Req 7b11 — Steep Hills & Difficult Conditions

Nordic skis are designed for forward motion on moderate terrain, but ski tours frequently involve steep sections. These techniques allow you to navigate challenging slopes safely when your normal forward stride would send you sliding out of control.

Traverse

Moving across a steep slope at an angle (rather than straight up or straight down) allows you to gain or lose elevation gradually.

• Uphill traverse: Angle your skis across the fall line and sidestep slightly, or use a shuffling diagonal stride. Edge your uphill ski into the hill for grip.
• Downhill traverse: Keep your weight over the downhill ski, edge both skis into the hill, and let gravity pull you diagonally down and across rather than straight down.

Kick Turn (Uphill and Downhill)

A kick turn is how you reverse direction on steep terrain where there is not enough room to ski a wide arc.

Basic kick turn:

1. Stop in a stable, balanced position.
2. Lift one ski and swing the tip far forward, then rotate the ski 180° so it points in the opposite direction and place it on the snow.
3. Shift your weight onto the turned ski.
4. Bring the other ski around to match.

Uphill kick turn: Used at the end of an uphill traverse to reverse direction and continue climbing on the other side.

Downhill kick turn: Used at the end of a downhill traverse. The same technique, but you must be on stable ground since your center of gravity is shifting while facing partially downhill.

Sidestep

Plant both poles above you on the uphill side and step sideways up the hill one step at a time, keeping skis perpendicular to the fall line. Edge the uphill ski firmly into the snow for grip with each step. Used for ascending steep terrain when traversing is not possible or efficient.

For descending, reverse the process: sidestep down by stepping the downhill ski out, then bringing the other alongside, while keeping poles planted for support.

Pole Drag

On a descent that is too steep to control purely with edging, trail both poles behind you dragging the tips in the snow. This creates friction and reduces speed. Do not rely on pole drag as your only speed control — it is a supplement to edging and technique, not a substitute.

How to pole drag:

• Hold poles normally but allow both tips to trail behind you on the snow surface.
• Increase or decrease drag by applying more or less downward pressure.
• Combine with a traverse or wedge to manage speed on very steep terrain.

Putting It Together

Steep hill techniques are often combined in sequence:

1. Traverse across the slope to reduce effective steepness.
2. Kick turn at the edge to reverse direction.
3. Continue the traverse on the new line.
4. Sidestep up or down short steep pitches where traversing is not possible.
5. Use pole drag for speed control on unavoidable steep descents.

Official Resources

You have completed all the requirements for Option B — Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing. If you chose another option, continue to that section. Otherwise, head to Extended Learning.