Learning to make parallel turns on cross country skis

 By Keith and Heather Nicol

 The ultimate turn that most cross country skiers aspire to is to make smooth rounded parallel turns on their cross country skis. If this is your goal then first learn to make skidded turns to the right and left. Note that classic skis (without fish scales or skins or too much grip wax) will work well and skating skis will also work. In the photos below I am using classic skis with the grip wax removed.  Work on steering the skis smoothly into a skidded turn and focus on keeping your skis parallel throughout  the turn. Once you can make skidded turns in each direction then try to combine them into a series of linked  turns as I show in the video below. Many people use a pole plant to trigger an unweighing of the skis which aids your ability to steer them into the next turn. Note in the first photo below that I am flexed at ankles, knees and hips and then  after the pole plant I will extend or rise up (unweight the ski) the skis through the top of the turn. I will gradually flex the joints again as I finish the turn.  Also as in all alpine turns remember to keep most of your weight on the outside ski and keep your arms out for balance. This will help in your ability to control your skis. See this video for more information about how to make parallel turns on cross country skis:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU4qJ8TxH2U&feature=youtu.be

 Thanks to our sponsors Auclair gloves and Infinity Ski Poles.

                                               Start your turn with a pole plant to trigger an unweighting of the skis 

                                                    

                                                                      Continue to steer your skis through the turn