Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners

Cross-country skiing is woven into Finnish life, and Levi has an extensive network of prepared tracks through the forest and around the fells. A beginner lesson teaches you the basics: balance, the diagonal stride, how to climb a slope and how to stop. Instructors keep the pace friendly, and the small group size ensures plenty of individual advice. By the end of the session most people are gliding with a grin.Equipment is provided, including skis, boots and poles, and the lesson starts on flat ground before moving to a gentle track. The scenery is excellent, with snow-laden trees on either side and the open fell ahead. A hot drink at the end is a pleasant bonus. It suits people who want to try an activity they can continue anywhere that has snow.

Classic technique uses parallel tracks set into the snow, which guide your skis. You kick and glide, swinging the opposite arm and pole, and a rhythm develops quickly. Skate skiing is a faster, more athletic variant and is not usually a beginner choice. Instructors can explain the differences and point you to a rental shop if you want to continue.

Good technique makes skiing feel easier, so the lesson is worth it for those who want to enjoy the tracks rather than wrestle with them.Levi's trails are well maintained, with routes of varying length and difficulty. After a lesson you can ski independently on the easy loops near the village, or join a longer tour.

The tracks pass through spruce, pine and birch forest, and some reach open areas with views. In sunny late-winter weather the experience is superb: bright snow, blue sky and the soft sound of skis on the track.Skiing is more strenuous than it looks, so dress in layers you can remove and bring water.

A thin wool or synthetic base layer, a mid layer and a windproof jacket are enough on most days. Gloves should be warm but flexible. Expect to fall once or twice; snow is forgiving, and instructors will show you how to get up.

Combine a lesson with an evening sauna to ease tired muscles, and consider a second session if you enjoy it.For those who enjoy the lesson, a little planning helps you continue. Ask the instructor which loops near the village suit beginners and where you can rent equipment by the hour or the day. Check the daily trail conditions and the grooming schedule, since fresh tracks make skiing easier.

Wear a thin pair of ski socks rather than thick ones, which can cramp your feet in the boots. Use sun cream and lip balm even in winter, because reflected light is strong, especially in March. Carry water, a snack and a light spare layer, and let someone know your route if you ski alone.

If you fall in love with the sport, Finland has thousands of kilometres of tracks and a large community of skiers, and a first lesson in Levi is a good introduction to a lifelong pastime.Finns often say that skiing is best learned young, but adult beginners are common and welcomed on the tracks.

Do not be discouraged by early wobbles. Watch how locals glide, with their weight shifting smoothly from ski to ski, and copy the rhythm. Within a couple of hours you will probably be moving with confidence, and the second hour is usually more fun than the first.