Learn Cross-country Skiing with Nordic National Ski Teacher

Cross-country Skiing - Classic technique

Cross-country Skiing is, in the opinion of many exercise physiologists and researchers, the world's best aerobic fitness activity. The sport involves simultaneous use of arms and legs utilising ski equipment including boots, poles, and skis.

The Classic technique (also known as Traditional or Diagonal Stride) involves a straight-ahead gliding motion with each ski moving simultaneously. The thin, lightweight skis and comfortable soft boots makes the Classic technique an enjoyable introduction to Cross-country skiing.

As part of your instruction, you'll learn the following techniques:

- Diagonal Stride (the basis for Classic skiing, resembling running movements);

- Double Poling (arm and pole assisted forward movement, with no leg actions);

- Double Poling with Stride (linking Double Poling and Diagonal Stride);

- Transitions (alternating and blending techniques).

For complete beginners, other skills will also be covered (see below).

If you are interested in a Cross-country Skiing holiday, check out my recommended Partner.

Double Poling

Diagonal Stride

Double Pole with Stride

Downhill Tuck (in track)

Cross-country Skiing - Skating technique

The Skating technique (also known as Freestyle) involves a 'V'-style glide with the skis and edge motion much like ice skating or roller blading. It is more dynamic than the Classic technique. The thin, lightweight skis and comfortable soft boots makes the Skating technique an easy-to-learn introduction to Cross-country skiing.

As part of your instruction, you'll learn the following techniques:

- Basic Skate (the fundamentals of Skating);

- Herringbone Skate (steep uphills);

- Skate 1 (paddling uphill);

- Skate 2 (arm and pole actions with each leg stride);

- Skate 3 (arm and pole actions with every other leg stride);

- Freeskate (skiing without arm and pole assistance);

- Transitions (alternating and blending techniques).

No previous skiing experience is required in order to learn Cross-country, however, for complete beginners basic techniques such as sliding, falling and getting up, star and step turns, Ploughing, and safe stopping will be covered. We'll also look at the equipment, safety, and general fitness including warm-ups and stretching.

Downhill Parallel Turns

Snowplough

Freeskate (High Tuck)

Skate 3

Skate 1 (Uphill)

Skate 2

Freeskate ('Speed Skating')

Skate 1