Classical Skiing

Classical cross country skiing is extremely easy to learn, but hard to master. It requires a little bit of balance and a little bit of endurance, but besides that it doesn't require much at all.

First we'll work on your legs and how they move. Your legs are the main propulsion when classically skiing. Ok, we'll start on the right side. Put all your weight on the right ski. Now that your left ski is unweighted, slide it forward. Now shift your weight from your right ski to your left ski. Now that your right ski is unweighted, slide it forward. That's all you have to do with your legs! It's that easy! At least the principle is. In practice it will take a few tries to get used to the balance.

Now we add the poles. Ok, when your right ski is weighted, and you're sliding your left leg forward, plant your right pole at a distance approximately equal to where your toes are on your left foot, except on your right side. Depending on your stride, this could be anywhere from 2-3 feet. Ok, now when you're sliding your right ski forward, you want to move your left foot to the same level as your toes on your right foot. It sounds complicated here, but I assure you that it is easy. Just remember when you slide a foot forward, move the opposite pole forward. Really simple.

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