Cross-country skiing and kids
Cross country skiing is not only a fun activity for families, but also a great way to explore the beauty of winter and engage children in outdoor pursuits during the colder months. With proper gear and approach, even toddlers can join in the family XC skiing fun. Our girls have been skiing with us since they were small, comfortably nestled in our favorite chariot sled, dressed in warm clothes and muff. They enjoyed taking long naps in the chariot, rocked by the motion of XC skiing as we pulled them along.
As kids grow older, they naturally become interested in the hobbies that their parents enjoy, and cross country skiing is a great example of this. Bella, our youngest daughter, began imitating the XC skiing movements of us and her older sister and after a couple tries she learned the basic skiing stride quite easily. Over time, children spend less time in the chariot and more time skiing on their own. Nevertheless, the chariot remains incredibly useful for carrying snacks, extra clothing, gloves, and other essentials, as well as providing a cozy resting place for tired kids. While it might require a bit of investment, we highly recommend getting one if you plan on cross country skiing with kids – it's very practical and makes the experience of skiing with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
Cross country skiing is a fantastic way for kids to get a workout that improves their strength, endurance, and overall fitness. As children progress, a tow rope is a helpful addition. We were inspired by our friends and have since included a tow rope in our "gear bag." We have seen many different setups - from a simple rope to a harness/bungee/carabiners combo that we created for us. With a tow rope, parents can tow their child behind them, adding another element of fun to the skiing experience while also allowing the child to ski longer distances, explore more trails and nature, and spend more quality time with parents. It also helps parents to extend their skiing time.
To ensure that your family skiing is enjoyable, it is important to dress kids appropriately for the weather. One of the most common mistakes is overdressing them in downhill skiing clothes when it's warm outside. They won't be skiing downhill at high speeds and will be moving around more which only leads to overheating and meltdowns. Initially, you don't need to buy specific cross-country skiing clothes for your kids. You can still use the same waterproof clothing and layer up so you can adjust as needed. For example, our Bella still skis in waterproof winter pants - she’s still falling down, intentionally or otherwise - and most of the time in a light fleece jacket. When it's colder she wears a waterproof shell and heavily insulated winter jacket only when it's really cold. We always bring extra layers and a spare set of gloves in the chariot or backpack, but we only put them on when Bella starts to feel cold.
When skiing with kids, having the right expectations, attitude, and providing both mental and physical nurturing are also important, but that's a topic for a separate article.
We love skiing with our kids. Cross country skiing allows them to enjoy the beauty of winter landscapes, connect with nature, and appreciate the world around them. It deepens our family bond and creates special time, and memories for us. With the right gear, approach, and mindset, even very young kids can get in on the fun. Moreover, cross country skiing is a great social activity for kids, as it can be done in groups or with friends. It's a lot of fun to ski together with other families and friends! This helps kids develop social skills and build friendships. The XC skiing community is very welcoming - as we've experienced first-hand - and you'll quickly make wonderful friends there. So why not give it a try and see what kind of memories you can create with your family on the trails?