Skiing techniques for classic skiing

To get the most out of your cross-country skiing, it's important to get your technique right. So what's involved in ski technique for classic skiing? Let's find out in this article!

Why you need to focus on your skiing technique

It's hardly news that cross-country skiing is largely about technique. Beginners, enthusiasts, recreational skiers and professional skiers all benefit greatly from improving their skiing technique.

For example, below we list four reasons why you should focus on your skiing technique:

• Increases endurance By honing your technique, you will soon realise that you have more stamina and can go further. A lot of unnecessary energy is wasted if you ride the wrong way.

• You will be faster Better technique and increased endurance mean that you will be able to go much faster than before, while being able to maintain that speed for much longer.

• You get more out of your equipment You read that right. By skiing in the most optimal way, you will get the most out of your ski equipment! Longer glide and better grip - just because you put your centre of gravity in the right place.

• Less risk of injury Making sure you ride properly will minimise the risk of wearing out your muscles or injuring yourself.

What is classic style?

Now that you know why it's important to have the right skiing technique, the next question is - what exactly is classic skiing?

Firstly, there are two different styles of cross-country skiing, one is freestyle/skate and the other is called classic style.

• Classic style Originally, there was only one style of cross-country skiing: the classic style. Classic cross-country skiing means skiing with the skis parallel
• Freestyle/skate The leg movements resemble skate cuts in appearance and are often combined with double-sided stick strokes. This style was authorised in the mid-80s after it was found to be more effective than the classic style.

Classic style is best done on tracked trails, whereas no track is needed for freestyle/skate. Below we explain in more detail what classic skiing looks like.

The five gears of classic riding

The classic ride consists of five different techniques, or gears as they are often called. Like the gears on a car or bicycle, you shift up when you want to go faster. On a steep uphill, you use the first gear and when going downhill you use the fifth. The gears are only used theoretically to make it easier to learn classic skiing techniques.

You can read more about the different switches below.

1. Scissoring
2. Diagonal driving
3. Staking with offsets
4. Staking without offsets
5. Speed setting

1. scissoring

One-man gear - used on steep uphill slopes when the skis don't grip or when you can no longer do the diagonal skiing. Scissoring involves angling the back of the skis like a "V" and moving forwards with your arms diagonal to your legs. Both leg and arm strokes are used to push off.

Scissoring gets your heart rate up and requires a lot of energy. Therefore, try to limit this style of riding to short and steep uphill sections.

2. diagonal running

Two-speed gear - used mainly on long, gently sloping uphill slopes or in headwinds and when travelling slowly on flat sections. Using the attachment roller, you push off one ski at a time, working diagonally with the opposite arm.

This is usually the most difficult ski technique in classic skiing to learn. This is simply because there are so many elements to keep track of at the same time. Focus on getting the weight transfer as correct as possible. Using your hips, shift all your weight onto one ski at a time so that it is pressed down firmly and takes hold. Long strides and correct pole holds will help you glide more easily.

3. Staking with offsets

Third gear - by beginners this is the ideal long-distance gear, while the pros use it on easy uphills. Like the previous gear, you push off with one leg at a time and use your arms in parallel.

In this gear, the timing of the pole hold and push-off is very important. The tips of the poles should be inserted a couple of centimetres in front of the binding and at that very moment you push off with the skis with locked and strong arms.

4. Stacking without offsets

Fourth gear - Used when the slope is completely flat. In this gear, you can usually see how the pro skiers go up on their toes to fully utilise the energy of the position. For beginners, however, the focus should not be on this particular detail.

The important thing, however, is that the weight is on your toes when you put the poles down and that you push your hips forward properly. This way you will make the best use of your body weight and core strength.

5. speed setting

The last gear - for downhills. Finally, there is time to recover! When you come to a downhill, shift into final gear and focus on breathing.

With your legs bent at about 90 degrees and your arms close to and in front of your body, you want to put your weight on your heels so that the glide wall can work. If you start to go too fast, you need to plough, i.e. push the skis wide apart, otherwise there is a risk of a crash.

In conclusion

Simple, right? That's how it works with ski technique for classic skiing. You are more than welcome to train in our ski track! Good luck and see you in winter.