Introduction to cross-country skiing - Instructions on classic cross-country skiing technique

Cross-country skiing expert Martin from the alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will take you on the most beautiful trails in Umhausen and Niederthai in Tyrol's Ötztal Valley. It starts at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Umhausen, from where it's just a 10-minute drive to the cross-country skiing center in Niederthai. Our cross-country skiing tour starts there on the sunny Niederthai plateau and leads you on beautifully groomed trails via Überfeld and Ennebach out of the center toward the Horlachtal Valley and Larstig.

Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will show you how the skating cross-country skiing technique works on a trail in Niederthai in the Ötztal Valley. The cross-country skiing expert will show you how to get started with the skating cross-country skiing technique, so you can move around on flat and slightly steep terrain with a few tips and tricks. First, the skating equipment: For skating, you need sturdy shoes with a compact sole. Cross-country ski boots create a lateral imprint when skating, so good stability is required. The skating boot is higher than classic cross-country ski boots. It's important that it goes over the ankle. This protects your ankle and your ankles. Skating cross-country skis are also different from classic cross-country skis. They don't have a climbing zone in the middle, but are groomed throughout. This is similar to alpine skiing, but skating cross-country skis are lighter. The skating poles should reach your chin or nose. Now put on your skis. It's best to make sure your skating boots are free of snow so you can fit them into the bindings. The skating technique requires more coordination than the classic cross-country technique. The technique must be adapted to the specific terrain of the trail. Martin will show you the basic skating technique: the asymmetrical step. The starting position is a V-shaped stance. The poles are slightly offset forward. You move by stepping onto your left foot and simultaneously removing the poles from the snow and placing them on the ground. This way, the movement always follows on the left side. It is important that you always stay in the V-shaped position. You can also perform the asymmetrical step on the right side. In this case, you move forward on the right side. You need both movements (right and left) to negotiate a turn or to move forward properly on a slope. Another tip from Martin: The skating technique has nothing to do with a natural movement pattern. Take your time learning and start with the basic technique shown on flat terrain! This will give you confidence on the cross-country ski trail. With the skating technique, you only move on one foot at a time. This requires the right balance and dexterity. There are other step techniques in skating. However, these only make sense once you've mastered the asymmetrical stride on the cross-country ski trail.

When cross-country skiing, it's important that your clothing is breathable and doesn't restrict your movement. Depending on the weather, a hat or headband and a buff for your neck are recommended. Choose pants that ideally have windproof material on the front and are as stretchy as possible on the back. For your upper body, layering is recommended. A vest is a good choice over the close-fitting bottom layer, as it gives you plenty of freedom of movement in the arm area, as you'll be using them actively while cross-country skiing. In colder temperatures, wear something long-sleeved over it, preferably with windproof material on the front. For your hands, there are special cross-country gloves; on cold days, those with windproof material are also suitable, while on warmer days, thin gloves are sufficient. Ski gloves are not recommended, as they are too thick and prevent you from getting a good grip on your poles. Sunglasses are always a good idea, because in addition to the sun and the necessary UV protection, you also need to protect your eyes from the wind. To ensure you stay optimally hydrated during your cross-country skiing tour, it's best to bring a drink. If it's thermally insulated, you can also bring warm tea. There are different types of equipment for classic cross-country skiing and skating. The boot for classic style has a softer sole so you can roll over the ball of your foot in a guided track. The shaft is also soft to allow flexibility in the ankle area. The boot is more reminiscent of a running shoe. The poles are the optimal length when the grip is at shoulder to armpit height. They should definitely not be longer. When skiing, it's important to choose classic skis with a grip zone in the middle. Recreational skis usually use skis with skins in the grip zone. The skating boot has a higher cut and a more stable and stiffer sole, allowing you to easily push off to the side. The cuff on the shaft provides extra support and stability for the ankle. The poles are longer than in the classic technique, and the grip should reach from chin to nose height. The skis have no climbing zone, but are flat, allowing you to move forward in a V-shaped position.

Wolfgang Krainer from the Krainer Sports School will take you on the cross-country ski trails of Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia. He will show you the Roman Trail and the Sport Trail in sunny Austria. From the Explorer Hotel Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia, take the ski bus to the start of the Roman Trail. The trail's start is at the parking lot of the Roman Thermal Baths. Another start is at the Sportarena in Bad Kleinkirchheim. In Bad Kleinkirchheim, you have around 10.5 kilometers of groomed trails at your disposal – whether you prefer skating or classic cross-country skiing. The Roman Trail is 8 kilometers long and runs through moderately difficult and varied terrain. The challenging Sport Trail is 2.5 kilometers long and runs parallel to the Roman Trail. The Roman Trail begins on the easy and flat terrain of the Roman Trail, along the Roman Baths in Bad Kleinkirchheim. The route then continues towards Zirkitzen in Carinthia, along the stream. The route descends into the valley on hilly terrain and sunny days. In addition to the Römerloipe trail in Bad Kleinkirchheim, there are other cross-country ski trails near Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia, such as the Höhenloipe trail and the circular trail at Falkertsee near the Heidi Alm, four cross-country ski trails on the Turracher Höhe, and the Panorama-Höfenloipe trail in Hochrindl. It's getting strenuous! Now comes the strenuous section on the Sportloipe, and it gets steep towards the valley! Only advanced cross-country skiers should use the Sportloipe. The Sportloipe then merges with the Römerloipe trail. The flat section of the Römerloipe trail is suitable for beginners, both classic and skate. However, the Römerloipe trail is also suitable for more athletic cross-country skiers, especially the section through the forest. The sports school director also recommends the St. Katherein Thermal Spa, perfect for relaxing after your cross-country ski run. The spa is just a two-minute walk from the Explorer Hotel Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia.