Skip navigation

Cross Country Ski Racing Tips

Racer Etiquette 101: Shouldn’t we ALL be ambassadors for Cross Country Skiing?

2/20/2012 - By Pete Edwards

Here are some good reasons to NEVER talk or scream rudely at fellow racers or non-racers that may be out on the course...

Marathon Race Strategy

3/10/2011 - By Chris Cook

With a marathon being such a long race, having a proper strategy can be quite effective at getting you close to the top steps of the podium.

Don't lose your car keys!

2/5/2011 - By Mike Muha

Want an easy way to carry your car key on the trail with out worrying about it falling out of your water bottle holder or pocket.

www.northboundoutfittersmi.com/xc-ski.html
Sprinting: Slowing Down to Go Fast?
Sprinting: Slowing Down to Go Fast?

Sprinting: Slowing Down to Go Fast?

3/4/2010 - By Chris Cook

As the sprint courses have grown in distance and time, not only on an international level but also domestically, controlling your tempo has become more and more crucial to laying down the fastest time of the day.

Five tips on how to ski a marathon
Five tips on how to ski a marathon

Five tips on how to ski a marathon

2/11/2010 - By Zack Simons

As a marathon specialist, I'd like to offer five ideas on how to maximize your potential the next time you line up for a long distance event.

Kick-Double Pole is your friend!
Kick-Double Pole is your friend!

Kick-Double Pole is your friend!

2/4/2010 - By Andrew Johnson, 2010 Noquemanon Champion

I figured it was best in the early going to kick-double pole as much as possible and save my double-pole energies for later - particularly since most of the other racers seemed to be double-poling exclusively.

www.usskipoles.com/
Use your experience!
Use your experience!

Use your experience!

12/2/2009 - By Andrew Johnson, Steinbock Racing

It's all too easy to over think things a little, get stressed out, and ultimately make decisions that end up being too conservative and costing you once the race begins.

Are Your Pole Baskets and Grips Secure?

3/2/2007 - By Pete Edwards

When she finally decided to make her move and break from the pack with less than one K to go, she got her pole stomped on and off came the ferrule and basket. She limped into the stadium – trailing the lead pack.,

Staying Warm for Cold Race Starts

1/24/2007 - By Jamie Mannion

We Early Morning Anaerobic Group skiers use the Salvation Army Coat Technique for cold race starts...,,

adamssportsmedicine.com/
The Effect of Ski Pole Basket Size on Forward Momentum
The Effect of Ski Pole Basket Size on Forward Momentum

The Effect of Ski Pole Basket Size on Forward Momentum

1/18/2007 - By Mike Muha

It wasn't until I broke a pole and went training on a set of mismatched poles that I found one of the reasons for ineffective poling: ski baskets too small for conditons.,

Change Lanes in a Classic Race
Change Lanes in a Classic Race

Change Lanes in a Classic Race

3/10/2006 - By Mike Muha

There's actually a technique for changing lanes on a course with multiple sets of parallel tracks. And you have to plan your change. If you don't, you may lose your momentum. If you plan well, you can actually increase your speed during the lane change. ,

Gel-on-a-String
Gel-on-a-String

Gel-on-a-String

1/20/2006 - By Stuart Picard & Dell Todd

Here's way to carry a feed in a race - great for marathons: Duct tape a loop of boot string around a gel flask and hang it from your neck, under your race bib.,

More Racing News...

www.northboundoutfittersmi.com/xc-ski.html

UPCOMING RACES

WED, FEB 18, 2026

American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Open Track
Hayward, WI

2026 Winter Olympics - Team Sprint Women's/Men's Qual.+ Final
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy

FRI, FEB 20, 2026

Kortelopet 29K Race
Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center, 12205 County Hwy-B W, Hayward, WI 54843 (OO Trailhead)

Prince Haakon 15K
Phipps Road, north of Hayward, WI

SAT, FEB 21, 2026

American Birkebeiner 53k Classic Race / 50k Skate Race
Cable to Hayward, WI

2026 Winter Olympics - 50 km classic style women
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy

2026 Winter Olympics - 50 km classic style men
Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Italy

SUN, FEB 22, 2026

33rd Annual Junior Muffin Race
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 (800-832-2663)

FRI, FEB 27, 2026

Michigan Middle School and High School Championships - Classic
Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684

SAT, FEB 28, 2026

Michigan Middle School and High School Championships - Freestyle and Classic Pursuit
Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Black Mountain 31K Classic
The Chateau at Black Mountain, 10621 Twin Lakes Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721

SUN, MAR 1, 2026

Michigan Middle School and High School Championships - Mixed Relay
Hickory Hills Ski Area, 2000 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Black Mountain 12km Freestyle
The Chateau at Black Mountain, 10621 Twin Lakes Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721

More events...

www.hammernutrition.com/?utm_source=nsr&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=nsrbanner
www.rossignol.com/us/how-to-cross-country-skiing-intro-page-1?utm_source=nordicskiracer&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=logo
www.skifastwax.com/
www.cross-country-ski.com


Privacy Notice