Settle into cross-country skiing with Vogue Scandinavia's ultimate guide. Learn where to go, what gear to bring and how to master the techniques that make Nordic winters truly unforgettable
For a long time, cross-country skiing read to me as tight clothing, yellow sunglasses, and 90 kilometres of pain and blisters. It was something I admired from afar – usually watched from the comfort of the couch, international competitions or Sweden’s ever-esteemed Vasaloppet flickering in the background.
All of that was before I ever tried it myself. What we see on television is far removed from the quiet magic of gliding through densely packed snow, deep in a fairytale forest on a cold winter’s day. The rhythm, the stillness, the sensation of moving effortlessly across the landscape – it’s genuinely enchanting, and almost impossible to describe.
Like any winter sport, cross-country skiing can feel intimidating at first. The equipment, the conditions, the athleticism required – all can seem daunting. But as with most things, it starts with a single step out onto the crunchy snow. Here’s how to get into it.