Hello! Got a question for experienced cross country skiiers. I have done classic XC skiing and I love it, but I am looking forward trying skating. I've been told that it is very difficult, and it's been hard to find a school to get some lessons.
Does anyone have an opinion on this? any preferences?
Hello! Got a question for experienced cross country skiiers. I have done classic XC skiing and I love it, but I am looking forward trying skating. I've been told that it is very difficult, and it's been hard to find a school to get some lessons.
Does anyone have an opinion on this? any preferences?
It is much more difficult.
I've done both type of ski de fond lessons in La Vattay, 40 minutes from Geneva.
Skating is more difficult, that's for sure.
I've done both type of ski de fond lessons in La Vattay, 40 minutes from Geneva.
Skating is more difficult, that's for sure.
I am a very experienced alpine skier - and my partner prefers XC.
My first season, I started with skating, then moved to classic, and then back and forth between the 2.
I did not find much difference in difficultly. In most snow condtions I prefer skating. In deep fresh snow, I prefer XC. Everywhere I have been, the rental shops and schools support both.
I am a very experienced alpine skier - and my partner prefers XC.
My first season, I started with skating, then moved to classic, and then back and forth between the 2.
I did not find much difference in difficultly. In most snow condtions I prefer skating. In deep fresh snow, I prefer XC. Everywhere I have been, the rental shops and schools support both.
The difficulty depends on your experience of sports; if you've done sports that involve balance, you shouldn't find it too difficult.
For example, I already skate my alpine skis a lot to get around the mountains (when it's flat or you need to move uphill a short way), so transitioning to 'skate' XC I found to be easy. If you roller skate, or have ice skated, you'll also find it a lot easier than most people. I slackline too, they all complement each other. If you can relate to any of this, you'll be fine.
It does involve more technique than you expect though, so it is worth getting lessons to avoid bedding in bad habits. Also, look out for SNS bindings (with two bars) which I'm reliably told are the best. I found it very hard to find information out online about it.
Have fun, it's a fantastic sport! It also makes you a much better alpine skier.
The difficulty depends on your experience of sports; if you've done sports that involve balance, you shouldn't find it too difficult.
For example, I already skate my alpine skis a lot to get around the mountains (when it's flat or you need to move uphill a short way), so transitioning to 'skate' XC I found to be easy. If you roller skate, or have ice skated, you'll also find it a lot easier than most people. I slackline too, they all complement each other. If you can relate to any of this, you'll be fine.
It does involve more technique than you expect though, so it is worth getting lessons to avoid bedding in bad habits. Also, look out for SNS bindings (with two bars) which I'm reliably told are the best. I found it very hard to find information out online about it.
Have fun, it's a fantastic sport! It also makes you a much better alpine skier.
