A Unique Team Building Experience
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Cross-country, or 'Nordic', skiing evolved from a practical need to move across snow-covered terrain. Stone Age carvings discovered in a Norwegian cave and dated around 2000 BC, depict a figure using long skis for hunting. The word 'ski' comes from the Old Norse word 'skid' which literally means a board or a split piece of wood.
Sondre Norheim, a Norwegian from the Telemark District of Norway, is credited with pioneering skiing as a sport in the 19 th Century. He developed curved Telemark skis, and bindings, and his name has become synonymous with the 'Telemark Turn' and ski racing.
Modern Nordic skiing comprises several disciplines, all of which are very popular today; cross-country skiing, ski touring, telemark skiing and biathlon (more information from www.britishbiathlon.com). Our courses mainly concentrate on cross-country skiing. Although most of the principles of cross-country skiing are the same as those applied to the downhill, or Alpine sport, (for example turning, stopping, balancing, weight distribution and transfer), the significant difference between the two disciplines lies in the design, shape and function of the skis.
Although most of the principles of cross-country skiing are the same as those applied to the downhill, or Alpine, sport (for example turning, stopping, balancing, weight distribution and transfer) the significant difference between the two disciplines lies in the design, shape and function of the skis.
For cross-country skiing light, narrow skis are used in prepared tracks. They are fitted with 'free-heel' bindings that allow the skier to travel up as well as downhill. Two techniques are employed; the traditional 'classic' technique, which entails skiing in cut tracks, and the 'skating' technique which is a similar technique to that used for roller skating and roller blading, but is utilised on pressed snow adjacent to the 'classic tracks'.
For people of every age and ability, the low-impact sport of cross-country skiing is a most relaxing, healthy and rewarding way of enjoying the winter environment. At its most basic level, it allows skiers to travel at their own pace and simply enjoy the outdoors, whilst also gaining the obvious benefits of stress-free exercise .
However, it can also be an extremely competitive sport for the serious athlete who aspires to the highest (even Olympic) standard. At this level it is acknowledged as being one of the most demanding of all sports, requiring co-ordination, stamina, fitness, mental strength and commitment.
Although the focus of your course is on team building, the course also provides an excellent opportunity for you to learn and master the basics of this exciting and challenging sport.
For further information on cross-country skiing in Norway:
www.skiingnorway.com (opens in new browser window)