The Basics

There are two different styles of cross-country skiing. Classical technique and skate technique. Before you hit the snow for the first time you need to decide which technique you're doing.

* Classical Technique is the original style of cross-country skiing and what you see on winter postcards. It has a very similar motion to walking or running. Classical skiing is the easiest to learn but the most difficult to become good at. It is the preferred technique for people who do a lot of skiing in remote areas (groomed or un-groomed-think of Kananaskis Country outside of Calgary, Alberta, where the trails are narrower).

* Skate technique was "invented" in the mid-1980s by American Bill Koch. This technique is very similar to ice skating (hence the name). Skate technique is a bit more difficult to learn but much easier to become good at. One of the big appeals of skate skiing is that the skis do not need to be waxed for grip, making it much easier to just "grab and go." To skate ski, you do require a groomed trail that is a minimum of four feet wide to have an enjoyable experience.

Skate skis are shorter than classic skis with a lower, rounder tip. The skis tend to be stiffer (harder to compress together) because they do not need to touch the snow to engage the kick wax. Skate poles are generally between chin and nose height and the boots have a high cuff and a very stiff bottom.

Although combination equipment is available, I do not recommend it, as it tends to be somewhat the worst of both worlds. It reminds me of a cyclocross bike-not very good for trail riding and not very good for road riding either. At least cyclocross has cyclocross courses, whereas there is no good time or place for combination cross-country ski equipment. In short, you would be better off purchasing a good set of equipment in whatever technique you think you'll prefer (maybe rent and take some lessons in both first) and stick with it.

General technique tips:

Whether you have chosen to skate ski or classic ski, there are a few key technique points to remember:

• Skiing is all about balance and glide. The goal is to balance on each ski for as long as possible as it does all of the work to travel across the snow (and you relax in your perfectly balanced position).
-- When you're skate skiing, try to make your skis point down the trail as much as possible so you are gliding forward and not to the side
-- When you are classic skiing, try to put most of your weight on your heel, with a straight knee, so that your grip wax does not slow your glide.

• The best skiers in the world make maximum use of their skeleton and the most efficient use of their muscles. This means that when they're standing on one leg, all of their joints are lined up in such a way that their muscles don't have to hold the joints in place. Or, when they're poling, their elbows are locked at a right angle (or slightly wider) so that their shoulders do most of the work.

What to Wear:

Dress as though you're going for a run in the winter. Wear warm socks and lots of layers (both top and bottom). This allows you to adjust your comfort level quite easily. Thin gloves or mittens fit into ski pole straps best and leather palms are preferred for grip and warmth. A thin toque, a buff, and sunglasses are always a must-have.

About the Author

Magi Scallion is the event coordinator at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.