New to the trail: skating or classic? How to discover the right skiing technique for you
A question of style: Newcomers to the world of fitness training, in particular, need guidance on which technique to choose and when. You always hear and read about "classic versus skating." But what does that actually mean?
Here you'll learn about the differences, tips for getting started, and the advantages of each technique.
Two options
You are one of the winners as soon as you strap on your cross-country skis
It's nice that there are decisions in life where both options are right. The two basic styles of cross-country skiing, skating and classic, are equally healthy for the heart and circulation. To choose which Nordic sport might be more suitable for you personally, it's advisable to consider your current sporting experience.
Classical technique
3 strong arguments for classical technology as an entry point
- The most obvious difference is the appearance of the trail. Where those ski in the classic style, you'll find two groomed, parallel tracks that "guide" you a little more than those of the skaters. This "guide track" minimizes the risk of falling and guides even beginners safely from the starting point to the end point. Caution: Nevertheless, you should choose a trail that matches your current skill level for an enjoyable experience.
- The push-off movements are easy to learn with this technique and result in a diagonal stride that propels you forward. The stride is considered simple because it's quite similar to a running stride.
- According to training theory, those aiming to improve basic endurance are extremely well advised to choose classic cross-country skiing as a sport, especially since you're skiing in an easily regulated heart rate range for a relatively long time.
Skating
Dynamic skating style: out of the comfort zone
- To start with the obvious: Unlike the classic technique just presented, skating doesn't have pre-defined ruts. In this more dynamic variation of Nordic sports, you begin with the skating step. First, a pole push, followed by two gliding phases on one ski each. The magic word is "timing"! Properly timed gliding and pole insertion require practice and internalizing the technique. Beginners sometimes stumble here. But with patience and enthusiasm, confidence comes – so let's take on the challenge!
- Once you've achieved a solid foundation in skating, the only limits are your own physical and mental limits. Fighters push themselves to the limit while skating and perform interval training until exhaustion. But even as an ambitious amateur skater, you can get just as much out of it. The key is to find a good balance between enjoyment and motivated effort.
- If you're completely free of competitive ambitions and always ski at a leisurely pace, learning the skating style is still a good idea: steeper climbs are simply easier to master with this technique. And after all, there are plenty of fantastic cross-country trails that you shouldn't miss just because of a few sections.
Smooth meets rough & high meets low
Skis and boots are also different
The Ski
The difference between skating skis and classic skis isn't enormous. But it's the small details that make the difference. In skating, gliding plays a key role, so the skis have a smooth surface throughout.
It's different in the classic style: there, you push off constantly, which is why the boards have a roughened zone in the middle.
Another characteristic is the length of the skis. While for the slightly longer classic skis, you can assume approximately your height plus 20 centimeters, for skating skis, you only add ten centimeters.
The Shoe
The skating boot has a higher construction to provide better lateral support. A flex cuff provides additional stability. The sole is designed to enable a powerful push-off, so it is torsionally rigid.
The classic boot is softer and flatter to ensure smooth forward and backward movement. The sole is flexible in the front area for a natural rolling motion.
Combination or pursuit boots are a cross-over option and are sometimes chosen if you want to start with classic and transition to skating later.
Choice without agony
Skating or classic?
No matter which style you prefer, whether you choose the more common entry route using classic technique or want to become a skater straight away – cross-country skiing is healthy, fitness-enhancing and energizing in both cases!
Tip
Learn the technique from the professionals
Cross-country skiing is a sport that's even more fun the better you master the underlying technique! Learn the basics at one of the region's excellent cross-country ski schools, or hone your skills with a coach! This makes Nordic sports even more enjoyable!
