How to learn to skate on skis? Step-by-step instructions for beginners

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The winter season is not over yet, which means there is still time to try new sports. Take skiing, for example. Each of us is ready to remember our school days when we had to move our feet leisurely on a beaten track. Someone went further and tried their hand in the mountains. But not everyone has a suitable slope, and it can be boring to drive along the track. The solution is to learn the skate: it’s faster and more dynamic, and you can also ski on flat terrain.

How does skate skiing differ from regular skiing?

Let’s start with the basics: there are two styles of cross-country skiing – classic and skate. In classic style skiing, the skis remain parallel to each other. That’s why when a child is put on skis, he or she is taught the classic style first: it is easier to master because the movements are more natural due to the straight trajectory and closer to normal walking. The classic style is suitable for both leisurely walks and serious training.

Classics also come in many forms – the differences are determined by the terrain. Depending on the nature and slope of the surface, different types of classic style are used: simultaneous is used on flat terrain, and the so-called variable classic style is better suited for uphill running.

Skate style looks like skating – hence the name. In it, the feet are slightly turned, and the movements are not straight, but as if going in an arc, leaving a trace in the form of a herringbone.

Skating is considered to be more difficult to master, as it is more demanding to the level of physical fitness of a person. At the same time, this style is faster and more dynamic. A good level of physical fitness is especially important in the early stages, when you are mastering basic skills and techniques. And for an experienced skier, skating will be less energy-consuming than classic skiing.

What skills will make it easier?

Those who are familiar with skating have a slight advantage in mastering the skate style. A person who has been to the rink regularly already knows how to transfer weight from one foot to the other – this is an extremely important factor when learning to skate.

It should be understood that skis and skates are completely different sports equipment, and not every hockey player or skater will be able to run technically on skis and vice versa.

What equipment will I need?

If you have been practicing classic skiing, you didn’t like it and want to learn skate skiing, get ready to buy the right equipment – the equipment for classic and skate skiing is different. In particular, the skate boot is higher and has special cuffs to support and fix the ankle. Also, the sole of the boot is much stiffer – this is necessary for a more effective push.

As for the skis themselves, they will be shorter for skate style. This is rather a plus – thanks to their compactness, such skis are easier to control and freer to maneuver. Depending on the individual, professional skis are selected according to their weight in terms of stiffness and 10-15 cm in length.

Ski poles for skating are also adjusted to the skier’s height. In order not to memorize the complicated formula and all the variables, you can count simply: take your height and multiply it by 0.9 – this will be the approximate length of the poles that will suit you.

How to choose the right piste for training?

To be comfortable practicing skating style, you need to find the right track. A forest with a ski track is not suitable – for “skate” the track should be wide and dense. It is better to choose places where special compaction equipment regularly passes by: it seems to compress the fluffy snow, and the behavior on such a surface becomes more precise and predictable. There are various services for tracking the condition of ski slopes – consult them before your trip. For example, you can do it here.

Where to start learning to skate?

Find a coach

If you are a beginner and plan to take part in amateur competitions, it is highly desirable for you to work under the supervision of a specialist. He will help you learn the basic technique faster, learn the subtleties of ski preparation and many other important details.

Attend a master class

The base can be gained for free – periodically in large cities and online there are master classes teaching the basics of skating. Learning to keep your balance, transfer weight from one foot to the other, synchronize your arms and legs – these are the basic skills that will help you learn to skate faster.

Practice at home

However, you can start learning this style at home, even without skis. The easiest thing to do is to try to imitate simultaneous pushing off with your hands. To do this, stand in front of a large mirror, slightly tilt forward the body, slightly bend your knees, imagine that you have in your hands poles, and fly movements imitate the setting and pushing off. It is important to make sure that your arms are parallel. When setting at the top point, the elbows should be slightly bent, and at the bottom – straightened.

At home, you can also try to learn how to transfer your body weight from one foot to the other while keeping your balance. Stand in a skier’s stance: tilt your body slightly forward, bend your knees slightly. You can keep your hands behind your back. Then take a step to the right side with the push leg crouching, transfer the body weight to the supporting leg and fix the position for a few seconds. Then repeat the same with the left side.

Performing these simple exercises will help your body adapt to skate skiing faster – and you will come to the coach with an understanding of the basics, so it will be easier to learn.

Cross-country skiing is one of the most accessible and healthy types of active winter recreation. If you want not just to spend time in the fresh air, but also to feel the dynamics, speed and drive – skate running can be the sport that will fascinate you and give you a lot of impressions.