Whether classic or snowboarding, but especially beginners in this Nordic parade sport ask themselves the question, which type of cross-country skiing is better suited for them.
Classic or skating – a question of technique
Beginners usually choose the classic cross-country skiing technique, which is carried out on groomed trails. The technique is similar to normal running. The only difference is that you have skis under your feet and you glide after pushing off.
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Skating is carried out on a compressed snow track, which should be at least 4 meters wide so that the cross-country skaters can move sufficiently. In Tyrol you can find both types of tracks in all “Tyrolean cross-country skiing specialist” regions, mostly they run parallel to each other. Skating, as you can guess from its English name, is similar to other sports, such as ice skating or inline skating.
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Andere Technik, andere Ausrüstung
The equipment of the two types of cross-country skiing is different, as the requirements for the athletes are completely different. Classic cross-country skis are longer and are prepared with wax under the binding. On the other hand, skating skis are shorter and stiffer, so that the skating cross-country skiers can repel each other better.
The binding and shoes must also be taken into account. These must be considered as a whole, not every shoe fits into every binding. Cross-country skaters need shoes that stabilize the ankle and go beyond it. When choosing bindings and shoes, the right shoe is crucial. If it fits, the appropriate binding is selected.
There is another difference with the poles: the poles for skating are longer.
The right clothes
No matter which type of cross-country skiing you choose, you need clothing that can withstand all weather conditions. Most cross-country skiers rely on fast-drying functional underwear, which should particularly be odor-resistant. Because despite the icy cold, cross-country skiers sweat on the trail!
The Tyrolean cross-country skiing specialists, of the eleven regions of Tyrol that have a cross-country quality seal, offer accommodation that specializes in cross-country skiing. In these accommodations, it is mandatory that the guests have a washing and drying facility for their cross-country skiing clothes. Of course, these accommodations also have ensured rooms in which the equipment can be stored.
A good start with a cross-country skiing course
If you want to get a taste of cross-country skiing, you can take a cross-country course for beginners in one of the cross-country skiing regions of Tyrol. Both types of cross-country skiing can be tried out in the ski schools, and equipment can also be hired on site. In the practice piste, you can improve your technique and soon you’ll be ready to go into the mountains!
This blog post was presented to you by the Alpin Life Hotel Gebhard, a 4-star hotel in Fiss. The small but fine boutique hotel offers noble rooms and the finest culinary experiences. The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladies ski area is one of the most popular in Tyrol and has received several awards. Book your skiing holiday in Fiss now and enjoy a unique winter holiday on the sun terrace!
You can learn more about the culinary experiences at https://hotelgebhard.wordpress.com/
