How fit do I need to be?

Unlike some mountain sports, cross country skiing is most certainly not reserved for the super-fit and healthy! All you need is to be in generally sound physical condition and have the willingness to learn and develop new skills. If you have these, it doesn't matter if you're 25 or 65 years. You don't even need to be particularly athletic because you can select the terrain and pace that suits your own level of skill, confidence and conditioning.

To give you a better idea, compare it to a light jog, or a brisk walk along a forest track: you go at your own speed, covering as much distance as you feel like.

Cross-country skiing is also considered to be one of the safest of winter sports. Although falling could result in minor sprains, serious injuries are very rare, and they usually occur only when the cross-country skier ventures into steep terrain or off the main piste.

The combination of low risk of injury with smooth, dynamic movement also makes cross-country skiing an ideal endeavour for older people. In some northern European countries, it is very common to see individuals in their senior years out for a ski.

That said, you will find that it's worth having a basic overall fitness beforehand to really make the most of your holiday and, by doing regular stretching exercises in the weeks prior to your departure you'll really get the most out of your trip.