You may have seen the term Nordic skiing in our Ski Travel Guide. It's a type of skiing that's growing in popularity at resorts. Nordic skiers traverse hilly or flat terrain rather than going downhill. Lots of techniques exist to get from point A to point B, but they all involve lifting the heel from the ski to create momentum.
As the name suggests, Nordic skiing originated in Scandinavia (modern day Sweden, Norway, and Finland) as a mode of transportation over snowy landscapes. “Ski” comes from the Old Norse word “skid,” which means “a wooden board.” By the 1800s, Nordic skiing became a popular recreational and competitive sport, with the first official competition taking place in Norway in the year 1842. By the 1930s, Nordic skiing had become an Olympic event, and by the 1950s, it was widely practiced by the general public.
If you see yourself skiing over snow-covered landscapes, check out our guide to get started.
A Step-by-step guide to Getting Started
It’s important to remember that Nordic skiing is an entirely different discipline than Alpine (downhill) skiing. Unlike Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing is an aerobic exercise and requires cardiovascular endurance. However, it is relatively easy for beginners to pick up, as terrain is largely flat and accessible, and you can go at your own pace.
Nordic ski boots are designed with heels that lift from the skis. Skis themselves are lighter and thinner to allow for more freedom of movement. So, make sure you have the appropriate equipment. If you’re not sure, ask a salesperson for help and advice.
Ready to your Nordic adventure? Here are our tips for getting started:
1. Choose Your Track
Opt for a smooth (or beginner’s) piste to start. If the ski area is recognised by Nordic France, there will be a special track set aside for just for you. If there’s no beginner's track, stick to flat trails without obstacles. For more information on how to recognise different level trails, check out our guide to Ski Run Colours.
Though it may be tempting, don’t start off-piste. Staying on-piste is challenging enough for first timers, and you run the risk of tiring yourself out too quickly.
2. Find Your Stance
Posture is key. Start on a flat track with your skis parallel. Once you’ve found your balance, bend softly at the ankles and knees. Keep your torso upright—no pitching forward! Find your balance here, on the balls of your feet. This is your stance.
3. Learn the ‘Classic Style’ (ski de fond)
Once you’ve found your stance, it’s time to get moving. From your stance, shift your weight onto your right foot and push off with your left. Plant your lefthand pole.
Repeat on the other side until you’re moving forward at a steady pace. This technique is called the shuffle and glide. It requires a lot of energy, so take your time.
4. Learn to Get up After a Fall
Falling is inevitable on the mountain, so learning to get back up is a must. If you find yourself on the ground, plant your ski poles on either side of your body (one on your left, one on your right). Make sure your skis are parallel. Slowly start to crawl so that your feet are behind you and you’re on your knees. Now, you can start to stand up.
If you’ve fallen on a hilly piste, make your way back to a flat patch before you attempt to stand up.
5. Learn the ‘Skating Style’ (ski de fond alternatif)
If you’re up for a challenge, why not try Skating Style? No poles involved. The Skating Style technique is perfect for those who’d like focus more on developing lower body strength. Move your right foot forward while swinging your right arm forward and your left arm back. Repeat on the other side until you’re moving forward at a steady pace. Your first ‘steps’ may be of varying lengths, but with practice, you’ll learn the amount of effort you need for that perfect stride.
Keep in mind that skating style can be intense. Make sure to take frequent breaks!
6. Going Up Gentle Hills
Now that you know how to move forward and get up after a fall, let’s look at gentle hills. To go uphill, Nordic skiers the same herringbone technique as Alpine skiers. They make a V with their skis (the wide part of the V in front of them) and roll their feet slightly inward to help maintain balance. Give it a try. Once you feel stable, take a step forward with your right foot and plant your left ski pole. Repeat on the other side. Continue this pattern until you’ve arrived at the top of the hill.
7. Going Downhill
If you’re mastered forward motion, you’re ready to go down a small hill. The technique is the same shuffle and glide. Simply lean forward with your skis parallel and start taking a few ‘steps’ as you would on flat terrain. If you feel the need to take a break, slowly come to a stop, crouch down, and sit in the snow. When you’re ready to continue, get back on your feet!
Other Techniques
The classic and skating style are just two techniques of many. Others include cross-country skiing, Telemark skiing, and cross-country touring. They all involve lifting the heel from the ski to create momentum. And don't forget those snowplow turns!
Now that you’ve got the basics down, why not test it out in real life?
Go Further: ESF lessons for Children
If you’re going on a Nordic ski holiday for the first time, taking a lesson at a ski resort your best bet. The ESF Ski School has a presence in most ski resorts and offers lessons for all levels.
Nordic Skiing for Kids:
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The Bear cub Level (Ourson)
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The Snowflake Level (Flocon)
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The First Star Level (Première Etoile)
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The Second Star Level (Deuxième Etoile)
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The Third Star Level (Troisième Etoile)
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The Bronze Star Level (Etoile de Bronze)
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The Gold Star Level (Etoile d’Or)
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The Timed Test: Nordic Cross
Nordic Skiing for Teens and Adults:
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Class One (1ère classe)
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Class Two (2ème classe)
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Class Three (3ème classe)
For more details on what each level entails, visit our Guide to the ESF Ski School.
Where to Go on a Nordic Skiing Holiday
If Nordic skiing sounds like a fun adventure (It is!), you may be wondering if it is widely available at most ski resorts. In France, the answer is yes! The French Alps and the Pyrénées Mountains have the perfect terrain to shuffle and glide to your heart’s content.
If you’re going on holiday in France, choose a ski resort with the label Nordic France. Nordic France certified ski resorts have high quality pistes (frequently groomed and secure), essential services nearby (rental equipment and lodging), and a commitment to keeping their carbon emissions low.
Our Top Picks for Nordic Skiing in France
We love Les Menuires in the French Alps. Not only is it doted with beautiful landscapes and breath-taking views, it’s got the perfect mountain terrain for Nordic skiing. At 1850 m above sea level, at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, there are plenty of non-skiing activities to explore, too.
We’d also recommend…
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La Plagne
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Val d’Isère
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Courchevel
And of course, our suggested stations are the perfect places to learn from a certified instructor.
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