Best Cross-Country Skiing Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Cross-country skiing is a popular winter sport that requires a great deal of skill and technique. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, there are many books available to help improve your skills and knowledge. From instructional guides to memoirs and adventure stories, these books offer something for every type of skier. Some popular titles include "Cross-Country Skiing: Building Skills for Fun and Fitness" by Steve Hindman, "The Complete Guide to Cross-Country Skiing and Touring" by Brian Cazeneuve, and "The Last Hillwalker: A Sideways Look at Forty Years in Britain's Mountains" by John D. Burns. With these books, you can gain valuable insights, tips, and inspiration to help you take your cross-country skiing to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 Cover #TOP 1
Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 Cover #TOP 2
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition Cover #TOP 3
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cross-Country Skiing Books

Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6

Mayhew, Bradley
McCarthy, Carolyn
Pitts, Christopher
Walker, Benedict
Lonely Planet
Mar 16, 2021
Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 Cover
Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)

Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) is a comprehensive guidebook that provides up-to-date information on what to see, where to eat, and what hidden gems to explore in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The book is user-friendly and offers insider tips to help travelers save time and money while avoiding crowds and trouble spots. The guidebook also includes contextual insights on the history, geology, wildlife, and conservation of the parks. With over 45 full-color trail and park maps, this guidebook is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5

Benchwick, Greg
Pitts, Christopher
Lonely Planet
Mar 16, 2021
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 Cover
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 (National Parks Guide)

Lonely Planet's Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 (National Parks Guide) is an excellent travel companion for anyone planning a trip to these US national parks. The guidebook offers up-to-date information on what to see and skip, insider tips to save time and money, and user-friendly highlights and itineraries tailored to personal needs and interests. With over 60 full-color trail and park maps and contextual insights on history, geology, wildlife, and conservation, this guidebook offers a richer and more rewarding travel experience. Overall, Lonely Planet's Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks is a must-have for any traveler looking to explore these beautiful national parks.

Anderson, Bob
Anderson, Jean
Shelter Publications
Oct 6, 2020
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition Cover
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition

The 40th-anniversary edition of "Stretching" is the ultimate guide to improve posture and prevent injuries. With over 3¾ million copies sold worldwide, this book offers stretching routines specific to various groups, including sports enthusiasts, travelers, children, gardeners, and people in wheelchairs. The new section titled "Stretches for the Digital World" is a must-read for those using cell phones and computers. It provides tips for better posture and stretches to do in an office environment. Bob Anderson, the author, has taught millions of people his simple approach to stretching, making this book the most user-friendly on the subject. The book is a bible of the stretching gospel, and it's a must-have for anyone looking to stay fit and healthy.

The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph

Masters, Oksana
Randall, Cassidy
Feb 21, 2023
The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph Cover
The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph

The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph is a powerful book that tells the story of Oksana Masters, an extraordinary athlete who overcame incredible physical challenges to become the most decorated winter Paralympic or Olympic athlete in the United States. Born in Ukraine with numerous medical conditions, Oksana was relinquished to the orphanage system. However, salvation came when an American professor adopted her. Despite enduring years of operations, including a double leg amputation, Oksana triumphed in four sports, winning against the world's best. This inspiring memoir is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they don't fit in.

Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs

Thorne, Patrick
Quercus
Oct 7, 2014
Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs Cover
Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet

Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet is a visually stunning guide to the most impressive, thrilling, and scenic ski runs around the world. It includes classic runs in popular destinations like Chamonix, Whistler, and Jackson Hole, as well as offbeat and exotic locations such as the Himalayas, the Atlas Mountains, and Antarctica. Written by Patrick 'Snowhunter' Thorne, a ski expert who has skied every skiable location on the planet, Powder is the ultimate bucket list for any snowsports enthusiast. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves skiing and snowboarding and wants to experience the most breathtaking runs the world has to offer.

Walker, Jess
Jun 2, 2022
North Woods Survival: Train to Nowhere Cover
North Woods Survival: Train to Nowhere: A Wilderness Adventure Thriller (North Woods Survival Series)

North Woods Survival: Train to Nowhere: A Wilderness Adventure Thriller is a captivating story about a young boy who wakes up in the middle of nowhere with no memory of who he is or how he got there. With only his backpack and winter gear, he must rely on his bushcraft skills to survive the deadly cold and overcome the challenges of mother nature. The book provides practical tips on wilderness survival, including building a snow cave, making snowshoes, and identifying animal tracks. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure and wants to learn more about wilderness survival.

Rail-Trails Pennsylvania: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails

Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails
Wilderness Press
May 21, 2019
Rail-Trails Pennsylvania: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails Cover
Rail-Trails Pennsylvania: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails

Rail-Trails Pennsylvania: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails is a comprehensive guidebook that showcases 72 of the best rail-trails and multiuse pathways across Pennsylvania. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to converting former railroad corridors to public, multiuse recreational trails, presents the best of these trails with detailed maps, driving directions, and quick, at-a-glance icons indicating which activities each trail can accommodate. Whether you're a runner, hiker, biker, skater, wheelchair user, or equestrian, you'll discover a variety of multiuse trails that suit your needs. This guidebook is an excellent resource for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking for a new adventure.

Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes

Benson, Jeremy
Mountaineers Books
Sep 19, 2017
Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes Cover
Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: California

Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: California is a must-have for any serious skier or snowboarder looking to explore the best routes in California. Written by professional skier Jeremy Benson, the book covers 97 of the state's top backcountry descents, including Mount Shasta, Tahoe, Bishop, and Mammoth. Benson brings his expertise and years of research to this guidebook, which also includes beautiful photography and useful maps. The book is part of the critically-acclaimed Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes series, and it's a great addition to any mountain climbing book collection. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore California's snowy peaks and slopes.

#TOP 9

How to Use a Compass

Publishers, Climax
Grey, Graham Rick
Feb 22, 2023
How to Use a Compass Cover
How to Use a Compass for Kids: A Beginners' Guide to Land Navigation, Fun Compass Games and Activities

This book, "How to Use a Compass for Kids", is a great way to introduce your children to the basics of land navigation. It is written in easy-to-understand language and includes fun drawings and games to keep kids engaged. The book covers everything from proper wayfinding techniques to finding their way in the wilderness without getting lost. The step-by-step advice from experts makes it easy for kids to understand the basic principles of using compasses. Overall, this book is a must-read for any young adventurer who wants to explore the outdoors with confidence.

Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast

Goodman, David
Appalachian Mountain Club Books
Dec 14, 2020
Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast Cover
Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast: 50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in New England and New York

The Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast: 50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in New England and New York is the ultimate guide to backcountry skiing. David Goodman has updated and expanded his classic guidebook, providing comprehensive information on the best ski and snowboard tours in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts. This guidebook includes detailed descriptions, topographic maps, and essential information on gear, skills, and safety. From thrilling day trips to hut-to-hut wilderness journeys, this book has it all. With beautiful color action shots and information on avalanche awareness, this is a must-have for any winter adventurer. Overall, this book is a fantastic resource and is highly recommended for anyone interested in backcountry skiing.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do beginners buy cross country skis?

Get The Correct Length By ensuring the length of your cross-country skis is matched to your body weight, you will be able to perform at your best. The correct ski length will give you the optimum grip and level of glide. If your cross-country skis are too short, you won't be able to glide efficiently.

2. What are the different types of cross country skiing?

There are two types of cross country skiing techniques: classic and skate. Both are done on groomed ski tracks, but they require different gear and skiers use different lower-body movements to propel themselves forward. The classic technique follows a movement pattern similar to walking or running.

3. What is classic cross country skiing?

Classic cross-country skiing is the most natural movement on skis. The technique is very similar to walking, just with skis on your feet and poles in your hands. The key part of this technique is a short kick, pressing the “kick zone” into the snow.

Editor's Notes

During our cross-country skiing book research, we found 668 cross-country skiing book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,482 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cross-country skiing books list. We found that most customers choose cross-country skiing books with an average price of $17.56.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.