Nordic skiing: an olympic sport And you, are you more "classic" or "skating"?

Cross-country skiing, is an ideal outdoor sport for hiking and endurance enthusiasts. Originating in Scandinavian countries, this discipline was first used for its practicality. It was the preferred method of travel for hunting and getting around. In the 1800s, cross-country skiing became a full-fledged sport that naturally became very popular in Scandinavia. As for France, it is only towards the end of the 19th century that we record having cross-country skiing in our Alps.  

 

Classic or skating?  

Do you want to start cross-country skiing 

If the historical technic of this practice is the "classic step alternating", there is also since the 1980s a second technic that is called "skating" or "skater step". But what is the difference between these two methods, and which one is the best for my abilities?   

Let's get back to the basics to better understand. The "classic" technic is indeed the historical one of cross-country skiing. The skis have a grip zone under the sole which makes the initiation to this sport easier since it is similar to walking, but with more glide. The arms play an important role of traction, while the legs create the propulsion. It is thus a question of carrying out pushes arms/legs opposite as when one walks.   

The technic of "skating" remains today the most attractive style and most exhilarating of cross-country skiing. The underside of the skis is smooth, without grip, which offers an exciting gliding sensation and more speed than the "classic". However, it is a more demanding technique and requires a better athletic ability. Like the "skater's step", the gests used while rollerblading or ice skating, the arms must be coordinated with the legs, unlike the historical method.  

In spite of this, skating remains a fun style that is very popular with skiers and neo-skiers today. In order to discover this fantastic sport, it is advised to turn to a certified instructor who will teach the basics and then have a laugh!   

At Experience Mont Blanc, we can organize your cross-country skiing experience!   

 

@ Creatives commons 

An Olympic discipline: Biathlon

Biathlon is one of the most spectacular Nordic sports that combines effort and precision. It is a mixture of two disciplines; the gliding power of cross-country skiing and the concentration of rifle shooting while lying down and standing.   

"Biathlon is a word that means "double event". Like cross-country skiing, we can find its roots in Scandinavia, playing an essential role in the military life of the time. The first biathlon competition was launched by patrol officers guarding the Swedish-Norwegian border in 1767. And it was in 1861 in Norway that the first known ski club in the world (the "Trysil Rifle and Ski Club") was founded to promote national defense at the local level.   

In 1924, the first international cross-country skiing and biathlon competition was held at the Olympic Games in Chamonix. This Nordic sport represented a real craze and had a real television impact. Tens of millions of viewers flock to their TV sets to watch biathlon every winter in Europe. It has become the most followed winter sport on the old continent, with peaks of more than one million viewers on L'Équipe sports channel in France.  

The initiation to cross-country skiing is done from the age of 8 years old. Don't panic, we use laser rifles or lead bullets to avoid possible injuries! You will find experienced instructors at most of the mountain resorts in the Alps.   

Experience Mont Blanc also offers initiational sessions for young and old! An ideal and unusual activity for a family outing or with friends.   

 

@ Creatives commons 

Discover more nordic sports here!

2024 - Experience Mont-Blanc by 1786.travel
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