Cross-country skiing is a form of long-distance, multiple-terrain skiing that incorporates both downhill and uphill skiing. It can be done with or without groomed tracks built into the snow, and may take place on a groomed course or across miles of untamed wilderness. Turning is key to any form of skiing, but one aspect unique to cross-country skiing is the different types of turns used based on whether you are moving uphill or downhill. The primary downhill turning method is similar to that of traditional downhill skiing, but uphill movement requires a special step move.
Step 1
Lean onto the ski on the side you want to turn toward. This causes your outside ski to move faster and tilt toward the direction you will be turning. In order to complete this turn, you need to be going downhill with some momentum or be moving quickly up a slight incline--if you try to turn and don't have enough speed, you could stall in the snow, coming to a complete stop or falling. You will turn faster the harder you press down and tilt the skis.
Step 2
Change directions when going uphill by using a simple step turn. Step turns are ideal for moments when you have very little momentum--in fact, using a step turn at higher speeds could cause you to trip over your own skis and wreck. Perform a step turn by lifting the ski on the side you want to turn toward and stepping forward, angling the ski so that the front tip points in the direction you want to reorient yourself toward. Once this ski is secure on the ground, lift your outside ski and bring it parallel with your lead foot and ski.
Step 3
Push off aggressively into a turn by starting with your outside foot. This is similar to the step turn but allows you to move faster and build more speed coming out of your turn. If you are turning to the left, start by pressing your right ski down in the snow and lifting your left ski out. Point the tip in the direction you want to turn toward, then push hard on your right ski to propel you in that direction as you set the left side of the ski down in the snow. Lift up your right ski once the left is set into the ground. Flip these directions to make a right-handed turn.
Things You'll Need
- Cross-country skis
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