If there’s one underrated activity to do with your dog, it’s cross-country skiing. Or nordic skiing, skate skiing, or XC skiing, or launglauf if you speak German. Dog owners who love an outdoor adventure already know about trail running, hiking, camping, and we love a standup paddle boarding moment.
But gliding through snowy trails on skis? Now that’s a memory to treasure forever. If you live in (or are traveling to) a snowy state, you still have about a month of winter to enjoy cross-country skiing together. Appreciate the season until the last of the snow melts.
Here’s what to consider when cross-country skiing with your dog:
Make sure the trails are dog friendly
This one seems obvious… until you arrive decked out in your skimo gear to the trailhead and see the “no dogs permitted” sign. Each cross-country skiing trail has its own set of rules: some are more formal with tracks groomed daily, others are little more than a snowy trail running through the woods. Some may be just a local park that permits cross-country skiing. Because of this range, you’ll want to check in advance if your dog is allowed—and under what circumstances.
Brush up on recall if it isn’t 100%
We’re not going to lie, cross-country skiing with dogs can be a challenge with two skis strapped to your feet, poles in hand, and slippery conditions underfoot. If you choose to let your dog off-leash, their recall is pretty important at a time like this. You’re not going to be able to chase him down in the woods if he takes off and refuses to come back. Your future self will be so grateful if you brush up on recall right now. On the day, bribery is the word: go in armed with their favorite chicken liver treats and store them in this handy little snack bag.
Gear up
If you don’t already own XC skis, choosing which pair to rent or buy can seem daunting. NNN? Waxable? Metal edges? It’s going to depend on what type of terrain you plan on skiing. Classic skis are ideal for groomed tracks and a traditional forward stride, skate skis are built for speed on packed trails, and backcountry skis are wider and sturdier for ungroomed terrain. Classic skiers can choose between waxable skis for customizable performance or waxless options for low-maintenance convenience. Your local shop will be able to help you best choose your set up.
Like with winter hiking, you will want to make sure you have the right clothes too. You can’t control the weather but you can control what you decide to wear while in it. Skiing is cardio and you set the pace. With that in mind, you’ll want to avoid being overly bundled and start your workout cool, but comfortable. For your dog, the non-negotiables to take in your pack are booties and Powwax, especially for those with longer fur to keep snow from clumping and getting stuck. Does your dog need a winter jacket? We’re going to say, probably yes, at the very least for photos. If they have shorter fur, that’s a definite yes.
Prevention is key: Plan for the windchill
No matter how dry and comfortable you might feel when you start, know that in winter, weather is changeable. Temperatures drop, winds pick up, or you may feel chilly after your cooldown. Always bring extras to make the second half of your afternoon or care ride home feel better. A blanket or oversized sweater should do the trick.
Figure out your leash situation
To keep your dog on a leash, but have hands for poles, there are a few different ways you can go 'hands-free'. The first option is to grab a 10' leash, and create a hands-free configuration around your waist or cross-body by adding another carabiner.
You can also grab a Mega Hip Pack and use the side D ring to clip your dog's leash to.
And since you’ll be spending hours in snowy conditions, we might recommend a waterproof one too. Avid runners or skiers might be able to get the hang of a regular leash but since poles are a necessity, we’d avoid it.
Train your dog to run behind you
If your dog is already trained to trail you on a bike, that’s going to come in extremely handy. “In line” is the command we use with our dog, Gus. The aim is to have them stay behind the skis, but with enough berth to not be on the skis. That said, as adventurous people and dog owners, we know by now that our expectation doesn’t always play out in real life. We can pretty much guarantee at some point, you’ll both end up in a tangle of arms, skis, poles, and paws.
Cross-country skiing is just a fun way to exercise your dog year-round, appreciate colder climates, and for both of you to enjoy an active lifestyle that doesn’t count on temperatures always being above zero. And if your skis get crossed, or your dog cuts you off to chase a squirrel in the woods, it’s no biggie. Shake off the snow, and keep going.
Get inspired with our Weekenders Episode 13: Best Friends on a Pow Day.
