| Cross-country skiing is a fun way to take in the | | | | with poles also help you push you along. Skating is |
| beautiful back-country trails in winter with your family. | | | | the other technique done on a consistent packed |
| What It Is and Where You Can Do It | | | | surface where you make an open V pattern instead |
| I relish winter snow blanketing the landscape. Luckily, | | | | of straight ahead. You push one ski to the side and |
| I've found a sport that allows me to get exercise | | | | glide while using powerful pole strokes to assist. It |
| and travel on skis without skiing downhill at a resort | | | | makes the quickest way to slide for you racer types! |
| with lift lines. There exist downhill ski resorts that | | | | The equipment needed is lightweight and all of it can |
| have a separate area of trails for Nordic skiers. The | | | | be carried over your shoulders. The boots are only |
| term "Nordic" covers not only | | | | ankle high and are held onto the ski by a binding |
| cross-country, but telemark and ski jumping. | | | | which secures the toe but allows the heel to lift |
| These are trails that are usually groomed creating a | | | | freely up off the ski. |
| flat, grooved surface. The pattern will usually appear | | | | The shoes detach from the skis allowing you to walk |
| like giant corduroy fabric. The advantage of a | | | | around comfortably. Poles similar to downhill ski poles |
| groomed trail is that you will glide completely on top | | | | propel you along when skiing. Skis fall into 2 |
| of the snowpack while the groove directs you. If | | | | categories. Waxless have bases with ridges cut into |
| you go on an ungroomed trail you will still be able to | | | | them for grip. Waxable skis are the traditional kind |
| ski it. At times you may sink in it some, but you can | | | | that need you to apply special waxes to fine-tune |
| move forward through it. You don't tend to sink | | | | your ski to match snow conditions. We don't want |
| much into snow because your weight is distributed | | | | you sliding around aimlessly out there now! |
| over your skis. | | | | Basic Moves |
| This activity is family-friendly. Infants and toddlers | | | | Okay, moving right along, we've come to some basic |
| can ride in a backpack or sled. Grandparents can go | | | | instruction on technique. |
| as it is almost like a gentle walk. Teenagers can go | | | | Kick and Glide creates the basic rhythym of classic |
| fast with the skate ski technique. Even your family | | | | skiing. Keep your knees and ankles flexed and your |
| dog can run along as some Nordic Centers welcome | | | | upper body forward. Push a foot forward and |
| them. | | | | pressure the center of the ski so it gets firm contact |
| With over 350 cross-country ski areas in North | | | | with the snow. Now bring that heel down. Next, |
| America there may well be one near you. This sport | | | | stride forward with your other foot. |
| uses natural movements and has a rather short | | | | Snowplow is used when you want to slow down or |
| learning curve. The biggest challenge for a beginner is | | | | stop. Form a closed V shape by bringing your front |
| to maintain your balance while shuffling along--think | | | | ski tips together. At the same time shift your weight |
| standing with ice skates. | | | | toward the insides of your skis. Bend your knees |
| The skis are quite thin and long; but with time you | | | | some. |
| will learn to balance. It is an aerobic sport as you will | | | | Herringbone is used to walk on uphill portions where |
| experience after you've covered some distance. Stay | | | | you cannot get enough momentum to push yourself |
| on marked trails and obey posted signs, as in some | | | | up with your poles. Walk straight up with your front |
| areas avalanches are a risk. There are two different | | | | ski tips facing out. Steering gives you control over |
| movement techniques. | | | | going to the left or right. Pressing more on your right |
| Classic refers to the diagonal stride where you push | | | | ski causes you to go left. Pressing more on your left |
| each foot forward in long, graceful strides. Your arms | | | | ski causes you to go right. |