- Updated 15Nov07 -

Nordic Skiing Overview

• What is Nordic Skiing? - Nordic skiing is all free-heeled skiing, including cross country, telemark (Nordic downhill), ski jumping, Biathlon and ski orienteering.  GVBKYS focuses on cross country (XC) but we attempt to introduce all the Nordic disciplines. (Biathlon is an Olympic sport that combines XC with marksmanship; Ski-O is simply orienteering (navigating a course) while on skis.)
• Benefits of XC - Cross Country Skiing is generally regarded as a great outdoor winter activity AND to be a virtually perfect form of exercise.  Here are some of the reasons:
  • XC is great for families and individuals from 4 to 104; it is a lifelong activity!
  • It combines the fun of downhill skiing or mountain biking with the grace of dancing and the aerobics of running or hiking.
  • It involves all the senses and all the muscle groups.
  • It develops strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination and even exercises the brain!  XC ski racers have the highest cardiovascular performance and power-to-weight ratios of all elite athletes.
  • It is generally safe and its non-impact nature prevents injury.
  • It can be practiced solo, with groups or on teams; can be competitive or completely non-competitive.
  • It can always provide a challenge, as virtually no one completely masters the techniques and fitness to their full satisfaction.  However, almost any one can do it to an enjoyable level.
  • You can stay warm while outside in winter.
  • It is FUN!
• How and Where? - Cross Country Skiing is done on many levels:
  • Backyards and golf courses
  • Backcountry skiing off the trail often in mountainous areas
  • Light touring on skied-in or groomed trails
  • Fitness/performance skiing using classic or skating techniques on groomed trails
  • Ski racing using classic or skating techniques at high speeds on demanding groomed trails over distances ranging from 1 to 50+ kilometers.
• Technique Descriptions - XC fitness and race skiers use two distinct techniques, much like competitive swimmers use four distinct strokes:
  • Classic Technique is the stereotypical technique for XC involving forward and back motions of the skis.  Skis grip the snow with either ski “grip wax” or aggressive no-wax friction patterns on the center section of the ski to provide propulsion.  The skis glide on the tips and tails.
  • Skating Technique (also known as Freestyle or Free Technique) is very similar to Rollerblading xcept with the addition of ski poles to aid in propulsion, used especially when climbing.  Skating has been selectively used for decades but became a technique of its own in the 1980s when ski equipment became light enough and fast enough to allow for skating up hills.  Our club’s namesake Bill Koch is generally credited as the person responsible for creation of the skating technique.  Skis are usually shorter (without grip wax or no-wax pattern), poles longer and boots more supportive.  Children take to skating very naturally, especially after learning to ski classic, while adults seem to be initially more comfortable with classic. 

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