Norwegians are avid skiers, and they love nothing better than getting out into nature at the coldest time of the year. Video: How to choose cross country skis and boots. Look for cross country ski poles that are as lightweight as your budget will allow. Their downfall is that they’re a little less efficient and versatile when compared to waxed skis. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. Unlike downhill skiing, cross country skiing always works up a big sweat. Running Shoes|Fitness Apparel|Sports, Daily Deals: As a kid, I worked for a local park and learned to cross country ski on the job. How to hold your poles when cross-country skiing: Slide each hand through the bottom of the pole loop and grasp the pole grip. You won’t enjoy the sweat-storm that results! Saturday 30. As the name implies these skis are quite similar to touring skis. The learning curve is light and new skiers can start on totally flat terrain. In cross country skiing, there are two main styles – the traditional XC skiing known as Classic skiing and the Skate skiing normally known as Skating. Simply follow along with these videos and you will learn all the basic skills you need to cross country ski safely on the flats and hills. If you’ve never skied before it’s challenging and thrilling. Shop: Athletic Stance: In both forms of Nordic skiing, it's imperative to stand tall, then add a deep ankle flexion that puts you in an upright slouch. Skis also come in various widths. No Sponsored Content. Luckily most manufacturers have a simple scale based on user height and weight. Free admission. He taught Alpine skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah for several seasons before transitioning into freelance writing. Beginners should aim for low-altitude trails which are mainly flat and not too long – despite its elegant appearance, cross-country skiing can be hard work. Skate skiing requires the skier to push off each ski in a V pattern, resembling rollerblading or ice-skating. For skate skiing a pole which is neck high or even taller sometimes can be appropriate. All rights reserved. Cross-country ski courses in Norway. True, both classic and skate skiing can be difficult to master, at first. Choose the one you want to start with – generally, beginners go for the classic skiing style as a foundation. Tone your upper and lower body with this fun outdoor winter sport. Getting into backcountry skiing for the first time is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Choosing the wrong wax can be disastrous! This will save you energy. A pole which sits snugly under your armpits when standing is properly sized. I understand that you probably don’t want to buy an entire quiver of skis to … This is generated from your core, allowing you to apply force to propel yourself forward. Eventually skate skiing became all the rage and today it seems cross country skiers enjoy both types of skiing equally. These types of cross country skis are made for an entirely different approach. Choosing the right clothes for cross country skiing can be hard. The skate style, on the other hand, requires skiers to use a V-pattern as you push off each ski, similar to ice skating. For recreational skiers, there are basically two three types of skis you’ll need to worry about. and/or its affiliates and licensors. A flexible cross-country ski is more forgiving if you're new to skiing; a stiffer ski is much more responsive, amplifying any mistakes in your technique and making basic beginner moves like wedge turns more difficult. They’re lightweight skis and tend to be longer than most other types. As a beginner you will fall over, you cannot learn cross-country without a few bumps and bruises. For off-trail use, feel free to go with as wide of a ski as you feel comfortable with. © Copyright 2020, | Outside Pursuits | All Rights Reserved. New Nordic Norm bindings will only work the matching type of ski boot. Cross-country skiing is the national pastime of Norway during the winter months. Keep in mind that waxless skis still need occasional applications of “glide wax” but this can simply be rubbed on like a deodorant stick and takes only seconds. By and large, cross country ski poles need not be expensive purchases. New to the sport? Get a feel for what suits you best. Cross-country skiing is often thought of as walking (or running) in the snow as opposed to skate skiing, which is often seen as more physically challenging. Salomon Nordic System bindings, as you guessed, also only work with SNS boots. In other words, don't tense up! You’ll also want to find ones with ergonomic handles and comfortable straps. Several ski destinations in Norway have courses and beginner lessons for both adults and children. These skis are designed to kick and glide with maximum ease and they’re used similarly to ice skates. The former cross-country skiing star has been the manager of the German national team since April, and here on ISPO.com gives beginners … Entry level models often come with the skis and if you want better poles upgrades can be quite affordable. Specifically Classic Cross-Country Skiing: When classic skiing, keep your hips in a high position with your legs stacked underneath you, all while leaning slightly forward (bending your ankles, not your hips). Nordic skiing not only requires strength in your whole body, but it's a sport (like swimming) where efficiency and proper form is key. © 2020 Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. Cross-country skiing doesn’t require a lot of equipment compared to other winter sports: you’ll need boots, skis, bindings, poles and wax (though waxless skis are also an option). Have fun when you hit the trails with these beginner skiing tips. December 10, 2018 . software for managing & marketing your events. From marketing exposure to actionable data Find Camps & Activities for your Active Kids, Cross Training Options for Runners When the Weather Turns Bad, Nordic Skiing 101 For the Triathlete or Cyclist. Plus you’ll be able to get a better sense of what gear you like and what to buy for yourself! These can be adjusted easily to warm you up or cool you down. Casey has guided backpackers, kayakers, and skiers on backcountry trips all around the US. Terms of Use There are lots of virtual options to keep you active and engaged — just select “Virtual Activities” as your location, and you’re ready to go. To avoid getting overly wet and sweaty and then cold, make sure to wear a lightweight base layering system. Specifically Classic Cross-Country Skiing: When classic skiing, keep your hips in a high position with your legs stacked underneath you, all while leaning slightly forward (bending your ankles, not your hips). If you’re a beginner, try renting ski equipment rather than buying it. Privacy Policy They have a turned-up tip and a flat tail. Add to that the muscular strength and endurance necessary, and you've got yourself one heck of a winter cross-training activity. Both types of Nordic skiing can burn from 400 to upwards of 1,000 calories an hour (at racing speed and weight dependent), according to the American College of Sports Medicine. They also have greater sidecut for turning and perform more similarly to alpine skis. Venabu, the mountain hotel where O’Flanagan works, offers courses and private lessons for both beginners and experienced skiers, as well as sleigh rides and yoga and ski weekends. Support & Feedback I hope this beginners guide to cross country skiing was helpful to get you started. While picky users can choose their skis, ski boots, and poles separately it just makes sense to buy a package. Skiing can be difficult to master, at first My Personal information Cookie Policy Privacy Settings Support! Slightly forward the first few times before buying and versatile when compared waxed! Serious workout skate skiing became all the rage and today it seems cross country skiing always up... And what to buy for yourself, each intended for a specific use and technique the rage and it! Much warmer than it is for seasoned pros in your backpack and adjust on the job most popular of... Easier to buy a packaged set the trails with these beginner skiing tips skis... 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