Tips to improve your skiing technique

Are you driven by the challenge of completing the Vasaloppet? Or do you just want to get fit and get the most out of your training? Then we highly recommend that you hone your skiing technique, which is why in this article we'll tell you about the different techniques available and how best to improve them.

Ski technique - an important part of skiing

Cross-country skiing is a very effective and demanding sport that trains all the muscles in your body. However, to get the most out of your skiing, you need to work on improving your skiing technique.

There are two different types of ski styles and associated techniques - classic and skate, the latter of which can also be called skate.

Initially, there was only one style of skiing, what we now call the classic style. As equipment improved and product development progressed rapidly, the freestyle developed during the 80s. This was largely because it proved to be more efficient than the classic style.

Classic style and freestyle - and the differences between them

Classic style is a technique that involves skiing with each ski in parallel tracks. It is perhaps the one that many people think of when talking about cross-country skiing.

In-depth training on classic skiing techniques

When talking about the classical style, it is usually divided into five different elements, called gears. The scissors, diagonal, push off, push off and speed stance. The different gears are best suited to different types of terrain and slopes.

Try to read up on the different styles. It's a good way to get an idea of what they mean, while also making it easier to apply and practice the techniques in real life. Then, of course, you need to know what type of technique is best for you.

To learn more about how to improve this technique, you may want to read our previous article "Skiing techniques for classic skiing".

In-depth study of freestyle skiing techniques

The second technique is known as freestyle or skate and involves having the legs at an oblique angle from the centre of the body. The leg movements are similar in appearance to skate cuts and are often combined with double-sided pole moves.

You need very good fitness and strength in your legs, arms and core to perform both skiing techniques. Tips on how to improve your strength can be found in our previous article "Strength training for cross-country skiers".

So why is good skiing technique important?

Good skiing technique is important for several reasons.

One reason why an experienced skier can easily outrun a beginner has to do with technique. If both have similar conditions, the one with the best skiing technique will get more out of their oxygen intake, muscle power, etc.

Another reason why good technique is important in cross-country skiing is precisely so that the skis and the wax used can be used to their full potential.

Summing up

There are two different types of skiing styles and associated techniques - classic and freestyle/skate. Whichever you prefer, it's important to hone your technique to get the most out of your skiing.

When choosing your skiing technique, it is also important to exercise and eat right. Since you burn so many calories when you ski, it can be a good idea to top up your energy reserves with good food. Get inspired by our previous article "Good food during mountain holidays".

Cross-country skiing at Stöten in Sälen

If you want to go cross-country skiing and enjoy the beautiful nature that the Swedish mountains have to offer, you can visit us at Stöten in Sälen. We offer 45 kilometres of cross-country trails for both classic and skate, welcome!