Cross-Country Skiing at MECCA

At the conclusion of this course, students will understand the basics of both diagonal stride and skate style skiing, as regards both technique and equipment. They will be able to stand comfortably on skis, compress each ski and grip the snow, kick off and then repeat with the opposite leg. They will be able to glide forward on the gliding ski after their kick, maintaining balance, as they shift their weight forward over the gliding ski. They will be able to engage their poles at the proper time and angle, pushing to assist forward movement.

The course will cover the following topics:

Basic equipment and how to wear/attach. Dress. Types of Nordic skiing. How to stand up with skis if (when!) you fall. Kicking without poles. Gliding. Weight shift forward. Pushing with poles. Edging. Skate turns down small hill.  Herringbone up a small hill. Sidestep up a steeper hill. Snowplow to a stop, single and double ski. Marathon skate.  Skate ski down small hill.

Requirements: Students should have the basic ability to balance: ability to stand on one foot for at least 5 seconds.  They should also be able to fall onto snow from a standing still position without undue worry about injury. Previous experience on skis is not required but welcomed.

Fee: $30, with a $5 early-bird discount if registration is received by December 28. Rent skis for $5/session. Scholarships available.

Fe University thanks the MECCA Experience Fund for subsidizing this class. MECCA relies on memberships, donations and volunteers to maintain facilities and trails. Consider contributing via their website, which also includes information about current trail conditions, maps, events, and more.

COVID-19 Requirements: FeU and Instructor require that all students are fully vaccinated and wear masks indoors at the warming shelter, regardless of vaccination status.