Earlier this summer I took a few short films to demonstrate different skate skiing techniques. They are demonstrated by members of the Brit Nordic team, so you could do a lot worse than copy them. Hopefully I can get Roy to write something to explain the different techniques

Skate 1

This is good for going up steep hills, it’s the equivalent on 1st gear on a car. Note this is an asymmetric style,  it’ s important to practice it on both sides so you develop your technique evenly. The ski poles are supposed to hit the ground simultaneously with the lead ski.

Here we see Andrew Musgrave going up a hill.


Here’s P-J and Callum demonstrating

[tubepress]

Skate 2

This is a more energetic style for accelerating or going up short hills (unless you are really fit). The key here is to get double pole on every skate, so you really need to get you hands back fast after poling. Start to practice with a short jab each time, then as you progress you can make the poling action longer. (Who’s that guy after Callum, I’m not too sure you should copy him!)

Skate 3

This is a cruising technique for flat conditions or slight downhills. Pole every other skate. The poling action happens before you change to the other ski, compared to skate 1 where the pole plant is supposed to happend as you come down onto the ski