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Winter 2008/9 Nordic Cross-Country Skiing Instruction News!!!

Exodus Cross-Country Skiing Holidays
Heathley will be leading Cross-Country Skiing holidays in Norway with Exodus Holidays (Guardian 'Best Ski Company 2007'). Join him for expert instruction in Classic and Skating techniques. View client feedback.

Langlaufschule Zuoz

Heathley will be working for the Langlaufschule Zuoz (Switzerland). Join him for expert instruction in Classic and Skating techniques in the world famous St Moritz ski area (Engadin).

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing (XC) - Classic  technique

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing is, in the opinion of many exercise physiologists and researchers, the world's best aerobic fitness activity. The sport involves simultaneous use of arms and legs utilising ski equipment including boots, poles, and skis.

The Classic technique (also known as Traditional or Diagonal Stride) involves a straight-ahead gliding motion with each ski moving simultaneously. The thin, lightweight skis and comfortable soft boots makes the Classic technique an enjoyable introduction to Nordic Cross-Country skiing.

As part of your instruction, you'll learn the following techniques:

- Diagonal Stride (the basis for Classic skiing, resembling running movements);

- Double Poling (arm and pole assisted forward movement, with no leg actions);

- Double Poling with Stride (linking Double Poling and Diagonal Stride);

- Transitions (alternating and blending techniques).

For complete beginners, other skills will also be covered (see below).

If you are interested in a Cross-Country Skiing holiday, check out my recommended Partner.

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing - Classic technique
Photo credit: Fischer

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing - "Nordic Cruising"
Photo credit: Fischer

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing - "Nordic Cruising"
Photo credit: Fischer

Heathley demonstrating Diagonal Stride
Heathley demonstrating Diagonal Stride

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing (XC) - Skating technique

The Skating technique (also known as Freestyle) involves a 'V'-style glide with the skis and edge motion much like ice skating or roller blading. The thin, lightweight skis and comfortable soft boots makes the Skating technique an easy-to-learn introduction to Nordic Cross-Country skiing.

As part of your instruction, you'll learn the following techniques:

- Basic Skate (the fundamentals of Skating);

Herringbone Skate (steep uphills);

- Skate 1 (paddling uphill);

- Skate 2 (arm and pole actions with each leg stride);

- Skate 3 (arm and pole actions with every other leg stride);

Freeskate (skiing without arm and pole assistance); 

- Transitions (alternating and blending techniques).

No previous skiing experience is required in order to learn Nordic Cross-Country, however, for complete beginners basic techniques such as  sliding, falling and getting up, star and step turns, Ploughing, and safe stopping will be covered. We'll also look at the equipment, safety, and general fitness including warm-ups and stretching.

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing - Skating technique
Photo credit: Fischer

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing - Skating technique
Photo credit: Fischer

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing - Skating technique
Photo credit: Fischer

Heathley demonstrating Skate 1 (uphill)
Heathley demonstrating Skate 1 (uphill)

Location, Prices and Times for Nordic Cross-Country Skiing Instruction

Location

Organisation Employed By

Dates

Norway
Exodus Cross-Country Skiing Holidays
Winter only: December-March
Switzerland

Langlaufschule Zuoz

Winter only: December-March

Heathley provides instruction in Norway and Switzerland.
 
Private or Group instruction is available - for both Adults and Juniors. Skis, poles and boots (for either Skating or Classic techniques) are available, although you are welcome to use your own equipment.
 
Instruction is available for any level of skier - complete beginner or advanced - however, for beginners I recommend learning the Classic technique first.
 
Nordic Cross-Country Skiing is an ideal compliment to Nordic Walking, or Nordic Blading, which provides for an alternative form of maintaining that Nordic spirit!

Instruction accredited by:
British Association of Snowsport Instructors

The number of people who are interested in Nordic Fitness:

Copyright: Heathley Clarke