and socks.
“If you do want to invest in one new product, I can’t over stress how much more comfortable you will be with cross-country specific socks,” she explained.
Finally, sunglasses or hybrid goggles or glasses reduce glare while protecting from wind and precipitation. Lighter, sport‑specific frames such as those made by SMITH Optics have photochromic lenses which adapt to varying light.
For longer cross–country skiing around the Sun Peaks trails, Strachan has some advice.
“Water and snacks in a small fanny pack or backpack are important on longer ski days, especially if you’re planning on stopping for a picnic at the cosy McGillivray Lake Cabin. Or do what we do, grab a well-deserved coffee or hot chocolate and a treat at the Umbrella Cafe after your ski.”
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