Nordic Skiing

Many exercise physiologists consider Nordic skiing the ideal physical exercise. The combination of low shock impact, high aerobic activity, prolonged muscle work-out for both arms and legs plus balance and coordination makes Nordic skiing a great sport for skiers of all ages and abilities.

Also known as XC or Cross-Country skiing, Nordic skiing shares the same roots as telemarking, the need to cover snow covered areas efficiently, and the ski boots are only attached to the skis at the front of the boot. Over the last 50 years the sport has come a long way from being only a method of transportation and is divided into two styles or disciplines; Classic (aka Traditional or Diagonal) skiing which involves a straight-ahead gliding motion, and Skating, which involves a V-style glide and edge motion much like ice skating or roller blading.

While Skating generally requires prepared tracks and so is limited to skiing in nordic ski stations, Classic encompasses both resort skiing and nordic touring. Nordic Touring skis are smilar to track skis, with a nordic camber and upswept ski tip, but are wider and usually have metal edges.

Skating skis always have a smooth waxable base for option glide, while Classic and Nordic Touring skis may have either a waxing base or a “waxless base” with indented fishscale pattern under the central third of the ski. This grips the snow when the weight of the skier is applied to one ski, allowing propulsion on the flat and moderate slopes. For longer or steeper slopes nordic tourers use climbing skins like alpine tourers, but narrower.

The eastern Pyrenees is a superb area for nordic skiing. There are numerous “stations de ski de fond” in the Ariege and Cerdagne, while the rolling terrain to the north and east of the main Pyrenean chain offer endless possibilities for day and multi-day trips.

We stock skating and classic skis for resort use and a wide range of Nordic Touring skis, boots, poles and bindings. Please contact us should you like any advice as to which equipment is best for you. We’re keen skiers both in resorts and touring, and we’re here to help.

Should you like to take a Nordic Skiing course or vacation in the area, we strongly recommend Marmot Tours. Cathy & James Thompson run very well organised and guided trips for Nordic skiers and snowshoers.

Go To Marmot Tours