Learning to Cross-Country Ski as an Adult: What Falling Taught Me About Confidence + Beginner Tips

From Peach State to Powder Days

When I kicked off  this 2025, I made a promise to myself: I’d try something new—something that scared me a little and that I had zero experience in. Enter: cross-country skiing. As a Georgia girl who rarely saw snow growing up, this felt completely out of my comfort zone. So I found a beautiful pair of second hand skis, committed to the chaos, and dove in headfirst.

Embracing the Awkward Beginner Phase

In the beginning, every glide felt unsteady. I fell… a lot. But honestly, learning as an adult comes with a whole different set of challenges. There’s this expectation that we should just pick things up quickly. Like all our life experience should somehow translate to being good at everything right away.

But trying something new as an adult is vulnerable. There's the fear of looking ridiculous, of being the only one who doesn’t know what they’re doing, of being seen struggling. But that’s also where the growth lives.

Our brains are literally rewiring when we learn new skills. Every time I shifted my weight or figured out how to get up after a faceplant, I was building new pathways. It was humbling, and kind of empowering too.

📝 Beginner Cross-Country Ski Tips

1. Balance First, Speed Later

Start with short steps before looking to glide,  and focus on shifting your weight evenly. Your poles are there to guide you in this — not to launch you forward.

2. Dress in Layers

Cross-country skiing is a workout. Skip the heavy snow gear and go for:

• Moisture-wicking base layer

• Warm but breathable mid-layer

• Lightweight vest or windbreaker

• Thin gloves and beanie 

Pro tip: start cold because it’s guaranteed you’ll warm up with this sport and end up shedding layers. 

3. Learn How to Fall (and Get Up Again)

You’re going to fall—it’s just part of the learning process. The key is to fall smart. Try to tuck your arms in and fall to the side. A friend of mine, who was very concerned about how I handled falls, gave me an important tip: avoid throwing your hands out to catch yourself. It’s one of the easiest ways to injure your wrists. Learning how to fall safely can make all the difference!

4. Start With Classic Skiing

There are two basic types of cross-country skiing: classic and skate skiing. The latter is what we typically see in Olympic sports and are familiar with. My recommendation is to start with classic skiing – it’s more beginner-friendly than skate skiing. The movement is more like walking, and the trails for classic are often groomed with parallel tracks which make learning much easier.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s really important to celebrate even those wins that you might count as insignificant. Clipped in easily? Your first hill? Staying upright for more than 10 minutes? That moment you actually glide? Count it all. That’s progress.

⛷️ My Go-To Beginner XC Ski Gear List

The Essentials:

• Classic skis: (waxless is easiest to start with). 

• Ski boots: These are typically more comfortable than what we’re used to seeing with downhill skiers. Yet another reason why I love cross-country skiing. 

• Poles: these should measure out to about armpit height for classic style. 

Pro Tip:

Ask your local gear shop about rentals or used gear! You can often score old demos as secondhand setups perfect for beginners.

Clothing:

• Base layer (synthetic or wool)

• Fleece or light vest

• Softshell or waterproof shell

• Gloves (thinner than downhill ski gloves)

• Beanie or headband

• Buff/neck gaiter

• Sunglasses

Extras:

• Daypack for snacks, extra layers, water

• Lightweight first aid kit

• Thermos with tea or hot chocolate

• Sit pad or blanket if you’re stopping at a shelter

❄️ Where to Cross-Country Ski in Central Oregon

🌲 Meissner Nordic Trails

Super beginner-friendly and well-groomed with a community feel. There’s even a warming shelter and volunteer-groomed trail system.

🏕 Swampy Lakes Sno-Park

A quiet and scenic spot with both beginner and intermediate trails. The Swampy shelter is a cozy halfway point.

🐾 Wanoga Sno-Park

Dog-friendly and great for spreading out. Ideal if you’re bringing a pup or want to avoid the crowds.

⛰️ Skyliners Sno-Park

Lower elevation makes this a great option early or late in the season. Quieter than some of the more popular spots.

🎟️ How to Access Oregon Sno-Parks

Most XC ski areas near Bend require a Sno-Park Permit from November 1 to April 30.

Where to Get a Sno-Park Pass:

• Online through the Oregon DMV

• Local shops like Pine Mountain Sports, REI, or Powder House

• Options: Daily ($4), 3-Day ($9), or Season Pass ($25)

☀️ Check Bend XC Ski Trail Reports

Before you head out, check trail conditions:

• Meissner Nordic Trail Reports

• Bend Trails Snow Report

• Central Oregon Avalanche Center (for off-trail awareness)

• Local Facebook groups 

Final Thoughts: Fall Forward

Cross-country skiing has taught me way more than how to glide across the snow. It reminded me what it feels like to be a beginner, to fall and laugh, and to keep going even when it feels awkward and hard.

Trying something new is always a little scary. But it’s also a way to build real confidence—not because you nailed it right away, but because you showed up anyway.

So whether you’re thinking about trying cross-country skiing in Bend or any new skill—this is your sign to go for it. Fall, get back up, but make sure you’re enjoying the process. 

 Watch My Journey in Real Time:
Check out the full vlog here 🎥