What is the Difference between Classic Skiing and Skate Skiing?

Classic Skiing was developed first and is a parallel motion that looks similar to walking, but you are gliding on your skis. Skate Skiing is a diagonal motion that looks very similar to ice-skating. 

 

Do I need my own gear? 

Yes. If you are renting gear, make sure to specify whether you are skate skiing or classic skiing.  Having some knowledge on how gear should fit will help you ensure you rent the correct gear.

 

Is Skate Equipment different than Classic Equipment?

Yes. Skate gear is entirely different than classic gear. The boots, skis and poles are not the same.  

The entire base of a skate ski is smooth for gliding. The base of classic skis have an area in the middle of the ski that sticks to the snow so you can propel the ski forward. This area is called the kick zone.

 

How should my gear fit?

Skis are fit based on skier weight, ability level and height. Skate skis are totally smooth tip to tail. Skate poles should come to your nose when you are not standing on your skis. If in doubt, error on the longer side. Poles can always be cut, but not lengthened. Classic poles should come to your shoulder when you are not on your skis. Skate boots are higher on the ankle than classic boots. Both Skate and Classic boots are comfortable fitting. They should fit similar to running a shoe, but be snug.  They may be smaller than your regular shoe size because once you start skiing and flexing your ankles your heel will move into the back heel pocket of your boot giving your toes a bit more room. Make sure your boots are not too big.  

 

What should I wear? 

Think layers!  It can feel cold at the start, but you will warm up quickly, so having layers to remove is helpful. You may start with a heavier outer layer at first and soon be in a light weight jacket and pant that one would wear hiking, winter cycling, or running.  A hat or headband and less bulky gloves are also essential. 

 

Do I need my own pass?

We try to ski all around town.  If we ski where there is a fee, you will need to purchase a day pass. On Betties days Jeremy Ranch is $5 and White Pine is $10.  If you have a seasons pass or punch pass, you will not need to purchase a day pass.

  

Do you coach all levels of skiers?

Yes. We welcome all levels of skiers.  We coach from Never Evers to Advanced.

 

Tuesdays we have a 9 week Skate Ski session for all levels. The times are 10:30am - 11:45am and 12:00 - 1:15pm.  There is no Classic skiing offered on Tuesdays. 

 

Wednesday we have an 8 week Classic Ski session for all levels of Classic Skiers.  The time is 9:30am - 10:45am.

 

Wednesdays we have a 6 week Skate Ski session for people new to skate skiing. The times are 9:00am - 10:15am and 10:30 - 11:45 am. 

 

Sundays we offer both beginner skate and beginner classic.  It is 6 weeks weeks and the times are Beginner Classic is 10:00 - 11:15 and Beginner Skate 11:30 - 12:45 pm.

 

Where can I rent gear?

       There are two places in Park City where you can rent gear.

White Pine Nordic Center- https://whitepinetouring.com/cross-country-skiing-park-city.php

Jeremy Ranch Nordic Center-  https://www.thejeremy.com/nordic 

 

Where do we meet?

We try to meet at different places around Park City. The meeting locations will vary depending on weather and conditions. We will send out an email Sunday Evening with where we will be meeting that week.