With the arrival of the cold, the ski resorts open their doors to all lovers of winter sports. Excursions with snowshoes, motorcycles... And a wide variety of activities are what you can do on the track. In this case we will talk to you about phono skiing, have you heard of it before?
Cross-country skiing is a sport that requires good physical capacity since during the activity all the muscles and resistance will be worked. To enjoy this sport comfortably and obtain good results, as we have told you, it will be advisable for you to have good physical shape, but don't worry if you haven't practiced it before because it is a technique >it is easy to learn.
Do you want to know more? Read: physical preparation for cross-country skiing
In this article we are going to talk to you about cross-country skiing and we will focus above all on the type of techniques that skiers of this modality can use to travel the snowy slopes, and Who knows... Maybe it will be a great help to start your journey in this sport.
The classic technique
This technique is a clear example of a much simpler style, this modality will allow you to enjoy this sport in a more traditional way through a series of movements on the skis.
These will be equipped with a grip or retention system on the snow (flakes, micropores or grip waxes), which will allow you to propel yourself with your legs without the skis sliding backwards on ascents. To facilitate this movement, the machines that tread and mark the slopes trace a rail called a footprint, where the skier introduces their skis. The use of poles, reinforced by momentum of the arms, helps sliding.
The most characteristic step of this classic technique is thealternative step. It involves performing alternating and frontal sliding of the two skis, while the arm opposite the sliding leg uses force with the pole.
The skater technique
Known as the skater technique since it resembles the ice skating technique, it emerged in the 1980s, making it a relatively modern modality. In this method, the edges of the skis are used as a support and impulse surface, without the need for another grip mechanism.
In this case, the skis do not go within the track, but rather slide in an alternative and divergent manner; The traction of the arms is, generally, simultaneous and not alternative. As there are no grip mechanisms on the sole of the skis , the sliding is optimal, so higher speeds are reached than with the classic technique.
In both techniques, movements adapted to descending terrain are used, similar to those of other snow activities, such as alpine skiing. and mountain skiing: fundamental position of direct descent, half wedge, wedge, parallel turns, divergent steps or the "schuss" position.
Cross-country skiing is one of the most interesting techniques to enjoy the snowy valleys, so if you have doubts, it is best to find a good professional to go with you on the first steps and then enjoy total freedom. What can go wrong?
