Nordic Ski Technique for Climbs, Descents, Turns
Intermediate Cross-Country Skills Help Skiers on Challenging Trails
Jan 19, 2009
The diagonal stride is the basic tool in the cross-country skier's arsenal of skills. But other techniques are needed to cope with challenging cross-country trails with climbs and descents.
Herringbone Cross-Country Climbing Technique
The herringbone ascent is so named because the ski tracks make a pattern that looks like a fish's spine in the snow. The skier turns his or her feet outward (like a duck) and then, one at a time, jams each foot into the snow at about a 45 degree angle to the fall line. The weight is placed on the inside of the leg, and the skiers inside edge is pushed into the snow (with the weight on the inside of the foot) to prevent slipping backwards. At the same time, the skier balances and prevents slippage by pushing in the opposite ski pole. Once the uphill foot is securely positioned, the other foot is moved forward and the process is repeated on the other side.
Side Stepping on Skis for Climbing and Descending
Sometimes it feels easier to go up (or down) by side stepping. In this technique, the body faces perpendicular to the fall line. The skier simply steps down (or up) with one foot, always staying parallel to the fall line, and keeping the uphill edge of each ski gripping the snow. Stamping the ski into the slope and being sure the edge is securely in the snow helps prevent slippage.
The Kick Turn
The kick turn is impressive and functional and can be used by downhill skiers and Nordic skiers, even on steep slopes. Practice on the flats first, because this turn requires flexibility and coordination. You should be able to do this turn facing in either direction.
Stand perpendicular to the fall line (if on a slope). Both ski poles are planted in the snow on the uphill side. Kick the lower leg up and forward until the very back end of the ski is standing perpendicular in the snow. Then turn the down hill foot backward (Ballet dancers might recognize this as an incredibly awkward fifth position with skis on). As the ski goes down, twist the body so that the torso faces downhill (as much as possible) while repositioning the downhill arm so that that pole is now on the downhill side, and toward the back of the ski. Finally, bring the uphill foot around so that it is now downhill and parallel to the other foot. Having executed this maneuver, the skier will be facing 180-degrees the other direction from the starting point.
Skins Make Climbing on Nordic Trails Easier
Skins make the whole business of going uphill easier: They used to be made of fur; now they are usually synthetic. Because the grain of the "fur" goes in one direction, it catches the skier when going uphill. The skier can glide forward, but the grain of the "fur" keeps the skier from sliding back down by providing friction against the snow.
With a little bit of practice, beginning Nordic skiers can master basic cross-country techniques and start tackling the beautiful and challenging trails of forests and mountains.
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