Nordic Combined - Techniques

There are two basic propulsion techniques used by the cross-country skiers and these techniques are called as classic and skate skiing techniques which are applied to different surfaces during the race.

Old Style

Classic style is mostly preferred by the players when no tracks have been prepared. This technique relies on the bottom of ski which is under the foot and is usually made up of wax. Players rely on it for the purpose of traction on the snow which allows the skier to ski forward.

Traction is defined as the motion generated by the body and a tangential surface by use of dry friction. The force involved in this process is called tractive force. In classic technique, one ski is remains stationary and the other one is pushed forward and this is continued alternatively.

The poles are also moved forward alternatively. If the right leg is forward then the left pole should be forward and vice versa. Sometimes on descending surfaces double poling is used for greater propulsion. Classic style is normally executed on undisturbed snow or tracked snow.

Modern Style

Skate skiing technique is different from the classic style as here alternating skis are advanced or propelled from one another at an angle. This style is predominantly followed by ice-skaters.

The competitors while approaching this technique slide on alternating skis. And this technique is executed on firm and smooth snow surface.

The skate skiing style is done by extending skis from one another at an angle which is called as ‘V’ shape. In cross country there may be situations to climb hills or ascending paths at that time the skiers use this V technique to advance.