Cross-Country Skiing

Help for Beginners

Lesson One: flat land using WMV video

Generally PCs purchased during the 1900's have web browers that will recognize mpeg files and generally computers bought in the 21st centruy have web browsers that will recognize WMV files.  Each of the images below can be clicked for a short video to demonstrate each help point using 21st centry computers.

Help Point #1  Slide your hand into the pole strap from the bottom up.  This is the opposite of alpine skiing.  Click the image below for a video demonstration.

glovestill.jpg (15488 bytes) 

Help Point #2:  While standing still, turn around.   You could use a bunch of small steps, but you can do it is a single step as demonstrated in this video.

aboutface.jpg (17044 bytes)

Help Point #3:  Classic Striding.  Kick and Glide.   Throw your weight onto one ski and kick your self forward.  Use your poles to keep the glide going as long as possible.

striding.jpg (13320 bytes)

Help Point #4: Striding with no poles will test your ability to throw your weight onto one ski and kick forward.

stridingnopoles.jpg (13858 bytes)

Help Point #5: When your skiis are fast or you are on a mild downhill, you can double pole with each kick.  It's fun and fast.

doublepoling.jpg (14458 bytes)

Lesson 2: Turning