New to Nordic?
Are you new to cross-country skiing? Check out these resources.
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.
Classic Skiing
Classic skiing is the age-old, traditional discipline of cross-country skiing. Skiers ski in preset tracks made by groomers using a technique called diagonal stride to propel themselves forward. With the skis in the track, the skier puts his or her weight on one ski, pushes off, and glides on the other ski and then repeats. Classic is relatively easy to learn and have fun doing, even if it is difficult to master and perform efficiently.
The TCGIS Nordic Ski Team practices the classic technique.
Skate Skiing
Skate skiing emerged as a newer technique in the 1980s. Done outside of the classic tracks on a packed trail, it resembles an ice-skating motion (hence the name) in which skiers push off the skis laterally to propel themselves forward. There can be a steeper learning curve to skating and it generally it takes people longer to get functionally moving.
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.
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
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.
Trail Etiquette
Keep these common courtesies in mind when you're on the trail:
Ski no more than two skiers across (so you don't take up the whole trail)
Stay off the tracks! Step over tracks. Do not skate over them.
Never walk on groomed trails (including the section for skate skiing).
If you need to stop along a trail, move to the side so that you don't block the trail for other skiers.
Do not stop at the bottom of a hill or on a blind curve where other skiers might have trouble avoiding you.
Always ski in the correct direction on one-way trails. On two-way trails stay to the right (unless otherwise marked).
Slower skiers have the right of way.
Be courteous and helpful to fellow trail users.
