In the classic style of cross-country skiing there are several techniques or steps. The alternate gait is the classic style technique most used in entry-level cross-country skiing. This technique is used mainly on slopes or flats with a slight unevenness, however, beginners use this technique almost throughout their journey.
The alternate gait is the technique that frequently causes people to say, “If you can walk, you can go cross-country skiing”, since the arms and legs move in the same way as when we do the walking movement (longitudinal plane) . Therefore, we can affirm, in this way, that it is a natural technique, since it is directly related to our human way of moving on the ground unlike other cross-country skiing techniques.
It is the familiarity with our movement pattern that makes the classic style, and mainly the alternate step, the easiest way to introduce people to this sport. Undoubtedly, other ideas may also be valid and useful for the beginning of the practice of this sport, but it is indisputable that there is nothing easier than starting where we already know and walking is our natural way of moving, be it in the snow as on earth.
We could say that the alternate or alternate step is so easy to learn that a person who has never put on skis can also enjoy having a fun day doing their first cross-country skiing session, starting with this technique. On the other hand, although it is easy to perform at a beginner level, it can also take a lifetime to achieve the correct learning of this technique and its correct biomechanical execution. Logically, the alternate step technique is much more complicated if the objective is the competition, where the material used for the practice can completely modify the technical gesture.
In conclusion, the introduction to the alternate step is as simple as putting on some skis and beginning to feel the sensation of displacement on the snow. The first steps are usually what are called basic or elementary and are nothing other than the way we move from day to day.
Correct execution in alternate step
- The alternate gait resembles running or walking at initiation.
- Getting to glide on a ski always has to be a goal.
- Observe the forward lean of the body of an expert skier. Beginning skiers tend to ski with a straighter trunk.
- The alternate or alternate step is made up of a kick or push phase and a glide phase. The kick or impulse is the part where the entire weight of the body is loaded on a ski by pressing the ski down, to grip the snow and be able to propel ourselves and thus move.
- Beginners should prioritize developing effective momentum, otherwise they will not be able to slide and will be frustrated. The change in body weight is essential to give beginner skiers the feeling of being able to grip the snow.
- Sensitivity that I can push is work that determines success in alternate step.
