The practice of cross-country skiing has experienced rapid growth in recent years. While the pandemic has contributed to this growing popularity, the many health benefits, closeness to nature and accessibility of this sport also motivate new cross-country skiers to strap on their skis, sometimes year-round.
Before the pandemic, Quebec had between 500,000 and 600,000 cross-country skiers, a figure that would now be between 800,000 and 1,000,000 followers, explains Claude Alexandre Carpentier, general manager of Ski de fond Québec, himself a recreational cross-country skier.
“I love the feeling of gliding, the movement that stimulates both your upper and lower body, being in nature and enjoying winter and snowstorms,” he says.
Ski de fond Québec has listed the many health benefits of this sport in a document available on its website.
Good for health
“Among other things, it enables a significant improvement in respiratory and cardiovascular functions as well as physical condition”, in addition to “protecting the joints”.
On the other hand, “Cross-country skiing is an ally of choice to effectively fight osteoporosis” by helping to strengthen and strengthen the bones, especially the legs and spine.
In addition, “the combination of cold exposure and sustained arm and leg movement makes it an excellent ‘fat burning’ sport, as an hour of cross-country skiing would cost on average between 550 and 1000 kilocalories.”
And what about general well-being, rediscovered good mood and the reduction of stress and anxiety through the release of “pleasure” hormones?
Accessible to everyone
“It really is a wonderful sport to do as soon as you can walk and it will stay with you for life. During the pandemic, I’ve seen many seniors return to cross-country skiing and rediscover this simple sport that has evolved a lot, both in terms of gliding equipment and clothing. To stay in shape, burn energy, maintain mental balance and be part of a community of friendly and welcoming people, cross-country skiing is a complete and very rewarding sport,” says Mr. Carpentier.
According to him, it’s possible to buy good quality equipment, new or used, for less than $500, or rent it, sometimes for free. The sport is practiced in different centers or on the paths of public sites, access to which is often free.
“Cross-country skiing is very easy to learn because the classic technique is like walking, apart from gliding. We strongly recommend having an initiation performed by professional staff. In addition to learning a good basic technique, beginners will have fun skiing and want to develop further and gain experience,” says the managing director.
Also in the summer
Many cross-country skiers get on their bikes in summer to be active all year round. But few know that it is possible to ski during the good season.
In fact, “rollerskiing is becoming increasingly popular in Quebec and is well established in Europe and Scandinavia,” says Mr. Carpentier. It is practiced on asphalt or on clay.
“Summer cross-country skiing requires a bit more skill, especially considering the limitations of braking, but gliding is replaced by rolling and both types of cross-country skis are then fully capable of training 365 days a year. ‘ he concludes.