Although skate skiing is a technique whose origins are lost in antiquity, in modern times skate skiing's popularity began about 20 years ago. Bill Koch, a sliver medal winner in the 1976 Winter Olympics, used a modified skating technique in the 1982 World Cup. Unlike the present skating technique, the method used by Bill Koch is called the marathon skate. In marathon skate skiing, one ski is out of the track and is used to kick diagonally for propulsion. The other ski is used only for glide.
Bill Koch's method has changed into technique that appears to be very similar to ice skating and roller blading. In fact, those who are active ice skaters or roller bladers adapt readily to skate skiing.
Skate skiing appears graceful when performed by an experienced skier. Each stride is long and confident--covering many feet. Great speed is achieved without expending a massive amount of energy. As a result, skate skiing has become extremely popular.
In skate skiing, the stroke of the legs are out to
the side first, followed by pushing off as the leg moves forward. The
skis are in a "V" pattern and
the
poling helps you glide over the front before pushing off and shifting one's
weight onto the other leg. In the basic skating technique known as "V-1"
poling is accomplished by pushing with both arms as you are pushing off with
one leg. Then when the other leg is used to push off, no poling is
used--you only pole when pushing off with one leg. The cadence would be
push off with say the right leg and pole, then push off with the left leg
(don't pole), and then push off with the right leg and pole. If you pole
every time you push off with a leg, you are using the "V-2" method. As
the V-2 method requires considerably more coordination, it is not recommended
for novice skiers.
Skate skis require waxing. However, the only glide waxes are used thereby making waxing much easier. Also, the temperature range of each glide wax is significantly greater that for kick waxes. Unless you are an elite racer, using a glide wax that is colder than the current temperature has little effect on your glide and speed. However, the reverse is not true. Using a wax warmer than the current conditions does significantly reduce your speed and if severe enough you can walkup hill.
Although all skate skis require waxing (there are no wax-less skate skis), I have known people to skate ski on a pair of skis that were only waxed at the start of the year! I do not recommend this.
Unlike classic skiing, skate skiing is less affected by the temperature. Changing snow temperatures and temperatures around freezing are not as challenging since grip waxes are not used on skate skis. Think about skate skiing when waxing conditions are difficult.
For information on waxing skate skis click here.
Skate skiing on un-groomed trails is typically difficult especially if the snow is soft and deep. If you want to travel in the backcountry in deep powder snow use classic skis. However, in the spring when snow is very firm, backcountry travel using skate skis is possible and can be a great deal of fun.
There is a good step-by-step description of skate skiing at this location. Also, I strongly recommend a private lesson at your local Nordic area. In an hour you should be able to grasp the basics. After that, it is a matter of practice to become proficient.
For more information on Nordic skiing try the following links.
Home | Trails to Try | Favorite Ski Areas | Current Ski Conditions
In addition to backcountry skiing or skiing anywhere where
the snow cover is sufficient, there are areas where the snow is packed for
Nordic
skiing. There are cross-country ski areas in most areas of the snow
belt. Many of these centers are located at downhill ski areas.
However, many of the largest areas (over 100 kilometers of trails) are
independent from any downhill ski area including Royal Gorge, Methow Valley, and
the Ketchum area trail system. A review of my favorite ski centers are
located here and others are given in the links.
Cross-country ski centers provide one the ability to practice your skiing technique and to work on handling skis at faster speeds. In addition, many centers are in scenic areas affording you beautiful views and memorable trails.
Ski instruction and equipment rentals are available at most Nordic centers.
