Striding or Skating for Cross-Country Skiing Beginners?
If you've ever watched a thrilling cross-country skiing race or admired the graceful movements of skiers gliding effortlessly through pristine winter landscapes in YouTube videos, you've probably marveled at the sheer beauty and skill of the sport. As a beginner, it's natural to wonder whether you should start with striding or skate skiing. You might already understand the fundamental differences between these two cross-country skiing techniques from our previous articles on classic skiing and skate skiing, but making that initial choice can be a bit confusing. So we’re here to help.
For novice skiers, we recommend starting with classic skiing, also known as striding. It is more accessible for beginners, especially those new to the sport. The technique involves a familiar forward-backward motion, similar to walking or running, making it easier to grasp for newcomers. The parallel tracks on groomed trails provide more stability than open skate lanes, allowing you to focus on your balance and rhythm without worrying about advanced balance required for skate skiing. Classic skiing is also preferable for your initial attempts at skiing uphill or downhill. Classic skiing uphill is notably easier, as classic skis provide better grip when ascending and are typically slower than skate skis when descending.
Striding is less physically demanding than skate skiing, making it a perfect choice for those just starting their cross-country skiing journey or individuals with lower fitness levels. You can begin with a leisurely pace, almost as if you're "walking on skis," enjoying the wonders of the winter landscape and still have a great day on the skies. And gradually build your Nordic skiing stamina and strength. Or effortlessly, slowly stride with your kids or less experienced friends. Equally, classic skiing allows you to crank up the pace, start properly kick, double pole, and begin to advance your classic XC technique, transforming your experience into a more sporty endeavor. Or expand your skiing radius with newly found skiing efficiency. As you continue, classic skiing can evolve into a captivating sport with distance training, intervals, and a never-ending exploration of the intricate details of striding technique that is so easy to initially learn but so difficult to master on expert level.
Classic skiing is more forgiving when it comes to variable snow conditions and terrain. It can be comfortably performed on softer or ungroomed trails, which are not as well-suited for skate skiing. This versatility allows you to explore a wider range of cross-country skiing locations and helps build confidence as you gain experience.
Classic skiing provides a solid foundation for your cross-country skiing skills. As you become more comfortable with striding, you can always explore skate skiing. You might incorporate occasional skating motions into your striding or rent skating-specific gear for a day or two to give it a try. However, starting with classic skiing offers the most favorable entry point into the world of cross-country skiing.
So, if you're new to cross-country skiing, grab a pair of classic skis, and embrace the journey. Happy skiing!