The Basics of Cross Country Skiing
Getting Started
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Find a local cross-country ski center. If it's your first time skiing, renting equipment is probably your best option. Make sure you find a place that has groomed trails, which will keep your skis pointed forward. Consider taking a lesson to learn the basics even faster!
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The Basics
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This is the glide phase (pictured below). Notice the right ski weight is more toward the back of the ski allowing the other ski to glide more.
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The change over phase is next. Shift your weight to the right ski. Once the weight has shifted to that ski, all the weight is placed with a quick movement downward, called “the kick.”
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The glide phase begins again. The kick plus your arm swing together create a sliding movement. To do this successfully, all the weight must be on one ski or the other, not both.
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Continue the glide and the kick cycle!
More Tips and Tricks
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When using your arms, plant the poles in line with the opposite foot. Your arms should swing front and back. Using the poles will help with balance and leg drive.
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When going uphill, put your skis in the shape of a V. Walk up the hill this way, while planting your poles behind you at the same time.
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Try to ski on a day after it's just snowed. Fluffy snow is much easier to ski on than an icy trail.
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Start out slow. It takes a little while to get the rhythm down of how to move your arms and legs. Choose a short trail that will only take 30 minutes to an hour. For your second try, increase the distance.