Does anyone do Nordic ( cross country) skiing?

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We’ve had a couple of ski holidays and I can make my way easily down a green and down a blue run with slight terror. Oh, and I’m also scared of chair lifts. At 44, I’m pretty sure I have neither the skill or the inclination to get much further. DH and the kids ( 10 and 13) are better and more confident. I love snowshoe walking, the mountains, tobogganing and all the other snowy fun. Just not the hurtling down a mountain bit. It would be nice to have an activity we could enjoy together and I’m wondering about Nordic skiing. Is it good for nervous skiers? Might my kids find it dull? Would we need to start with individual lessons? Do most ski shops hire out the skis? Is there anything else I need ti know before going it a go? There’s a track at the (tiny) resort we spend time in, and far more facilities in Abondance/ Chatel (45 mins drive). Any thoughts appreciated!

Double check that your winter sports coverage includes cross country skiing explicitly. I went on a cross country skiing holiday to Norway, to a place called Venabu (recommended), and someone there got injured (broken wrist). They assumed that their winter sports coverage that they'd added to the travel insurance that came with their bank account would cover them, but it didn't, it only covered alpine skiing and ice skating. Being Norway it was crazy expensive for them, with the cost of taxis to get to the hospital in Lillehammer, treatment etc.

Sorry to be harping on about injuries, like all sports there is an element of risk with cross country skiing. While cross country skiing is generally slower than downhill, you can still be caught out.

Thank you @ChateauMargaux. I blame dh!

I just started a couple of weeks ago as I am living in Chamonix at the moment and opposite the ski du fond area. I love it and it has improved my Alpine skiing tremendously. I do the skating style, bought the skis and boots and now pop out everyday for a circuit through the forest and back. Lots of locals nip out for a couple of laps in their lunch hour and it is so civilised even ESF instructors wish you a bonjour!
It is very energetic, helps if you can already skate (I couldn't) but once you have cracked the technique, improvement is swift. Go for it!

Ds decided to try it out today. I watched but was not tempted!