Seven good reasons for nordic skiing.

Different pleasures for different folks

The cob-webbed picture of ecologists and aging atheletes on cross-country skis is a thing of the past. The discipline has entirely changed and offers many new possibilities. Even Alpine ski enthusiasts enjoy it, thanks to ‘skating’, an innovation which is both fun and athletic. You take big steps with both skis while pushing down on both arms at the same time. Suppleness, a sense of balance and good physical condition are the master words. But that doesn’t leave out traditional cross-country skiing, which is not as fast as skating and is close to sliding while walking:you move forward on the trails (which have been layed out by special tractors) and move one ski after the other and move one arm after the other at the same time.

Crossing hills and valleys, spruce forests and high Jura Mountain pastures, away from the hue of resorts, that’s the main reason why people are attracted to this sport.What’s more, you might well spot wildlife:a chamois, a deer, who knows, maybe even a lynx, all with no danger to the skier. Or even spy a capercaillie, the last refuge for the symbol of the forests of the Jura.

This endurance sport strengthens your cardio-vascular system and does wonders for your breathing capacity. It takes time to get used to less oxygen and colder weather, due to the high altitude. So not to worry, everyone runs out of breath for the first day or two. All the same, let your body tell you when to slow down, adapt your rhythm and your objectives to your physical condition so you can fully appreciate winter sports.

In one hour, you use up between 500 and 800 calories. A good way of combatting over-indulgeance in good Jura mountain cooking.

Almost half as wide (5 – 6 cm, 2 – 3 inches) as down-hill skis, cross-country skis (especially the even narrower ‘skating’ tips), you need a good sense of balance. It’s the perfect sport for children because it helps develop their agility and coordination.

Whether you prefer skating or traditional cross-country skiing, the movements are smooth and even. That means less tension and a loosening of muscles, specially your shoulders and hips. For maximum use of your muscles, be sure to stretch out your movements as far as possible, try to go a little further each time.

This really complete sport calls on countless muscles: your shoulders when you push on your sticks, your stomach and buttocks which maintain body balance when they contract. Not to forget the arm muscles, specially the triceps, when in extension.

As for the thigh muscles, mainly the quadriceps which work when you push forward.

You might sometimes feel heaviness or a burning sensation in your thighs if they’re not used to this kind of effort. The longer your movements, the more your ankle extensor muscles are used.