Skiing around objects in the classic track

Photo 1-Begin to change direction early

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

Skiing around obstacles in the classic track can sometimes be tricky depending on  how quickly you need to change direction.Obstacles could be sticks, stumps or rocks in the classic track which are often an issue early and late in the season. Alternately you may want to pass someone that is skiing slower than you are. The key is to move from the track to the skating lane and back again as smoothly as possible. Be sure to start your change of direction well ahead of time. Often skiers will stop, step out of the track and then stop again before they ski back onto the trail. However you can do this more efficiently by gradually changing direction by smoothly striding out of the track. In photo 1 I have placed my pack on the trail and you will note that I am angling my left ski out to begin to change direction. I then stride past the object and then angle back toward the track as shown in photo 2.  Your focus should be to maintain your diagonal stride rhythm as you ski around the obstacle and back into the track. Thanks to Cross Country Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Rossignol skis and Infinity Ski Poles for sponsoring the video below which illustrates these techniques.

Photo 2-Angle back to the track