What is Nordic Skiing?
Your Athlete’s Gateway to Winter Adventure
What is Nordic Skiing? Ever wondered what Nordic skiing is? Nordic skiing, primarily known as cross-country skiing, is a magical sport. The sport involves many facets, with different types of techniques, variations of trails, and time spent outdoors. You’ll often spot families skiing together enjoying exercise and good company. Unlike downhill skiing, Nordic skiing means you propel yourself across snow using your own strength, with skis attached only at the toe, allowing your heel to lift freely. This Nordic ski definition highlights the core difference from alpine skiing.Nordic vs. Downhill: Key Differences for Families
Thinking about Nordic skiing vs Alpine skiing? Here’s why cross-country skiing is great for youth athletes and beginners:- Terrain: Nordic skiers explore gentle hills and groomed trails (like our Frisco Nordic Center), unlike Alpine skiing’s steep descents. There are no chairlifts, nordic skiers move themselves along the trails.
- Equipment: What are Nordic skis? They’re lighter, longer, and narrower. The crucial alpine ski vs Nordic ski difference is the binding: Nordic boots attach only at the toe, enabling that unique “free heel” motion. Nordic Skis also have no metal edges.
- Movement: You create your own momentum, making Nordic skiing an incredible full-body workout for endurance and fitness. This contrasts with alpine vs Nordic skiing’s reliance on gravity.
- Accessibility: Generally more accessible and often less expensive than alpine skiing with less expensive lift tickets and more terrain for beginners.
The Two Styles: Classic & Skate Skiing
Nordic skiing has two main techniques:- Classic Skiing: The traditional “kick-and-glide” style, often in groomed tracks. Perfect for beginners and building a lifelong passion for skiing. Our Little Vikings program starts here.
- Skate Skiing: A dynamic, faster style resembling ice skating. Performed on wider groomed trails, it’s more aerobically demanding. Team Summit’s ITS programs teach this technique while our Comp programs work to master it. Learning to skate opens the door to competitive skiing should athletes choose that path.
Why Nordic Skiing is Perfect for Athletes
Cross-country skiing offers vast benefits for youth development:- Full-Body Fitness: An excellent cardiovascular workout, low-impact, building strength and stamina.
- Mental Well-being: Connects kids with outdoors, promotes mindfulness, and builds self-esteem.
- Character Development: At Team Summit Nordic, we foster healthy competition, individual effort, and team spirit in a nurturing environment.
- Lifelong Sport: A skill they can enjoy for decades of winter fun.
Join the Team Summit Nordic Family!
Nordic skiing for young athletes has been a staple in Summit County for over 50 years. From beginners to competitors, we have a Nordic program for every child:- Little Vikings: Our learn-to-ski program for elementary-aged kids.
- ITS (PREP) Programs: For ages 7-11 to learn skate and classic techniques.
- COMP Program: Our program designed for older athletes offering time on skis for those who want to continue to progress and for those who want to learn to race.