Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30

The happiness of cross-country skiing is that you practice it as much in the forest as in a city park. Charm your little ones with these crazy stretches of snow to explore.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are almost magical modes of travel for children. Thanks to them, they "walk" on the snow without sinking into it. And during the expedition, encounters with birds and other small animals braving the rigors of winter are numerous. Enough to charm the little ones! Take the opportunity to observe winter nature. Observe the changes with your children. They will love it!

A doll in a sleigh

There is no age to introduce the little ones to long winter walks. Well wrapped up in a small integrated sled, even the tiny babies can follow you well installed in a small sled. Others carry baby in a sling directly on them or in a baby carrier. However, be extremely careful. A fall could hurt your baby more than if he were in a sled. Also, you must constantly check that the branches do not attack it! But on flat slopes or just for you around a park near you, a baby carrier can be an easy option.

Sidesled, there are several models, but they are quite expensive. However, in some centers, it is possible to rent them which saves you from spending the hundreds of dollars necessary for the purchase, especially if you plan not to do them too often. A popular sled: the Baby Glider.

A bit of technique…

To handle cross-country skis, you need a bit of technique, but above all a lot of practice! Teaching the basics of cross-country skiing is much less complicated than cycling.

General Tips

Pay attention to the length of the skis! If they are too long, the child will have difficulty controlling them. If they are too cambered, they will not provide good grip in the snow, which makes movement difficult.
Warm…but not too warm! We put on a snowsuit, of course. But since cross-country skiing makes us move a lot, we quickly get hot. So if your child follows you on long journeys, you will have to think about dressing him in “layers” (polypropylene underwear, fleece, windbreaker, etc.). If your baby is in a sled, always think about the fact that he is not moving, so he will be colder than you. Don't be tempted to find out too quickly.
Only one pair of stockings! But a good pair! Otherwise, if you have two, you may end up cramped in your boot and freeze faster.

Buy or rent?

Hard to decide. Several factors influence yourdecision: the age of the little skier, does he have brothers and sisters, do you plan to do a lot of skiing each winter, etc. Then the day will come when they want to go on an adventure for half a day and even establish the route and the stops. So much the better! You will have passed on to them the sting of the great outdoors and the pleasure of untying their legs while treading the snowy ground.

And the racket?

Forget leather straps and hard-to-adjust straps, the new racquets are tough, easy to use, and light as hell. And you don't need a course to start practicing this sport. Walking enthusiasts will love this new way of getting around the expanses of snow. You can snowshoe everywhere in a park near you, as well as on trails specifically designed for this type of walk.

Ask for information in sports shops, sports centers or outdoor parks: many offer you the possibility of renting equipment. A great way to try out without investing too much money.