How-To Cross Country Ski 101

Part of the Adirondack "Experience" is enjoying all the seasons -


Sue Ellen Mathers (our General Manager) and Bob (our innkeeper) look forward to introducing you to new winter experiences here at the Big Moose Inn.

Once you have chosen your skis (rentals are available locally at Pedals and Petals or the Inlet Ski Touring Center in Inlet(357-6961), or the Adirondack Outdoor Center in Old Forge), the first thing to learn is called the “Diagonal Stride”. Secondly, and exceedingly important for beginners, is “Falling and Getting Up!”

The Diagonal Stride

This is the most common step in cross-country skiing. It approximates walking, but with an exaggerated, yet graceful movement. Basically, the right arm swings back as the left leg moves forward, and then the left arm swings back as the right leg pushes off.

Kick: Push straight down through your boot and the midsection of your ski as you initiate the kick with your left leg. Your legs and ankles should be slightly flexed and your torso leaning forward.

(2) Glide and Pole Push: Now your weight has shifted to your right leg, which is driven forward and down the track in the glide. Your opposite arm naturally follows suit, coming forward for the pole plant. The elbow of this forward arm should be slightly bent for maximum power in the pole push.

(3) Kick: The push is timed just before the initiation of a kick with your right leg.

(4) Glide and Pole Push: Now weight shifts to your left, or gliding leg, and the sequence begins all over again.

Falling and Getting Up

Generally, when you feel a fall coming on, lower yourself closer to the ground to prevent a jammed finger or strain. When you have come to a stop, roll onto your back and shake things out in the air, then roll over onto your hands and knees. Put your knees on top of the skis. Slide one ski forward and kick yourself up, using your poles for support.


Local Nordic Ski Locations

For more advanced techniques, we recommend a lesson at Pedals and Petals in Inlet (www.pedalsandpetals.com) The best way to learn, however, is to get out there and do it! Practice on level ground (we strongly suggest using the local golf courses, where people regularly ski and cross country ski trails are often already broken and prepared before one arrives. Fern Park, in Inlet has trails of moderate difficulty (www.inletny.com) and they are free. For a mere $5.00 one can enjoy professionally-set cross country ski trails at McCauley Mountain in Old Forge, but these skis are for somewhat experienced cross country skiers (www.mccauleyny.com) Nearby Moss Lake is a popular 2 mile ski trail. Moss Lake State Campground has two large parking areas 3 miles from the Big Moose Inn on Big Moose Road.

More information online can be found below:
http://www.roberts-1.com/xcski/classic/learn/index.htm

Click below for slide show of popular Moss Lake...