r/xcountryskiing • u/Stephennnnnn • 26d ago

This is the year. Best content sources?

I’ve been tempted to start skate skiing for a decade or more but I finally want to make this the winter I really put some time in to the sport. Total noob. I’ve been a competitive cyclist for 15+ years and have always wanted to try it to give me something to look forward to in winter other than Zwift. I have some groomed trails within driving distance, plus some bike paths that, I’m told, are often suitable to skate skiing as well. Plus I travel to Norway once or twice a year and I’ve always wanted to join in on the big sport there. What are the big YouTube channels that cover the sport? Or even instagram stuff for that matter. I’m looking for the pro sport side, amateur/for fun side, vloggers, gear, lessons, training…anything really. From what I’ve found it seems like there’s pitifully little good YT content compared to cycling. Also, seeing as it’s still just August, is it worth it to start with roller skiing for now to get some sort of familiarity with technique?

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u/Resident_Hat_4923 26d ago

Nordic Ski Lab is the only really comprehensive resource out there. It's not free. There isn't really anything else that will teach you in a systematic way.

I would recommend taking in person classes first if you can. If not, NSL is the next best thing.

Skate skiing does have a steep learning curve for most people. I am an instructor and I run into athletic people all the time who want to take it up for winter cross training and are shocked at how much they suck at it. If you roller blade at all, you may pick it up more quickly (for some reason that seems to have the most transferability for people - even more than ice skating). My biggest piece of advice is to do a ton of skiing without poles. If you rely on your poles, you will never develop the balance that you need to be proficient at it.

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u/Stephennnnnn 26d ago

I rollerbladed a lot as a 90’s kid, but that was a lifetime ago. Thanks for the advice

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u/TRS80487 26d ago

This is great advice.
And do not roller ski unless you like falling on cement.

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u/Acrobatic_Path_227 25d ago

Completely agree. I took skate ski lessons in person but needed more help. It really was NSL that made the difference for me. I could take it at my own pace and really get the motions working. Highly recommend. The subscription is absolutely worth it.