Private skiing teacher
Private skiing teacher
Private skiing teacher
Private skiing teacher
Cross-country skiing in Levi
Cross-country skiing is a very traditional winter activity in Levi and Finland. It is a fantastic way to explore snowy landscapes and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Cross-country skiing has two different disciplines: classic skiing and skating skiing. For beginners, it is recommended to start with classic skiing, as it is generally easier to learn due to its straightforward motion, which resembles walking or jogging on snow. If you have prior experience in alpine skiing, ice skating, or roller skating, you can also try skating skiing, which involves a gliding motion similar to skating. However, it requires much more balance and coordination than classic skiing.
Each discipline requires specific equipment. For beginners in classic skiing, skin-based skis are the best option, as they provide excellent grip and are easy to handle. The rental shop will help you choose the right skis, poles, and boots for your discipline and skill level, ensuring a comfortable fit and proper setup.
We offer lessons for all levels from beginner to intermediate skiers, who wish to learn from scratch or improve their technique.
Lesson duration:
1,5 hours
Price:
120€/person, additional persons +40€, max 6 participants
Meeting point:
Kelo Rental
(or other location agreed)
Equipment for cross-country skiing, rent at Kelo Rental
- Boots (different ones for classic and skating)
- Skis (different ones for classic and skating)
- Poles (different lengths for classic and skating)
Clothing for cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a sporty activity with physical demands comparable to fast-paced walking or light jogging. As such, clothing should be lighter than you would wear for downhill skiing in the same temperatures. Check the weather and temperature and adjust the layers accordingly, as the winter temperatures in Lapland can be anything from 0 to -30.
- Base layer: Choose a breathable, moisture-wicking material such as merino wool or a technical fabric designed for sports.
- Mid-layer: Opt for fleece, merino fleece, or thin wool for insulation.
- Top layer: A wind-stopper, soft-shell, or hard-shell as an outer layer works well. A mid-layer is usually unnecessary if you wear an insulated ski jacket and pants.
Other accessories:
- A neck-warmer, snood, “buff” or similar
- A beanie that covers the ears well
- Gloves or mittens, preferably wind/waterproof, not woolen or fleece on the outside because they get wet easily
- If your gloves or mittens are very thick, check with your rental equipment provider that your hand can fit into the wrist loops of the poles
- Tissues to dry eyeglasses during skiing, as they can get foggy. Contact lenses are a good option.
- Phone with the battery fully charged for the pictures
- If you need to have some extra belongings with you, it is possible to carry a small backpack while skiing.
FAQ - Cross-country Skiing
What is the difference between cross-country skiing and alpine skiing?
Cross-country skiing is done on (mostly) flat ground on specific cross-country skiing trails that go through forests and across lakes. Alpine skiing is done on hills and mountains, going up with a lift and skiing down the slopes. The equipment in alpine skiing is much heavier with stiff boots, whereas cross-country skiing gear is lighter and the boots remind more of normal shoes.
Is it easier to learn cross-country or alpine skiing?
If you can walk, you can do cross-country skiing, it’s that simple! Learning alpine skiing is also fun, but it always requires a little bit of speed on the downhill to make it work. Cross-country skiing can be done as slowly as needed, starting from walking with the skis and then moving towards gliding more on the skis.
What does the lesson price include?
The price includes teaching and guiding during the lesson. It does NOT include the equipment, but we have a wonderful rental partner Kelo Rental, that will provide you with modern and easy-to-use cross-country skis.
Where is the meeting point? Does the price include pick-up?
Unfortunately, we can’t offer pick-up, but the meeting point can be adjusted if needed. The easiest meeting point is at Kelo Rental, where you can rent your equipment, and from there the walk to the ski trails is only 5 minutes. And no worries, cross-country ski boots are comfortable to walk in.
How long does the lesson last?
The duration of the lesson is 1,5 hours on skis, so the meeting time is always about 15 minutes before the actual lesson starts. 1,5 hours is an ideal duration for technique lessons, it’s long enough to get the hang of it, and short enough not to make you completely exhausted.
What should I wear for a cross-country ski lesson?
Cross-country skiing is a sporty activity with physical demands comparable to fast-paced walking or light jogging. As such, clothing should be lighter than what you would wear for downhill skiing in the same temperatures. Check the weather and temperature and adjust the layers accordingly, as the winter temperatures in Lapland can be anything from 0 to -30.
Base layer: Choose a breathable, moisture-wicking material such as merino wool or a technical fabric designed for sports.
Mid-layer: Opt for fleece, merino fleece, or thin wool for insulation.
Top layer: A wind-stopper, soft-shell, or hard-shell as an outer layer works well. If you’re wearing an insulated ski jacket and pants, a mid-layer is usually unnecessary.
Can I bring my personal belongings with me? How about a backpack?
Small items that you need to have easily available, such as the phone and tissues, can be in your pockets. If you want to bring extra clothing or a pair of gloves, a water bottle etc. you can carry a small backpack with you.
Where does the lesson take place?
There are cross-country skiing trails all over Levi, so it depends on what is the most convenient location for you. If you need to rent the equipment before the lesson, the nearest trails are within a 5-minute walking distance from the village center, close to Hullu Poro Areena or Immeljärvi. There are also great beginner-friendly trails at South Point and the Levijärvi area.
Am I able to go cross-country skiing on my own after the lesson?
Absolutely! But it’s good to have a little break first, to get something to drink and eat before heading back to the trails. If your goal is to be able to ski on your own, your instructor will show you how to use the trail map and give you tips on where to go, and how to do it safely.
You can also book a longer tour with us if you wish to ski a bit further and find a nice place to have a break along the way.
Is cross-country skiing dangerous?
When learning the basics with an instructor, it is not a very risky sport. Of course, when we are learning how to glide on the snow with skis, falling over might happen. Fortunately, it usually doesn’t hurt much or cause damage. Your instructor will teach you how to avoid falling, and also how to fall over as safely as possible.
Is cross-country skiing suitable for children?
Absolutely! And be prepared that the children usually pick it up faster than the adults. If the whole family is doing the lesson together, we always do it at the children's terms and pace.
Is there a temperature limit for cross-country skiing?
There is no strict temperature limit for cross-country skiing lessons, but extremely cold conditions can make outdoor activities unsafe. It’s not just about the temperature—wind chill plays a significant role as well. We evaluate the conditions on a case-by-case basis and discuss them with you.
As a general guideline, if temperatures drop to -25°C to -30°C, we will contact you to discuss the best options to proceed. Everyone experiences cold differently, and much also depends on the clothing you have. If the weather is deemed too cold to carry the lesson out safely, you will receive a full refund.