I actually felt like this came very naturally to me. The hardest part was actually going downhill. Firstly, your heals aren't strapped to the ski like downhill skis, so you can't turn. Secondly, x-countrt skis have no edge on them. So stopping, slowing down, or having any control of your speed is difficult. On one of the hills I went down, it was a steeper one with a curve at the bottom. I picked up too much speed that in order to stop myself before going into the woods was to fall face first into the snow. My skis were sprawled in a V-shape. I was laughing at myself so hard, that I did pee my pants as well. But I also got myself into a situation that I didn't know how to get up with my skis on, so somebody helped me pop one off.
Is x-country skiing something I would do again? Sure, but I wouldn't invest in the sport. I'd rather stick to downhill skiing.
But I am having a blast! I like all the women I have met in this group. I would definitely do something like this again! Disclaimer: I am in October. I'm doing the Shenandoah trip with the Explorer Chicks company.