Snow is the first question anyone asks about a ski trip. It is rarely the one that decides whether the trip was any good. Plenty of skiers have booked a week somewhere with a meter of base and come home flat, because the grooming was inconsistent, the trail network was a single 5-kilometer loop repeated until it went stale, or the lodging was a forty-minute drive from the tracks. The destinations people return to year...
Cross-country skiing demands stamina, coordination, and resilience. It’s not always easy to balance developing those skills with the demands of “real life”: work, family, and other commitments. But should you spend all of the time that you do have on improving your skiing directly, or cross-training? For cross-country skiers, cross-training might include strength training, martial arts, running, cycling, swimming, roller skiing, tennis, and any number of other activities. Is such variety necessary, or even beneficial?...
Cross-country skiing is among the most physically demanding winter activities. Long hours on the trails can leave your legs tired, your energy depleted, and your body in need of proper recovery. It’s true: the sport is known for its peaceful surroundings and endurance benefits. However, recovery is just as essential as performance itself. Get the right post-ski routine in place, and you can restore energy levels to prepare for another day outdoors. This...
The leash goes taut, and suddenly you are cargo. That is the moment when most newcomers to skijoring understand the bargain. One second you are a cross-country skier, in charge of your own pace and direction. The next, a dog has decided that the trail is hers, and you, all sixty or eighty or a hundred and seventy pounds of you strapped into a hip belt and a bungee line, are merely the most interesting...
There’s a special kind of peace that settles over a cross-country trail in winter. The sound of skis gliding over snow, the rhythm of your breath syncing with each push, and the endless stretch of white ahead create a feeling that’s both grounding and exhilarating. That serenity doesn’t come from chance. It’s built on preparation, the quiet, intentional steps that make your day on the trails seamless and strong. The Foundation of Comfort and Performance...
Cross-country skiing is one of the most physically demanding and rewarding sports out there. It requires a balance of endurance, strength, coordination, and focus that few other activities can match. But what many skiers overlook is that staying strong and improving performance on the trails isn’t just about what you do in the snow season. The secret lies in how you train all year round and how much variety you bring into that training. Building...
Conventional thinking has long prioritized endurance and cardiovascular fitness for cross-country skiers, but new research suggests that strength and power are just as important for better skiing. Cross-country skiers that did just between six to twelve weeks of strength training showed noticeable improvements in their performance compared to those who didn’t, a recent systematic review found. The way strength training pays off is that stronger muscles generate more power with each movement. This means you...
The Loppet Foundation has been awarded a $500,000 multi-year Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, launching a three-year habitat restoration effort at Theodore Wirth Park. The project will focus on restoring 50 acres of woodland, prairie, and savanna surrounding The Trailhead, aligning with the Loppet’s mission of connecting people to the outdoors while fostering stewardship of Minnesota’s natural landscapes. A Transformational Restoration Project Working alongside Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL)...
Skiing is often celebrated for the thrill of carving turns on fresh powder and the endurance needed to spend hours on the trails. But what happens once the skis come off is just as important. Nutrition and recovery play a huge role in sustaining energy, preventing injury, and ensuring you’re ready to perform again the next day. For many skiers, what they eat and how they rest in the lodge can make or break the...
There is something especially satisfying about pairing a thrilling day on the slopes with an evening of hedonistic excess. For skiing enthusiasts, the growing popularity among casino resorts in the world’s top ski destinations offers just that combination, an easy mix of alpine excitement and opulent downtime. It isn’t a coincidence. It’s a result of strategic planning, personalized experiences, and a growing preference to travel beyond skiing or snowboarding. Today’s winter vacationers desire a little...
PRESS RELEASE – The International Biathlon Union (IBU) and the Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU) welcome the decision of the Swiss Federal Tribunal to reject the appeals of former Russian biathlete Evgeny Ustyugov. These final rulings uphold the previous decisions of the IBU Anti-Doping Hearing Panel and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), confirming sanctions for anti-doping rule violations. Mr. Ustyugov was sanctioned based on abnormalities in his Athlete Biological Passport and evidence from the...
Cross-country skiing is more than a test of endurance; it’s a celebration of history, identity, and artistry. While athletes strive for podium finishes, the medals they earn often tell a deeper story, reflecting the traditions, landscapes, and values of the host nations. From the frost-kissed forests of Scandinavia to the rugged peaks of the Alps, these awards are tangible connections to the soul of the sport. Let’s explore how cultural symbolism, craftsmanship, and historical legacy...
Several athletes have etched their names in the world of professional snow sports, including Molly Bloom (skier), Ingemar Backman (snowboarder), and Petter Northug (skier). These pros have conquered challenges on the slope, but their athletic prowess hasn’t stopped there — they’ve also proven that they can dominate on the poker felt. After all, poker and winter sports are more connected than you think. According to ski guide Mike Austin, playing or experiencing the high-stakes...
Ryōyū Kobayashi’s recent victory on the Holmenkollbakken [HS134] hill in Oslo on March 13, 2025, made it three wins in a row for one of the world’s greatest-ever ski jumpers. Many people say that there is still a lot more to come from the 28-year-old Japanese athlete and predict that he will unquestionably be the future king of ski jumping. Let’s dive straight in to learn more about this talented star and find out which...
Ebba Andersson is one of the best skiers in the world. There’s no debating it. The 27-year-old Swedish cross-country skier has proved time and time again that she has the raw talent needed to dominate the sport, and Sweden couldn’t agree more. In 2024, she was awarded the prestigious Jerring Award, the Swedish ‘people’s prize.’ And it’s not just what we or the people of Sweden think. The Jerring Award might be the most prestigious...
The Thrill of the Chase: What Cross-Country Skiing and Online Pokies Have in Common At first glance, cross-country skiing and online pokies seem worlds apart. On the one hand, skiing is a physically demanding outdoor sport on snowy trails. Online pokies are some of the most popular games in online casinos that you can play from the comfort of your home. So, what could these two possibly have in common? In this piece, we will...
SMST2, a globally elite cross-country ski club, announced today that Colin Rodgers will join the team as Program Director and Head Coach. SMST2 board chair Sverre Caldwell said, “Colin’s experience and proven success as a leader will be tremendous assets for both the athletes individually and the team as a whole. Most importantly, he understands how quickly both the world and our sport are changing. He brings the vision, energy, and focus necessary to evolve...
Skiing in Canada is a dream for many, but for beginners, choosing the right resort can make all the difference. A great beginner-friendly resort isn’t just about gentle slopes—it’s about the full experience. From well-designed learning areas to top-notch instructors and plenty of off-slope activities, these destinations offer a well-rounded winter getaway. Whether you want to take your time mastering the basics or unwind in a cosy lodge after a lesson, these Canadian ski resorts...
Cross-country skiing is a sport that blends raw endurance, technical finesse, and a relentless competitive spirit. For fans and followers of the scene, names like Frida Karlsson, Kari Øyre Slind, and William Poromaa resonate as legends—each bringing their unique flair to the trails. We’re diving into the stories of these top famous skiers, exploring their achievements, their impact on the sport, and how their performances fuel the growing world of sports betting on skiing. Whether...
Today, sticking to a proper diet and healthy lifestyle is gaining popularity. More and more people are incorporating exercise into their lives at least once or twice a week. However, many people quickly give up the gym because they get bored with the monotony and lose motivation. We have a great solution that will not only benefit your health but also guarantee a permanent change of scenery and reconnection with nature. We mean cross-country skiing....