The Benefits of Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing (also called Nordic Skiing, or XC Skiing) is a recreation that has everything going for it. This is why it this year may be the year to cross country ski! The benefits include wellness associated with getting outdoors in nature and exercise. Social distancing is a key element of the sport. Last spring during the shutdown, people showed an increased enthusiasm for learning something new.
The COVID pandemic has some forecasting a boom similar to cycling
This last Spring saw a surge of sales and activity – making the Industry project a coming boom this Winter. Cross Country Skiing is similar to bicycling but it is also different in some significant ways. Most people know how to use a bike. But few own cross country skis or know about using them. You can take a bike out of the garage and go out on the road, while cross country skiing requires cold weather and snow cover.
A concern about Covid in Alpine Resorts may favor Cross Country Skiing
The word from product suppliers like Fischer, Rossignol, and Salomon, which sell both alpine and XC ski products, is that their alpine ski shop dealers are building their XC ski equipment inventories. According to xcskiresorts.com, how much the projected XC ski surge will help XC ski area operators or be limited to retailers will depend on the allocation of XC ski outings. Alpine resorts take much precautions thanks to a number of virus mitigation protocols (masks, distancing). But some customers may be hesitant to go this year as they are used to crowds and line for the lifts. Cross Country Ski resorts tend to be somewhat less crowded, with less lines aside from maybe picking up your ski pass. Many of the resorts now offer online pre purchase to make it easy to check in.
