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Cross-country skiing is one of the most attractive winter sports out there, but to enjoy it to the fullest, you need the ideal temperature and snow conditions. By the end of this article, you will get to understand how to go XC skiing in any weather conditions.
How Much Snow Do You Need To Cross-Country Ski?
The general rule of thumb is that the minimum base levels should be around 6 inches for ideal cross-country skiing, but even less snow could be enough on well-groomed terrain of ski resorts. The maximum can be anywhere between 40 and 45 inches.
When It’s Too Cold to Ski: The Best Temperature for XC Skiing
In terms of sense of comfort, most XC skiers prefer temperatures between 20°F and 30°F (-6°C to -1°C), but winter storms could also draw heat from your body. As for waxing, cold weather and low temperatures can be tricky, but it doesn’t mean, you can’t cross-country ski even below 20°F or 14°F, provided you have the right kind of wax with you.
Just make sure that you use the coldest wax you can find.
In practice however, it’s almost impossible to determine the best temperature for skiing, and the same goes for cross-country skiing. This is because different people have different preferences.
People living in colder climates are comfortable at very low temperatures, whereas those who live in mild climates tend to get sick in the same temperature range.
However, the best temperature also depends on the winds in the area. If you encounter colder temperatures, storms or heavy winds, make sure you dress appropriately, and you are good to go.
Best Snow Conditions for Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a fun winter sport, but only when you get to ski in the best snow conditions.
In general, low to medium-density snow is the most ideal snow condition for cross-country skiing. Compared to heavy or high-density snow, it allows for a smooth ride and helps make your trip much more enjoyable.
Newly fallen fresh snow that has only about 7% of water content is considered light and fluffy, while snow with around 11% water content is considered heavy snow.
Low-density and light, fluffy snow can help you push your ski around with ease. On the other hand, heavy snow requires you to exert a lot of strength, making you feel tired and exhausted after a short while.
We’ve already discussed the best temperature for cross-country skiing, which is anywhere between 20°F and 25°F. This is usually when there is a heawy snowfall, and the intensity of the snow is near to an ideal condition (low to medium-density); the snowflakes that drop on your face also make it a fun experience!
Moreover, the snow on which you ski should be cold and dry to allow for a good grip and glide.
Wet Snow and Dry Snow
Another thing to remember is the moisture in the weather. There are two prominent conditions: dry snowstorm and wet snowstorm.
Wet snow happens when the temperature is around 34°, but it’s still snowing outside. Your snow ratio will be about 8:1 if you decide to ski in wet snowstorms. (You get at least 8 additional inches of snow underneath for every inch of liquid).
On the other hand, with dry snowstorms, the temperature is very low, and it’s usually freezing outside. This is more of a powdery and fluffy type of snow with a ratio of up to 20 or 30 to 1.
Wet or Dry Snow is Better for Skiing?
For skiing, dry snow or fresh powder snow is always preferable because it is less dense and does not create a vacuum inside the structure like wet snow does. Powder snow is also not packed and offers low to medium density (ideal for skiing). Dry or powder snow’s lack of stickiness also makes it ideal for cross-country skiers.
When you gain good speed, you will see your board floating on dry snow easily. This type of snow also makes it easier for you to weigh your boards and take floating and bouncing turns.
But skiing can also be quite dangerous, especially when you don’t take the necessary precautions. For instance, skiing on wet or hard packed snow can lead to your board sticking somewhere. Slushy snow is more usual during spring skiing as the snow melts at warmer temperatures, and the same way as sticky snow, makes skiing more difficult. These conditions require you to exert a lot of strength, thus tiring you in the long run.
This is why rather than trusting your eyes or the advice of a friend, you should always look for more reliable weather information from weather websites or the information at the local cross-country ski resort.
Doing so can help minimize the risks involved and ensure you enjoy a wholesome ski trip experience.
But getting the right conditions isn’t the only important thing. The conditions can change as you move forward or when you ski for hours at an end. This is because, with time, snow gets hard, and it becomes harder for the ski boards to move freely on the surface.
You should also get your equipment waxed so you can enjoy a good grip on the snow.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to get exhausted in poor skiing conditions or damage your skis, you need to have the right kind of conditions for cross-country skiing.
