What is skate skiing?

In the world of cross-country skiing, skate skiing has emerged as a popular alternative to classic skiing. In this two-part blog series, we've already explored the classic skiing, so now it's time to dive into the exciting world of skate skiing.

Skate skiing, which first appeared in the 1970s, involves a V-shaped, ice skating-like motion to propel skiers forward. This technique allows skiers to achieve higher speeds than traditional diagonal stride skiing but requires greater effort and coordination. As such, it's best suited for Nordic skiers who are already comfortable with striding.

Anna’s skating beginnings:

To get started with skate skiing, you'll need a few essential pieces of equipment. The most important is a pair of skate skis, which are shorter than classic cross-country skis and have no kick zone (the area under the foot that provides grip and helps propel the striding skier forward).

Skate skis are waxed with glide wax, which is applied to the entire ski to improve glide and reduce friction. Poles for skate skiing are also longer than those used for classic XC skiing/striding.

In addition to skate skis and poles, you'll need a pair of boots specifically designed for skate skiing. These boots feature a tight, snug fit that provides maximum support and control for the foot and ankle. The sole of the boot is also designed to be stiff and supportive, helping to transfer the skier's power directly to the ski and allowing for efficient and powerful skating movements.

To skate ski, you'll need access to groomed trails specifically designed for it. Many ski resorts and Nordic centers offer these trails, which feature a wide, smooth, and consistent surface for skating.

Skate skiing is not only a lot of fun but also an excellent workout. So, if you're looking for a new challenge or new skiing experience, give skate skiing a try!