Does anyone here spend a lot of time cross country skiing in the winter? I am pretty active in the winter as it is but am always looking for new and interesting ways to get outdoors to exercise. I've done a bit of cross country skiiing in the past but not a whole lot. This article on cross country skiing brings up a couple legitimate reasons to get out, especially as a quality full-body exercise routine.

I've never done it but like you have been considering it.

I enjoy cross country/Nordic skiing. It's a great cross-training tool in the winter months. It uses more upper body strength than running (my preferred method of exercise!) And so, some extra work in the gym is required.
Snowshoeing is also great exercise.

Yes it is a great cross training tool. Went out today for a short ski and I'm whipped!

I will! I'm moving to Minnesota and I hear it's quite popular there

I ski between 200-400 kms a season. I've skiid since I was about 10 years old which makes it 30 years now. I would strongly suggest taking lessons to maximize the potential of this amazing training aid. I use it for off season endurance training for bike racing. At 200 lbs I can burn 1000 calories per hour. It is low impact and does wonders for your cardio if you're doing it properly. Try skate skiing for an even more intense cardio burn.
Cross country skiers are the fittest athletes in the world, check out this links:

Physiology & Psychology: Performance Benchmarks -- Maximal Oxygen Uptake


The highest VO2 max ever recorded was by a cross country skier.

I'll close with this small tidbit of advice:

Beginners to cross country skiing are advised to choose small countries.

They have the highest vo2 max's just as a sidebar.

I used to do it quite a bit (mostly on the mountains) but now I don't do it a lot anymore, which is a shame really, since it can be very peaceful and quiet to do, not to mention the exercise.

I am an avid xc skier, though I've migrated towards skate skiing in the last 3 years or so. It is THE BEST way to stay in shape during winter and take some time off my bike.

I've had the chance to get on some skate skis numerous times since Dec. What an awesome full body workout and way to burn some energy. How about a couple votes for cross country (or skate) skiing as the next best weight loss program! (Lazy folks need not apply.)

It's definitely intense!