The history of XC skiing
Cross country
skiing is thought to have been developed by migratory Sami living
near the Arctic Circle over 4000 years ago, to allow them to hunt
reindeer in deep snow. The word ‘ski’ comes from Norway where it
developed from the old Norse language where a ‘skith’ means a stick
of wood (though thankfully technology has moved us forward to
lighter materials!). Those European countries with regular snow
soon realised the value in this activity for both travelling from a
to b, and as a leisure activity and sport. Since then, is
popularity has continued to grow and more and more people are seeing
it as an alternative to downhill skiing as a winter holiday.
What exactly is
it?
In fact, its all in the name! As you might guess, it is a form of
skiing that allows you to travel cross country, over various
terrains, including uphill, downhill, flat, and most things
inbetween.
The most popular 2
types of cross country are 'classic' and 'skating' styles which are
very different, and each have their own kit (skis/boots/poles).
Classic
involves skiing in 2 parallel prepared tracks, approximately hip
distance apart which generally run alongside a wider piste.
The gliding motion you use is forwards, and the fact that you
are in tracks helps to control the direction of your skis, as well
as helping you to maximise your glide (which makes it less tiring,
and gives you the buzz!). You generally stay in the tracks or loip
when you are going uphill or on the flat, and then step out of them
when you go downhill, onto the wider piste, so you can adopt a
snowplough position and control your speed. You use your
poles to give you forward momentum, moving your opposite arm
and leg forwards at one time (like you would on a cross trainer at
the gym, if that helps!).
Skating
involves skiing in a diagonal or V shaped forward motion more like
ice skating or roller blading. Again your poles help to give
you forward momentum and increase your glide. You do not ski in the
tracks, and the skiing involves a more dynamic movement than
classic. It is generally thought to be harder to learn;
certainly it tests your balance more than the classic style of
skiing, but both are great fun and one can suit a person better than
the other, so it is worth giving them both a go at some point.
Skating is probably more energy intensive than classic as it is
harder to go slowly on the uphills / flats.
What kit do I
need?
Although you need a
different set of kit for classic and skating styles, both sets are
extraordinarily comfortable to wear, and lightweight both to carry
and to ski with. For those interested in investing in the kit,
it is not astronomically expensive, but hire is generally so easy
and convenient that unless you are skiing very regularly it may not
be worth investing in your own kit.
Classic Skis:
In the Pyrenees, and on our trips, we recommend using fish scale or
waxless skis as they cope best with the snow conditions we get,
where the temperature of the snow can change dramatically during the
day due to exposure to the sun. Waxless skis have a central
section of fish scales on the underside of them, which, when your
weight is over the centre, will 'grip' the snow and allow you to get
some forward momentum on the uphills and flats. The rest of
the ski, front and back, is free of scales and so offers you the
gliding motion you are looking for during the second half of your
stroke. In colder climes, grip wax is used to the same
purpose, with different waxes being put on the base of the ski for
different snow conditions. There is quite an art to this and
it can be quite time consuming. Though waxless skis are
reportedly a little slower than waxed skis, the difference would not
be significant for either beginner or intermediate skiers.
The boots are
comfortable, ankle high and with a bar at the toe that you clip into
the centre of your ski. Thus you are only attached to the ski
at the front of your foot, leaving your heel free during your
stride. This is far more comfortable than alpine skiing, (and
makes it much easier to get up if you fall over!).
Skating skis:
Longer than the classic ski, there are no fish scales on a skating
ski as the skier uses his diagonal stride and ski edge to get the
grip on the snow. The base of the ski is waxed to encourage
glide rather than grip. Boots are similar to classic in that
they bind to the ski at the toe, however they have more ankle
support and have some ankle movement so as to allow for the diagonal
stride. Skating poles are longer than the classic poles
and are used and held in a different position.
Clothing:
This depends on where you are skiing, and obviously the weather
conditions that day. In the Pyrenees, where it tends to be
fairly warm and sunny, you want to ski in thin layers of clothing so
that you can easily adjust your body temperature. We
recommend walking trousers and a long sleeved wicking t-shirt plus
fleece layers for warm days. You may want to wear breathable
waterproof trousers if you are a beginner and are likely to spend a
bit of time sitting on the snow! A hat is essential to help
regulate your temperature, as are skiing gloves (thin ones).
Sunglasses on a sunny day, and goggles in the snow are also a must.
For snowy days you would want more layers (including a layer under
your trousers), and a heavier waterproof/snowproof jacket with a
hood or good hat.
How fit do I need
to be?
It is true that xc
skiing is a winter sport that is renowned to be an excellent cardiac
activity, and aerobic exercise which can burn up an incredible
number of calories. However, it does not have to be that!
It is just as easy to be a leisurely cross country skier who barely
raises their pulse level. The difference is down to several
factors: the terrain you ski on, the distance you ski, the speed you
ski, and your motivation/aspirations. As a sport, it is
actually very low impact, and has a low injury rate, so is safe for
those with various medical conditions, sports injuries, and for
those of varying ages and fitness levels.
For sure, if you want to push yourself and increase your strength,
stamina and general aerobic fitness, then this is the ideal winter
sport for you, but also if you want to potter around the winter
landscape, taking photos and enjoying the views, then this could
also be your thing. Rarely does one activity lend itself so
completely to such a wide range of aspirations.
What about off
piste?
Cross country
skiing on groomed trails is a different kettle of fish to off piste
xc skiing (which uses the classic technique). At Marmot Tours
we stick to trips that use the high quality groomed trails that we
have on our doorstep. This is partly because it is best to
learn and hone your skills with track skiing, but also because we
love it! Off piste skiing is great to try once you have
mastered the basics of stopping, changing direction, slowing down,
going uphill and downhill etc, as then the challenges of the varied
terrain you encounter will not phase you. However, you will
always get more glide on prepared pistes, and for us, glide is what
it is all about!
If you aren't sure
about anything that is written above, or you want to ask any
questions, then please don't hesitate to
contact us. Watch
this space for some video clips of the 2 styles to be added to the
site this winter.
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