Beginner Lessons
Beginner lessons are for those who have never skied at all, for those who have done downhill skiing but never cross-country, or for those who have skied some, but know they could use instruction on the basics and develop good habits. The following is covered in a beginner lesson:
Ski and pole fit/construction
Getting comfortable on skis
Balancing on two skis
Basic body position for skiing
How to fall down/How to get up!
Double poling
Basics of diagonal stride: weight transfer, balancing on one ski, push off and proper poling
Uphill techniques: herringbone and sidestep
Downhill techniques: Straight run, half wedge (snowplow), full wedge (gliding and braking wedge)
Using tracks, trail etiquette
In many beginner lessons, we can also move on to the wedge turn, and occasionally step turns.
Intermediate Lessons
The intermediate lesson is a more individualized lesson. We will work on refining the skills covered in the beginner lesson, correcting bad habits, and addressing individual needs. The goal is to increase efficiency and improve dynamic balence. The following is covered:
Diagonal stride:
Better balence and body position for more glide
More dynamic weight transfer
Refined poling technique
Stronger, more dynamic kick (pushoff)
Refined timing, rhythm, and flow
Downhill:
Improved wedge, moving to steeper terrain
Introducing or refining wedge turns (striving for greater control on varied terrain)
Step turns (often skate turns also)
Double poling is refined
Double pole with kick is introduced
Smooth transitions from one technique to another
Advanced Lessons
In the advanced lesson, we get down to the nitty gritty of energy efficiency and improved balence and dynamics. This lesson is for the serious skier who wants to refine his/her techniques and strive for a new level of speed, comfort, and efficiency. The instructor makes a detailed and critical analysis of the skier and gives necessary feedback. Specific skills are addressed as needed, and include all aspects of diagonal stride, double pole, and downhill technique.
If you want to learn or are frustrated with your attempts at it, a lesson is highly recommended! There is a lot involved in this technique that looks so easy when you see the experts fly by you. We introduce many different drills to help you improve each aspect of the technique. A beginner lesson introduces:
Weight transfer and body alignment in skate position
No pole work on flat terrain, working on balance and push-off
The V-1 skate- poling rhythm and timing
Putting it all together! (balance, poling, pushoff, etc.)
Diagonal V skate
Step turns and skate turns
Brief demonstration of other skate maneuvers: V-2, V-2 alternate, marathon skate
An intermediate/advanced skate skiing lesson would include:
Refining the V-1 and diagonal V skate
Introduce the V-2 and V-2 alternate skate
Refining skate turns (at higher speed)
Transitions from one skate maneuver to another
Refining rhythm, flow, energy efficiency
Addressing downhill technique for higher speed skiing
