A Nordic skiing primer
for beginners
Common misconceptions cleared right up
BY ALEC BIALSKI
AT 9,000 YEARS OLD, Nordic skiing, also
called cross-country skiing, is the oldest
form of long-distance winter travel and
sport. It is also widely recognized as one of
healthiest physical activities, with the best
cardio workout of any sport. The original
skiers were cross-country skiers, and only
as recently as the 19th century was there
a difference made between cross-country
and downhill skiing and their equipment.
Within a two-hour drive from Calgary is a
multitude of first-class cross-country trails
that offer wonderful opportunities to have
fun in winter. Easily accessible trails are
available at either no cost or for a modest
fee. More importantly, cross-country skiers
do not have to rush to beat the clock or fight
the crowds and road traffic to and from the
ski hills. Add to the mix the magnificent
views on the trails, of the Rockies and of the
wildlife, and you are in a winter paradise.
Take advantage of the abundance of skiing
options and hit the trails, especially on
weekends, between November and the end
of March and even well into April.
Some first-time skiers believe cross-
country skiing is a cross between downhill
skiing and walking in the woods. Nothing
could be further from the truth. Nordic level of the skier is essential in choosing
skiers must propel themselves forward and the right skis. A lightweight skier on hard SKIER ETIQUETTE
glide, on flat surfaces and uphill too. With skis will not be able to properly grip the
» The skiers going down the trail
more gliding, less specific energy is used snow, and consequently not glide, as the
have priority. This is because it is
and the faster and farther one goes. World kick zone will simply be out of service. A
harder to stop and control the skis
Cup-level skiers zoom around at average heavy skier on soft skis will grip but not when going down. Step to the right
speeds in excess of 20 kilometres an hour. glide well, because the kick zone will drag and let them pass. Do not stop in
An intermediate skier should be able to go too much. Therefore, a pair of skis from a
the middle of the trail but on the
at average speeds of eight to 10 kilometres garage sale or a ski swap will only end up
right side of it. Beware of the skiers
an hour, which is twice the speed of walking. in the garage or the next ski swap, while
coming down.
The technique can be self-learned but not the owner will wonder why cross-country » Keep to your right at all times
easily. It is advisable to take a lesson or skiing is so frustrating. This is why custom-
except to pass. Some skiers move
two. This will enhance your enjoyment of fitted gear is essential for the enjoyment
quite fast and want to keep their
skiing and get you places in no time. of skiing activity. There are huge advances
rhythm.
The second misconception is that any in ski technology and products that make » If nature calls, ski into the bush.
ski of a certain length will do. Today’s skiing very enjoyable for less-experienced
» Say hello to other skiers on the trail
classic skis are highly engineered devices skiers.
«CO
and smile. You share the best show
which have to fulfill two functions: to grip
Thanks to Alec of the Norseman Ski Shop. For more
on earth.
the snow and to glide. The weight and skill info visit their store or see
www.NorsemanSki.com.
8 CALGARY >> WINTER 2008/2009
www.CalgaryOutdoors.ca
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