Guest Post by Leah: Co-owner of Gear Hut, Reno's One-and-Only Outdoor Gear & Apparel Consignment Shop
Gear Hut
318 Broadway Blvd, Reno, NV 89502
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Directions to Nevada Nordic:
Mt. Rose Highway, New Washoe City, NV 89704
*Grooming Update
About 40 mins. from Reno, 5 mins. from Mt. Rose Ski
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One of the first things I always tell folks is: it’s okay to be a beginner! Enjoy the experience without feeling like you need to be perfect; it’s kind of fun to laugh at yourself as you learn. We’ve all had that wobbly first moment, and if you can just embrace the learning process, it makes the whole thing way more enjoyable. After all, xc-skiing is about getting out there, having fun, moving your body, soaking in some fresh air and nature… and giving yourself grace.
The First Time on Classic XC Skis: What to Expect
If you’ve been on regular, resort skis before, a lot of the basic movements will come pretty naturally, especially when it comes to stopping (we’ll get to that in a sec). But if you’re new to cross-country skiing, it can feel a little weird at first. You’re on these skinny skis, connected just by your toe, the ski dangles when you lift your leg, the ski is also significantly longer, AND your balance is totally different from downhill skiing. In the beginning, you might feel a little wobbly, but that’s okay! If you've ever tried rollerblading or ice skating, think of XC skiing as similar. You’ve got to find your balance, but it’s not as intimidating as it seems (and easier when in groomed classic tracks).
The key to moving forward on classic cross country skis: Think of
“moonwalking” when you're gliding forward.
It’s
about shifting your weight above the scales on one foot and pushing
the other ski forward. Then transition your weight above the other
scales. Rinse and repeat til you find your moonwalk flow. If you're
moving too much at once, you’ll end up falling on your face or butt
(no judgment; it happens to the best of us). But if you take it slow
and focus on gliding with “mini steps” instead of charging
forward with large lunges, you’ll find your rhythm.
PRO TIP: Those railroad looking grooves are for classic XC skiing! Hop into them to help with balance and keep your moonwalk flow! (If you’re out hiking around, make sure you are walking to the sides of the groomed trails, not ruining the classic tracks or punching holes in the skate skiing area).
Stopping: The Challenge
Stopping is probably the trickiest thing for beginners (and
surprisingly scary for how slow you’re going… my heart rate
ALWAYS spikes!). If you’ve been on downhill skis before, you’re
used to carving and controlling your speed with turns, but with
cross-country skiing, it's a little different. I always tell
first-timers to be aware of the snowplow technique—basically
pushing your ski tips together while keeping your heels apart. It
sounds easy, but there’s a fine line between slowing down and
launching yourself into an ungraceful fall, or crossing your skis
(which are longer than your typical resort ski). Don’t worry,
though—you’ll figure it out, and in the meantime, laughter is
key!
PRO TIP: As you’re getting started… don’t be
in the tracks for the downhills! Use that full groomed area for your
snowplow!
Gear Basics: The Matching Game
If you’re going to invest in gear for XC skiing (which, by the way,
you don’t have to buy new stuff—you can always check out Gear Hut
for some great used options!), make sure you get the right setup for
your needs. One of the biggest mistakes new skiers make is not
checking that their boots, bindings, and skis are compatible. There
are multiple types of bindings out there, and not all boots will fit
every type, so you need to make sure everything lines up properly. It
can be a bit tricky, but I’m always happy to help with the gear
side of things—whether you're stopping by Gear Hut or reaching out
with questions.
Note: Classic skis will have scales on
the bottom! Skate skis will be smooth with a groove in the
bottom.
PRO TIP: Don’t buy SNS gear unless you found
BOTH skis w/bindings AND boots in one purchase. (SNS is an obsolete
binding system that is no longer manufactured, so you’re keeping
your fingers crossed that you’ll find a complete set up that works
for you).
The Best Part: Wildlife and all the Benefits of Getting Outdoors
And let’s not forget my FAVORITE part of skiing at Tahoe Meadows: the chickadees! They’ll come right up to you and, with a little patience (and maybe some bird seed), you can even feed them by hand. It’s such a peaceful way to connect with nature while you’re learning a new skill.
Plus, spending time in the outdoors is incredibly good for your mental and physical well-being. There’s something about being in nature—whether you’re slippy, sliding through the trees, with the sounds muted by the snow, or pausing to take in the snow-covered peaks—that helps to clear your mind. The fresh air, the quiet, the simple act of being in the moment, away from screens, wifi and the busy world—it’s all so grounding. Studies show that getting outside and moving in nature can reduce stress, boost your mood, and even improve focus. XC skiing is a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to reset and recharge. I don’t think I’ve ever regretted a xc-ski adventure.
As my biggest reminder and takeaway- Remember that it’s okay to be brand new at something! Be inspired by the kids in your life (or the neighborhood punks). Every day, they’re trying new things in the world! So embrace the “baby deer” wobbles, laugh at the falls, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be gliding along the trails, stopping to take in the fresh mountain air, and maybe even feeling a little proud of how far you've come.
And if you need advice, gear, or just someone to share a laugh with, I’ll be here (or at the shop at least!). Follow along on Gear Hut’s instagram for local adventure inspiration (and some sweet deals).
Happy skiing,
Leah Wz.
Leah is the co-owner of Gear Hut. She moved to Reno in 2016, drawn to the area by the opportunities for outdoor recreation and the vibrant community vibes of the city. She identifies as a “pretty average”, mediocre adventurer… with a vast knowledge base in a lot of activities, but not quite excelling at any of them. She loves cruisy blues on skis and bikes, finding flow while hiking, soaking in hot springs and napping on summits.
Categorized Under "Local Expertise"
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