Req 7b8 — Speed & Direction Control

Cross-country skiing is not just about flat terrain and forward motion. Ski tours frequently involve descents — and on Nordic gear, with a free heel and lighter boots, controlling speed downhill requires specific techniques. Practice all six maneuvers on a gentle, packed slope.

The Six Maneuvers

Straight Run

Ski directly downhill with skis parallel, hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight centered. Arms forward with poles tucked back, not dragging. The straight run gives you a feel for speed and how your Nordic skis behave on descent — they are less responsive to edging than Alpine skis.

Traverse

Ski across the slope at an angle — not straight downhill, but cutting across the hill. Keep your skis parallel, with slight edge pressure into the hill on the uphill edges. The traverse controls speed by not pointing directly downhill. It is your go-to direction for moving across steep terrain safely.

Side Slip

From a stopped position or slow traverse, release your edges by letting your skis flatten and allow yourself to slide sideways down the slope (still facing across the hill). Control the slip speed by re-engaging your edges. This skill is used for descending terrain that is too steep to traverse comfortably or when you need to lose elevation carefully.

Step Turn

While moving, lift one ski and angle it in the direction you want to turn, then bring the other ski alongside it. Repeat — step the lead ski, bring the other alongside. This is used for directional changes at slow speeds and on flat or gentle terrain. Think of it as walking a turn rather than skidding one.

Wedge Stop

Push your tails apart to form a V-shape (tips together, tails apart), pressing the inside edges into the snow. The more aggressively you wedge, the more friction — bringing you to a stop. Works on packed and groomed surfaces; less effective in deep or loose snow.

Wedge Turn

From a gliding wedge, shift weight to the outside ski of the desired turn direction. The wedge steers you that way. Turn left: weight to right ski. Turn right: weight to left ski. The technique is the same as in Alpine skiing but Nordic equipment is more flexible, so your body position needs to stay more upright and centered.

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