As a certified X/C instructor, this is a great video explanation aimed mostly at beginners. He also shows the end result of correct and efficient technique. There are a lot of bad & poorly explained videos on X/C skiing, not this one.
I am a former high level runner who is recovering from hip surgery. I have taken up cross-country skiing as a replacement for running. I have been struggling with skiing for a little while now and your video was the easiest and best to understand and implement. Not too technical and your visual examples where excellent, I particularly liked number four in which you bounce on the ski to get that little "oomph" on the ski. Thanks very much
skilled instructor you are, keeping your verbal instructions relatable, simple and duplicatable. Very useful tips. Thank you. ( friendly tip, wind sock for your mic, if you haven't already done so. cheers.)
This was great. I liked how you explained how the ski is built to grip the snow, it gave me a better idea what the different ski moves are integrated into the ski's function
This is very good advice. I got into the skating style quite easily, but the classic style has eluded me so far. These simple tips will help massively!
Hi David! Nice to see you here. Brushing up before teaching some adult beginner lessons during our Junior Nordic here in Homer, AK. Would love to get you back up here in the next couple years! Best, Stephanie D :)
Elaine Miles That’s me now. Scared but more scared to go (back to) downhill as I’m getting older i.e. I’ve only ever downhill skied but the last time I did that was 25 years ago. So sad to be thinking like, well, the old person that I seem to have become in the blink of an eye! As my grandma used to say, old age ain’t for sissies! 😆
How about tips on coordinating the poles? It has been so tricky for me to even get the rhythm of the feet down at first that I don't even try to use the poles yet...
Just back from an hour on the track and this time was much more successful, thanks to your tips. The skis still slip when trying to grip and kick with the bounce you described in tip #4, and I haven't managed to lift my pushing ski up high enough after pushing back, so I am dragging that ski all the time and slowing myself down... Hope for a video on coordinating poles and maybe other tips on using the poles. Thanks :)
This winter will be my first experience with XC skiing. My knees are very bad and anticipate if I plan on covering longer distances I will need to double pole with a kick or double pull as needed. Curious, if the intent is mostly double pulling if there is a more suited pole or pole size for this? I’m 6’ 180 athletic. Also, I got mid priced skis (Evo 65’s ) which don’t have a metal or partial metal edge. I live in Illinois so it’s virtually flat and can’t see myself having to turn at high speed. Any other advantage to having a metal edge? Can u skate up hill on classic skis or are they just too long? Thanks!
Just got new ski skins and frankly I skied cross country since 1975 and having so much trouble - I slide stick almost fall, I slide stick almost fall. What in heck am I doing wrong? By the way haha I thought I was the only one who made noisy videos.
Off track is quite difficult with classic cross country skiing, and the groomed (non-track) portion of the trails are really meant for skate skiing. Which may look similar but is a different style of cross country with different gear. With that said, you find that using the groomed portion of the trail is required on steep uphill and downhill portions to herringbone up or snowplough down.
@Peter Stenoien now I know what felt so wrong during today's trip. been downhill skiing since I've been born every winter. today at the age of 26 I tried xc. faceplanted A LOT!
Peter Stenoien This is the problem I had as a first time xc skier a few days ago. Even tho I hadn’t skied downhill in over 25 years (I’m 49 now) I’d done it enough that my muscle memory still remembered it and that REALLY didn’t help! Balance was so bizarrely an issue. And I really missed the stability of having the moon boots that are alpine ski boots combined with the whole boot being fastened to the ski! Dammit! But hopefully after another lesson or two I’ll be good enough to trust myself to go for a real ride.😆
Im 63 and started last year!
Thanks for the video and tips.
Its about the fun!
You're 70 now! still skiing?
After 38 yrs of wanting to learn, Ive finally put together used gear and am giving it a go this wkend. Your tips will help me my first day. Thankyou!!
Thanks. Your visualizations are priceless!
As a certified X/C instructor, this is a great video explanation aimed mostly at beginners. He also shows the end result of correct and efficient technique. There are a lot of bad & poorly explained videos on X/C skiing, not this one.
Brad Johnson imaging a «certified» x/c instructor whose name is Brad Johnson
I am a former high level runner who is recovering from hip surgery. I have taken up cross-country skiing as a replacement for running. I have been struggling with skiing for a little while now and your video was the easiest and best to understand and implement. Not too technical and your visual examples where excellent, I particularly liked number four in which you bounce on the ski to get that little "oomph" on the ski. Thanks very much
Seen many beginner videos but this is by far the best!
skilled instructor you are, keeping your verbal instructions relatable, simple and duplicatable. Very useful tips. Thank you. ( friendly tip, wind sock for your mic, if you haven't already done so. cheers.)
This was great. I liked how you explained how the ski is built to grip the snow, it gave me a better idea what the different ski moves are integrated into the ski's function
The nose tip is extremely simple and logical. Can't wait to try it out.
Awesome video ....well done! Simple explanations that will certainly help me. Thanks!
Great video indeed! Simple and concise explanation of the main techniques! Thank you!
This is very good advice. I got into the skating style quite easily, but the classic style has eluded me so far. These simple tips will help massively!
Great lesson. A natural teacher. Thanks for keeping simple, keeping it fun.
Wonderful ❤
This video will get me back on cross country skis. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Just picked up XC skiing last winter..really amazing. Your tips are very helpful, just need to practise more...Thankssssss
Thank you so so so much!!!
nice vid. great effort. The wind noise really detracts. Easy and cheap solution is to tape a cotton ball over the microphone. Keep them coming!
Thank you!
Very clear! Thanks
Very helpful. Also from the comments I am not the only one struggling. My wife just puts skiis on and GOES! Lots to practice.
thanks! do a lot of downhill here. going xc for the first time next week so thanks this was helpful.
Hi David! Nice to see you here. Brushing up before teaching some adult beginner lessons during our Junior Nordic here in Homer, AK. Would love to get you back up here in the next couple years! Best, Stephanie D :)
This is the best video for beginners:) Thank you so much!
This video helped me so much!!! Thank you, what a difference all your tips made:):):)
Short, sweet and effective.... Job well done... Thanks
Looks so easy... 😁
Thank you! Great video.
Great job.
Great video for XC beginners
Love this video, great job!
Merci !
Great tips! Thank you!
Very helpful video! Thanks.
Thanks, very helpful.
I wish you would start making videos again. It's been a long time since your last one.
Good instructor
great video thanks so mush
Very helpful - thanks!
Thanks for learning me, a Norwegian how to ski :) Now, here is my tip to you: Get a dead cat for your microphone!
Boss. Thanks!
You are very good at video training, Could you please do another one on how to make turns, I really struggle with that.
I struggle with this too especially tight corners and fast down hills.
Me too . Omg wiped out on every Bend
When I tried xcountry last winter .
👌👌👌
Very helpful. I haven't skiied in about 10 years and just needed a refresher. Perfect!
Nice Vid. Thanks
Very helpful, but are you wearing “skate skis”? I think xc have fatter part in the front.
little concerned about my first attempt in middle age and I'm glad to know the basics!
Elaine Miles That’s me now. Scared but more scared to go (back to) downhill as I’m getting older i.e. I’ve only ever downhill skied but the last time I did that was 25 years ago. So sad to be thinking like, well, the old person that I
seem to have become in the blink of an eye! As my grandma used to say, old age ain’t for sissies! 😆
very helpful thank you ))
How about tips on coordinating the poles? It has been so tricky for me to even get the rhythm of the feet down at first that I don't even try to use the poles yet...
Just back from an hour on the track and this time was much more successful, thanks to your tips. The skis still slip when trying to grip and kick with the bounce you described in tip #4, and I haven't managed to lift my pushing ski up high enough after pushing back, so I am dragging that ski all the time and slowing myself down... Hope for a video on coordinating poles and maybe other tips on using the poles. Thanks :)
Great starter video., tip no 5 is missing...how to stop
This winter will be my first experience with XC skiing. My knees are very bad and anticipate if I plan on covering longer distances I will need to double pole with a kick or double pull as needed.
Curious, if the intent is mostly double pulling if there is a more suited pole or pole size for this? I’m 6’ 180 athletic. Also, I got mid priced skis (Evo 65’s ) which don’t have a metal or partial metal edge. I live in Illinois so it’s virtually flat and can’t see myself having to turn at high speed. Any other advantage to having a metal edge? Can u skate up hill on classic skis or are they just too long? Thanks!
I can dig it.
Just got new ski skins and frankly I skied cross country since 1975 and having so much trouble - I slide stick almost fall, I slide stick almost fall. What in heck am I doing wrong? By the way haha I thought I was the only one who made noisy videos.
When off track, how does one keep their skis straight? One of my skis always seems to want to wander in the wrong direction.
Off track is quite difficult with classic cross country skiing, and the groomed (non-track) portion of the trails are really meant for skate skiing. Which may look similar but is a different style of cross country with different gear. With that said, you find that using the groomed portion of the trail is required on steep uphill and downhill portions to herringbone up or snowplough down.
Where in the hell was this guy, when I was learning XC skiing as a beginner?!?
I allways fall on my back, i feel like the skis run away...what can i do? is it a balance problem?
and...how do u stop?
Ok ok! Ill try it once we get snow again! Thanks for answering!
@Peter Stenoien now I know what felt so wrong during today's trip. been downhill skiing since I've been born every winter. today at the age of 26 I tried xc. faceplanted A LOT!
Peter Stenoien This is the problem I had as a first time xc skier a few days ago. Even tho I hadn’t skied downhill in over 25 years (I’m 49 now) I’d done it enough that my muscle memory still remembered it and that REALLY didn’t help! Balance was so bizarrely an issue. And I really missed the stability of having the moon boots that are alpine ski boots combined with the whole boot being fastened to the ski! Dammit! But hopefully after another lesson or two I’ll be good enough to
trust myself to go for a real ride.😆