#Nordic #Skiing, Going Uphill Part 1

In the decades past we were told that a course was a third flat, a third up, and a third down, and we spent 50% of our time going up. Nowadays with much faster snow, skis and different terrain the percentages have changed. They now say, we spend as much as 70% of our time going uphill. So that means we must spend a lot of time learning how to climb.

There are many ways to climb a hill. A lot of the techniques used, will depend on your fitness levels and your ski abilities.

Let us mention some of the up-hill skills that were used last night. First before any climbing, you went for a warm up ski, WITHOUT your poles, around the lake and you took a cork, and a warmer and colder wax, just in case your wax was off a bit.

We started climbing using the uphill diagonal. I then had you experiment as to where you could ski on the ski trail. There was one set track, unlike in this picture, but there are many other places on a ski trail to ski, when there are a lot of people around you on the trail. Your line will have to change, at times. Do not get stuck behind the person in front, but go around them. Always check your shoulders before you change your line, as someone else maybe coming up fast.

If you need some grip, ski in the pole tracks or go over to the far side of the track. If your grip is a bit grippy, ski in the middle which normally has a hump for the skaters in our neck of the woods. There are many ski lines, and you must practice and learn the best lines for your skis and your technique. Remember that temperature sun, wind, cloud, and many other factors will change the snow conditions quickly. 

Other techniques practised; were the running herringbone, the walking herringbone, the half herringbone in the tracks, double poling uphill, the single kick double pole. If you are really desperate there is always the side step, and taking your skis off and walking if all else fails.
The running diagonal side step will be taught in another class. The hill we used  last night was very easy and the next class will be more difficult.

We also discussed the half herringbone in the track. If the ski out of the track glides, it is a half skate(Marathon skate) and you will be disqualified in a classic race.

Well continue to do the snow dance and see you next class.

Be safe, go ski, have FUN.