Skate skiing is the most fun I have ever had on the snow!! I’ve cross-country skiied for 17 winters and never really “got” classical technique even with a couple lessons from a former World Champion and other good skiers. A few years ago Abi told me how much fun she was having skate skiing at Craftsbury. It looked like too much work and anyway, there are no groomed ski trails in Cuchara. This year was my chance. Teton Valley, ID, has a great volunteer groomed trail system and I made a commitment to skating when I bought skate skis, boots and poles on sale in December.
For me skate skiing is a lot more natural than classical. Most of us roller skated as kids. Even if we didn’t, I think the bio-kinetic feedback of skate skiing makes it more intuitive. It is also better training for me. I’m having fun out there and speed builds on speed so I maintain a higher heart rate. It is also a better workout for Bonnie since she has to run to keep up.
I’ve been out on my skate skis about a dozen times and had the opportunity to take a skate ski clinic at Grand Targhee last Saturday. Only a few people signed up and I joined a small group for a great two hour lesson from Erica Linnell, Targhee Nordic Supervisor. I can already tell a big improvement in my speed and actually look forward to small uphills.
I’ll always enjoy snow shoeing on forest trails and downhill skiing and snowboarding for a change, but skating is where it’s at for me in the winter! If you haven’t ever skate skiied and get an opportunity I highly recommend giving it a try!
It is about time we have an update!
Can’t wait to get back on the skate ski track..next year.
So glad your are having a wonderful winter.
Lisa
oh
it’s
about
bloody
time!
skate skiing? never heard of it before this season. can you skate ski with a canine companion?
Depends on where you ski whether dogs are allowed are not. Two of the trails here allow dogs. It is a great exercise for Bonnie. If you want your dog to help out skijor is the sport with you on skis and your dog pulling.