Review of the Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp in Ötztal

Cross-country skiing expert Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will demonstrate classic cross-country skiing technique on a trail in the Ötztal Valley in Austria. Classic cross-country skiing and skating differ not only in their skiing style, but also in their equipment. Classic cross-country skiing requires boots with a softer outsole. The shaft is low, and the ankle area is cut a bit wider to allow freedom of movement. Cross-country ski poles should be shoulder- or armpit-high, and definitely not longer. For classic cross-country skiing, you need a suitable ski with a grip zone to create a connection between the ski and the snow. To step into the skis, it's best to hold the poles in both hands for support. Clean the snow off your boots and then try to clip them into the ski bindings. To learn the classic cross-country skiing movement, don't use the poles at first. For classic cross-country skiing, you need the diagonal stride. Move forward with cross-coordination – that is, similar to walking or running: - Left hand forward, right foot forward - Right hand forward, left foot forward Cross-country skiing is a dynamic strength-endurance movement. Bend and stretch during the cross-coordination movement using your hips and ankles. Once you've practiced a bit and the classic cross-country skiing movement has become automatic, add the poles. You can now slowly incorporate the poles into the movement. To begin with, take the learned diagonal step and drag the poles slightly. When you feel like you're gliding, you can swing the poles more forward. When doing this, your arms should not be extended forward, but slightly bent towards your shoulders. If you want to start cross-country skiing, Martin recommends starting with the classic cross-country skiing technique, as the guided track makes it easier to execute the movement cleanly. Another tip from a cross-country skiing expert: Start on a flat trail to learn the stride. Classic cross-country skiing is the original form of alpine skiing and easy for everyone to learn. Want to try it too? Then come to the Explorer Hotels' cross-country skiing camp and learn classic and skating techniques from cross-country skiing experts. In Niederthai in the Ötztal Valley, there are trails with varying levels of difficulty (red to black). The Explorer Hotel Ötztal is ideally located for hitting the trails in Niederthai.

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.