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Skiing in Finland

Skiing

Cross-country skiing

For the Finnish skiing usually means cross-country skiing. It is a national sport, a basic right.

Studies have shown that cross-country skiing is a comprehensive way to increase your fitness. Skiing puts a wide range of muscles to work. The sliding motion is good for joints, since possible abrasions or excess weight do not matter. A skiers heart is in good shape and the energy consumption makes sure you do not gain extra pounds. Cross-country skiing is also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and nature.

Choosing the skis and boots

The choice of skis affect the skiing experience. Skis should be of proper lenght and tension for the skier. A good basic rule is that while standing on both skis with weight balanced on both feet, you should be able to slide a piece of paper under the skis. When weight is shifted completely on the other foot, you should not be able to move the paper anymore. A proper lenght is usually 15 to 20 centimeters taller that the skier.

Skiing boots are also available in several price ranges. When choosing ski boots you should take into account that in lower temperatures you might need to wear an extra pair of socks. Some boots come with increased insulation. Naturally you want the boots to be compatible with your skis. So called automatic bindings are easy to use, but when snow gets into them or they freeze, they might be more difficult to clean than regular bindings. Regular bindings are usually more expensive than automatic bindings.

Skis are best bought from a sports or outdoors shop since they have specialist sales persons. You can get skis that might look similar from supermarkets for a much cheaper price, but the quality of the skis and the expertise of the sales persons might be insufficient.

Waxing

Proper waxing of the skis is another factor affecting the skiing experience. Only way to learn to wax correctly is through training. At first, follow the manufacturers general instructions. Remember to prepare for changing weather by having waxes for different weather conditions.


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