Learning to skating step on cross-country skis, climbing slopes and downhill technique are the tasks that every novice cross-country skier has to face. How to deal with these challenges is shown by instructor Łukasz Kacprzak from the Cross Country Skiing Society. Watch the video with expert tips.

Oncross-country skiswe can move in the classic style and the skating style. In the latter, the skis are angled in relation to the direction of travel, and we bounce off their inner edges, leaving traces resembling a fir tree. The equipment for cross-country skating is also different. The boots are stiff, firmly around the ankle, the skis are about 15 cm shorter than in cross-country skiing, and the poles are just as long. The skating style also requires some steps other than the classic one.

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Skate Step Technique

The skating step consists in the fact that we do it without the work of hands. The skis are positioned angularly, i.e. with close bows and flared backs, and we alternately bounce on them. The skating step on skis resembles those we perform while skating and skating. Remember that it is best to practice it on well-groomed and wide slopes.

See how instructor Łukasz Kacprzak shows how to perform a skating step in the film.

Cross-country skiing uphill walking

Cross-country skiing is best done while walking. Beginner cross-country skiers usually choose cross-country skiing with the so-called a scale that prevents the skier from going backwards, which makes it much easier to overcome slopes. If we are owners of cross-country skating skates, the angle of the ski to the direction of travel prevents it from rolling backwards when reaching the hill. As skate skis do not have scales, they are lubricated along their entire length with paraffin to reduce friction.

Climbing hills, the so-called herringbone

Another technique for climbing hills on classic cross-country skis is the so-called herringbone. It consists in facing the hill, arranging the skis in the shape of the letter V: so that their backs are facing each other.close, and beaks distant. We place the sticks far back, because we will lean on them so as not to slide backwards. Then we take steps alternately with both legs.

Sideways climbing

If, on the other hand, we have to overcome a very difficult, almost vertical slope, bind the skis together and stand up to the side of the hill. First, move one ski upwards by about 20 cm, then the other one a moment later. When performing this maneuver, use poles to support you.

Watch the video in which instructor Łukasz Kacprzak shows how to climb hills on cross-country skis

Downhill technique on cross-country skis

The technique of cross-country skiing is different from downhill skiing - the hills are not so sharp, except for sports trails. Usually, however, at the end of the descent there is a long straight that only requires a slight push and bend. The cross-country skiing technique involves two postures: low or high.

Downhill position low and high

Taking a tall position, place the poles under your armpits, and bend your legs slightly at the knees. The low position, on the other hand, requires a very large lunge and rest your elbows either on the knees or just in front of them. The posture should be as streamlined as possible. It is worth noting that the low position is usually assumed when sliding down tracks, where the legs are "guided" in the gutters. The high position is safer, because we are able to counter every "departure" of the skis.

Downhill "plow" position

A running technique that is ideal for beginners is the so-called plow. Place the skis as follows: bring the beaks closer to each other, set the heels apart and, depending on the angle of the spacing, we brake properly. And yes, larger hills require a wide spacing of the skis, and on small hills, the skis can even be placed parallel to each other - just wait for the skis to slow down by themselves.

Learn the technique of downhill cross-country skiing, presented by instructor Łukasz Kacprzak.

Category:

Winter sports