– Citizen Racer – Classic Cross Country and Skate Skiing

This class is for people who have solid basic classic and skate skills. Please read the skill level descriptions to know where you fit.
“What?” you say. “Who, me?” you say. “I’m not a cross country ski racer!” Au contraire, mon ami(e)! Racing isn’t only for top athletes. Anybody can race. Racing can be fun! Racing is also beneficial because we push ourselves differently in a race than we do when we are out alone or with some friends. Even if you have absolutely no desire to enter a ski race this winter, the tips and tricks you will learn in this class are equally as useful in helping you ski more comfortably around corners, down hills, up hills, and when snow conditions are challenging.

“Citizen Racer” is a term that was commonly used in the 1970s and 1980s as Bill Koch’s Olympic medal sparked huge interest in xc skiing clubs around the country. I love the term because it includes just about all of us, except perhaps the elite wave Birkie skiers and Olympic athletes. And the term makes me feel all jolly, smiley and included instead of nervous about how well or poorly I might finish. Who knows — maybe we will find a small, local ski race we could use as a culmination of all you have learned in the class!

This class will be held on the ski trails at either Snowflake Nordic Center or Grand Avenue Nordic Center depending on the snow conditions.

Registration Includes…

Registration includes six 90 minute sessions. You will need to bring your own skis, boots and poles and you are responsible for purchasing your own ski pass.

What goes into our class pricing? As a local nonprofit, Duluth Folk School is committed to supporting both our instructors and community. We want to compensate our instructors fairly, keep class sizes small, and keep our doors open—while also keeping prices as low as we can.

Thank you for participating in our local handcraft and education economy! Together, we help keep Duluth a fun and vibrant place.

Student Requirements

• Best for Ages: 18 and older
• Skill Level/Prerequisite Skills: This class is for Intermediate skiers (Level 2-, 2, and 2+). View a full description of skill levels here.

Level 2- Classic (Intermediate -)

• • I can stride confidently without poles on flats and sustained gradual uphills (green/easy/beginner trails).
  • I use both diagonal stride and double pole regularly throughout my ski.
  • I am not familiar with kick-double pole.
  • I can bring myself to a complete stop quickly using a snowplow.
  • I can link snowplow turns and navigate natural curves in the trail.

Level 2- Skate (Intermediate -)

• • I can ski flat terrain and gradual uphills without poles (green/easy/beginner trails).
  • I can ski using two or three of the three poling techniques (V1, V2, and V2 alternate).
  • I can bring myself to a complete stop quickly using a snowplow.
  • I can link snowplow turns and navigate natural curves in the trail.

Level 2 Classic (Intermediate)

• • I can diagonal stride confidently without poles on all (blue/intermediate/moderate trails) but find my skis slipping occasionally.
  • I sometimes hear my rear ski slapping down on the snow behind me.
  • I have been introduced to and/or attempted the kick-double pole technique.
  • I can stop on a downhill using a snowplow and am also practicing my hockey stop.
  • I can execute step turns on flat or gradual downhill corners.

Level 2 Skate (Intermediate)

• • I can ski flat terrain and moderate uphills without poles (blue/intermediate/moderate trails).
  • I have attempted all three poling techniques (V1, V2, and V2 Alternate) but need clarification on the differences between them.
  • I can stop on a downhill using a snowplow and am also practicing my hockey stop.
  • I can execute skate turns on flat or gradual downhill corners.

Level 2+ Classic (Intermediate +)

• • I can diagonal stride without poles on most terrain.
  • I can diagonal stride, double pole, and kick-double pole, but need a reminder of when to use which technique.
  • I can stop using a snowplow or hockey stop.
  • I can use skate turns to maintain momentum on most downhill corners.
  • I have attempted parallel turns but do not regularly choose to use them.

Level 2+ Skate (Intermediate +)

• • I can confidently ski flats and moderate uphills without poles and am attempting some steeper hills without poles (black/advanced/most difficult trails).
  • I can use all three poling techniques (V1, V2, and V2 Alternate) and have a clear understanding of which is which and when to use them.
  • I am most comfortable using V1 on one side or the other (left or right).
  • I can stop using a snowplow or hockey stop.
  • I can use skate turns to maintain momentum on most downhill corners.
  • I have attempted parallel turns but do not regularly choose to use them.

You should bring:

• • You are expected to have your own skate skis, skate boots and skate ski-length poles. Check with the Ski Hut Adventure Center if you would like to rent skis. Your skis should be ready to go, with the correct glide wax. Please take your skis to one of the local shops if you need help with waxing prior to the first class. Dress in layers for current weather conditions.
  • Ski pass: A Spirit Mountain nordic ski pass (daily or for the season and good for both the Upper Spirit and Grand Avenue trail systems) can be purchased on-line. The Snowflake Nordic Center ski pass can be purchased as a day pass (in person, cash) or an annual ski pass (by mail, check). All City of Duluth trails are covered by the Great Minnesota Ski Pass ($25 annual, $70 three-year).

Location

If there is adequate natural snow we will meet at Snowflake Nordic Center.

If there is not adequate natural snow we will meet at Grand Avenue Nordic Center. 

You will be notified prior to class where we will meet.