The history of XC skiingCross 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. |
