It's time to try... cross-country skiing!

Rédaction

Laura Martin, she shares her crushes and discoveries with us for our greatest happiness!

Never been on cross-country skis since a snow class in elementary school or a nightmare family expedition as a teenager? It’s about time you overcame your trauma and got back in touch with the hottest winter sport of recent years.

The Bas-Saint-Laurent region offers more than 400 kilometers of marked trails to discover. Need a little push in the back to get you started? Daniel Talbot, instructor and vice-president of Club Amiski, will give you just that.

Why is cross-country skiing the most beautiful winter sport?

It puts you in direct contact with nature, right in the middle of the forest. You can do it at your own pace, either in contemplative mode to get away from it all and watch the birds, or in competitive mode to work up a good sweat.

It also has the advantage of being very inexpensive and accessible. In our region, anyone can find a trail close to home. In Bas-Saint-Laurent, we’re lucky to have colder winters and more snow. It’s time to take advantage!

Do you need to be in good physical shape to hit the slopes?

No, anyone can go. You just need to know how to adapt the intensity and time spent on the slopes, as well as the choice of trail, to suit your condition.

Even if you haven’t skied for 30 years, you’ll soon notice an improvement in your condition. Then, if you wish, you can push the machine and perfect your technique. There are so many things to learn, so many technical aspects and imponderables to consider. And at the same time, it’s so easy!

I give lessons to immigrants who have never touched skis before. I don’t even have to say a word to them, and they know what to do. Skiing is natural and instinctive, like walking.

Your best advice for people just starting out?

Choose the right clothing! I’ve seen people arrive in snowmobile clothes and end up sweating. It’s an extremely common mistake.

Carry a small backpack and wear onion skins so that you can remove layers as the effort increases. You don’t need to buy hyper-technical clothing. You’re sure to find appropriate clothing in your closet.

Do I need to own my own equipment?

No, many centers rent or lend skis, boots and poles.

What do you think is the perfect day to go hiking?

Conditions are optimal, with temperatures between -5 and -10 degrees Celsius. It’s neither too hot or too cold. When you’re skiing, every muscle moves, even your toes.

So you rarely feel the cold. If, on top of that, rays of sunshine break through the branches, it’s total bliss!