Cross-country skiers

Information

Cross country skiing in Saariselkä
Cross country skiing styles
Cross country skiing safety tips
Cross country skiing culture

Cross Country Skiing

Saariselkä provides exceptionally good opportunities for cross-country skiing.

The illuminated tracks, versatile terrain in the fells and long skiing season from October to May offer the skiers a variety of time and place alternatives to chose from. After the autumn holiday in October, you can come back to ski on the same snow at Easter!

230 km ski tracks

The total length of the ski tracks is 230 km, 34 kilometres of which are illuminated. There are widened ski tracks between Saariselkä - Laanila - Kakslauttanen. Starting from starting point of the tracks, the 5-kilometer-long first-snow track is covered with snow and made ready for skiers as soon as the weather allows. The width of the track in lower parts is 65 mm and upper parts 135 mm.

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Cross Country Skiing Styles

There are two basic styles of cross-country skiing:

* The "classical" style involves keeping the skis parallel to each other. The skis that are used for the classical style contain either wax or a ridged bottom pattern that enables efficient striding and gliding on the snow.

* The "skating" style requires the skier to glide on one ski and angle out the other. The edge of the ski is used the edge to push forward.

In both the classical and skating styles of cross country skiing, the long ski poles are used to help the skier push forward while maintaining adequate balance. The exertion needed to move these poles adds to the intensity of the workout. A competent recreational skier is capable of covering close to 10 kilometers an hour. Skating skiers may be able to cover even more terrain per hour.

In addition to the physical benefits of cross country skiing, the sport graciously provides a number of psychological and spiritual rewards. It gives the participant a chance to enjoy the outdoors, even in the harshest weather conditions.

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Cross Country Skiing Safety Tips

Even though most people believe that cross country skiing has a relatively short learning curve, if you are new to the sport, investing in a few lessons with a good instructor will be well worth your while. Once you have proficient skills to go out on your own, there are a number of safety rules you should abide by.

• Before venturing out into the snow, let someone know where you will be skiing and what time you expect to return. This is particularly important if plan to ski the backcountry.
• Backcountry skiers should acquaint themselves with avalanche safety procedures.
• Watch the weather forecast and plan your trip according to the weather. When it's windy, choose low-lying forest paths, as the wind in open fells can cover even the freshly opened tracks with snow. When it's sunny, wear sunglasses - the snow may be surprisingly blinding. Remember that in the fell landscape, the weather may change surprisingly rapidly! 
• Take drink and, depending on the length of your ski trip, also some snack with you. On open fire rest stops, it is nice to sip some hot drink. Keep matches in your pocket, protected from humidity. They don't weigh much but will come in need if your trip suddenly extends. An extra warm shirt or coat is also good for breaks. Emergency repair equipment and a first-aid kit might be of a need too.
• Dress in layers. You may feel cold at first, but after awhile, you may get overheated from exertion.
• Be aware of your limitations and only ski on trails that are well within your level of ability.
• It’s best to ski in groups of at least three people. That way, if a skier is injured someone can stay with them while someone else goes for help.
• If you plan to ski on lakes or streams, keep in mind that it takes a few weeks of below freezing temperatures to develop a safe thickness in the ice.
• Take your mobile phone in your pocket, but use common sense more than a phone in the wilderness. The coverage is not good in all places, and bringing help on a location is not always simple and effortless. In case of an emergency and there is no way to leave the terrain, call the Finnish emergency number 112.
• Progress slowly. Keep in mind that if you venture out too far, you still have to make your way back!

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Cross Country Skiing Culture

• If you stop, be sure to step off the trail so that other skiers have ample room to pass.
• If a skier from behind you calls out "track," be sure to move to the right to give them room to pass.
• In order to avoid dangerous collisions, do not cut off other skiers when entering trails or overtaking.
• On one-way trails, only ski in the direction that is specified. This is another collision avoidance rule.
• If you are on a hill, descending skiers have the right of way. If you are climbing the hill, be sure to move to the far right.
• If you fall, be sure to fill in the sitzmark.
• Help maintain the integrity of the ski tracks by not skiing over them.

 
Enjoy skiing!

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