Cross-Country Ski Techniques

There are two skiing techniques used in cross country skiing: the classical style and the skating (free) technique. 

Classical skiing is the traditional technique.  It involves the kick and glide traditional stride technique.  Classical style skiers must keep both skis parallel to the tracks except on bends or steep climbs where the herringbone or step turn is allowed.  Of course, for recreational skiers, these "rules" are less important, the most important thing is simply to get out and enjoy the day. 

Free technique (Skate skiing), the faster skating style, uses any ski technique including diagonal but usually is a variety of skating techniques.  This requires pushing off diagonally from the inside edge of the weight-bearing ski.  It is believed that skating was first done by Gerhard Grimmer, an skier from the former East German Republic in 1971.  

Skating style generally utilizes a wider packed down trail, and does not need the set tracks.  Generally speaking, it is difficult to come across natural conditions that complement the free technique. 

Of course, like any sport, there are a myriad of techniques that skiers use to gain the most speed and fun on the trails on any given day.