Cross-country skiing descents are less steep than alpine skiing. However, they can be intimidating for beginners who may fear taking a fall. By adopting the right techniques, you can quickly build confidence and make the most of these adrenaline moments. Whether you practise classic style or skating, here is everything you need to know about downhill cross-country skiing.
Key takeaways:
- To ski downhill in cross-country skiing, lower your centre of gravity, lean your upper body forward, and keep your eyes on the horizon.
- You can step out of the cross-country skiing tracks to snowplough.
- To turn in classic style, the outside foot steps forward and guides the skier.
- To turn when skating, the inside ski keeps you on track while the outside ski helps initiate the turn.
The correct stance for downhill cross-country skiing
When you are just starting out in cross-country skiing, downhill sections can be daunting. The first time, your body is likely to tense up. As you gain speed or approach a turn, you might freeze and stand upright. However, this upright posture is the quickest way to fall.
To ski downhill in cross-country skiing, adopt a relaxed and stable stance. Bend your knees to lower your centre of gravity. This will absorb bumps in the terrain better. To maintain your balance, shift your weight slightly onto your toes and lean your upper body slightly forward. Finally, look at the horizon to anticipate turns and adjust your line.
If you feel you are gaining too much speed downhill, you need to learn how to stop in cross-country skiing. While side-slipping is an option, the most common position for beginners is the snowplough. Bring the tips of your skis close together and push your heels out to form a V shape. Keep your knees bent. The wider you push your heels, the more you will slow down.
You can use your poles in several ways on descents. On gentle slopes, they help with stability. On steeper slopes, we suggest lifting them slightly or holding them parallel to the ground. This prevents them from catching in the snow and throwing you off balance.
Downhill classic style skiing
If you practise classic style, you will ski within set tracks. Once you have geared up in your cross-country skiing clothing and picked up your gear, you will find a trail marked by two parallel pre-formed tracks.
When going down a gentle slope, stay in the tracks and follow the trail as normal. If the slope gets steeper and you pick up too much speed, we advise stepping out of the tracks. You can then snowplough and manage your speed.
The stance for turning is slightly different. On a downhill bend, bring your outside foot slightly forward and push through it while turning your shoulders towards the intended direction. Remember to keep your centre of gravity over mid-foot rather than back on your heels, which would compromise your balance.
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Downhill skate skiing
Unlike classic cross-country skiing, skating allows you to move on a wide, groomed track. You are not confined to tracks and can control your speed more easily. When going downhill, we recommend maintaining a posture similar to that of a speed skater.
When turning on a descent, several techniques can help you stay balanced. The snowplough remains the ideal solution for beginners. Another technique is to put your weight on the inside leg of the turn and step around the curve. Your inside ski should stay straight to keep you on line, while your outside ski helps guide the turn. Finally, a controlled side-slip offers another option if you have better ski control.
If you fall, try to drop to the side with bent knees. This minimises the risk of injury and makes it easier to get back up.
Whatever your level, learning to control your speed is essential for downhill cross-country skiing. On your first descents, do not hesitate to slow down right from the top of the slope to stay in control. Once you feel confident, you can refine your technique to pick up speed and enjoy the trails even more.
