Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing is one of the most challenging endurance sports, using every muscle group and combining the strength of a sprinter and the stamina of a distance runner.
There are two distinct techniques of cross country skiing – classic and free technique (commonly known as skating). Classic skis run parallel, and special ‘grip wax’ or ‘fishscale’ mouldings in the centre of the ski stop the skis from running backwards. The skating style uses no grip area on the ski, and the skis move in a style similar to inline skating or ice skating.
Biathlon is a sport combining the skating style of cross country skiing with target shooting. It was originally a military sport taking place among border guards in Europe, and is now one of Europe’s most popular televised sports.
Facilities and Equipment Required
Skiing requires specialised boots and skis. In the UK cross country skiing is performed on dry land equipment called roller skis. You can learn roller skiing and hire roller skis through with Midland ski club.
In terms of training roller skiing is the equivalent of the dry ski slope for the Alpine skier. In some ways a close cousin of in-line skates, roller skis allow you to get as close as possible to the feel of skiing on snow.
The roller skis themselves have a wood or metal body to which are fixed two wheels - for the most part made of rubber. Protective equipment such as knee and elbow pads, gloves, and cycle helmets should be worn by beginners. With no brakes, roller skis require a generally flat and smooth tarmac surface and, for safety reasons, a route largely free of motor traffic.
Boots and Bindings
Improvements in the binding system on cross-country skis have revolutionized the sport. The flimsy three-pin binding that clipped the boot toe to the ski (the heel stayed free) is gone. Modern boots and bindings are literally sole mates: Ridges in the top of the ski latch on to tracks built into the boot, giving the skier much greater control.
Calendar
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