The “One Skate” technique is used when a skier is trying to gain speed and sometimes for slow conditions. Racers often use this technique going uphill as much as possible as it is usually faster than off set.  One skating is when you glide on your skis while they are in the shape of a V. When one skating you pole for every time you stride with your skis.

ONE SKATE

Free skate is used going down hills when you are going too fast and your poles are no longer effective. It can also be used on downhill corners to maintain speed.  Free skating is when you skate with your skis and your arms swing but you do not use your poles.

FREE SKATE

The two skate is used for maintaining speed and saving energy and is most effective if used on flats and gradual downhills.  Two skating is basically the same as one skating except you pole every second stride instead of every stride.

TWO-SKATE

Off set is used for going up steep hills and is a good way to start any skate race because you can very quickly gain speed.   Off set uses what we call a “three point landing”. A three point landing is when your two poles land on the ground at the same time as one of your skis. Use with the higher pole on the crest of the hill. Off set can be used two main speeds. The hop skate is basically off set at a higher tempo.

OFFSET

Used for powering around corners when skate skiing.   Skate turns are when you step around a corner using your poles to help you gain or maintain your speed. When approaching a corner while skating you continue to push with your poles while taking short almost hopping skates to get around the corner.

SKATE TURNS

Marathon Skate is not a technique generally taught anymore. At one time it was known as the fastest skate technique and was used on flat and sloping hills.  Marathon Skating is when you keep one foot in the track and skate or push off of the other to propel yourself forward. You use your poles just like when you are skating.

Skate Skiing    

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