Background

Is it Nordic skiing or cross-country skiing?

The terms Nordic and cross-country are generally used synonymously. Technically, cross-country skiing is a type of Nordic skiing, which also includes telemark skiing, biathlons, skijoring and even ski jumping. The common denominator for these skiing disciplines is that the heel of the boot isn’t attached to the ski. Therefore, all cross-country skiers are Nordic skiers, but not all Nordic skiers are cross-country skiers.

Two Types of Cross-Country Skiing

Nordic and cross-country are both umbrella terms for the sport, and “classic” and “skate” are specific techniques that fall beneath that umbrella. Each technique utilizes slightly different body motions and equipment.

The skis, boots, and poles are different for each. Classic skis are longer than skate skis, and classic poles are shorter than skate poles. Skate boots have more ankle support than classic boots. There are also combi boots that can be used for both classic and skate.

Take a look at the classic and skate ski techniques.

For New Skiers

If you're brand-new to skiing, chances are you're worried about falling down or are overwhelmed by the new equipment you need for this sport. The good news is that everyone will fall, even the coach (often under the silliest of circumstances)! Falling down is simply part of learning to cross-country ski. One of the very first skills we'll learn is how to get back up on skis. We'll also learn how to do a controlled fall going down a hill. 

There are a couple of things you can do before we even practice on skis as a team to boost your confidence. 

Instructional Videos for Beginners

• Getting Started

• How to Put on Your Skis, Boots, and Poles

• Getting back up after falling

• Stride, Glide and Climbs 

• All About Poles

• Hills

• Double-poling - correctly common errors in form

• Double-poling with a kick

Practice Putting on Equipment

At home, practice lacing up your boots (they should be laced tightly for a snug fit), clicking your boots into your skis and putting your gloves hands through the loops of your poles. You can do this indoors on a rug or outside on the grass (if there's no snow).  Then practice unclicking your boots from your skis. 

Move on Your Skis

Even with just two or three inches of snow on the ground, you can practice moving around on your skis in any open space.  Don't use your poles and instead focus on just moving on your skis, whether you shuffle, jump, walk or go up or downhill. It doesn't matter what kind of movement, how coordinated you are or how many times you fall. It's all beneficial in acclimating you to being on skis.

Once you feel more comfortable, practice gliding on your skis. Again, without your poles, practice pressing one ski down into the snow, pushing off, and shifting your weight to the other ski and gliding on that ski.