How to Herringbone When Cross Country Skiing

Though many an hour can be peacefully spent gliding easily through the snow when cross country skiing, you may need a little more momentum than your diagonal stride can provide sometimes. You'll need to master the herringbone stride, especially if you are skiing terrain that is slightly hilly.

Things You'll Need

• Cross country skis
• Boots
• Proper attire
• Poles

Instructions

Get Up That Hill With a Herringbone Stride

1. Figure out when you need to apply the herringbone technique. A sure sign that this stride is called for is when your skis begin sliding backward while you attempt to diagonally stride forward.

2. Start the movement by opening your skis up to a "V" shape. Keep your balance while performing this weight shift by using your poles and keeping your center of gravity over one foot at a time.

3. Apply pressure to the inner edges of both your skis as you kick off from one ski to work into a rhythmic glide.

4. Use the pole opposite to your forward moving ski to help propel you. Your pole should be planted in front of you with the tip pointed to the rear of your ski as you move forward.

5. Continue to use your weight to counter-balance the movement of arms and legs as you move up the hill. Your skis should continue in the the "V" formation of tails pointed towards each and tips pointed outwards.

Go Downhill With the Snowplow

1. Return downhill with control by using a maneuver called the "snowplow."

2. Form the shape of an "A" by pointing the tips of your skis towards each other and the tails outwards and to the back.

3. Grasp your poles parallel to the ground, with the tips pointing to the rear of your skis.

4. Bend slightly at the knees to keep your center of gravity low and close to the ground.

5. Apply pressure to the inner edge of your skis to help control your speed as you go downhill.

Tips & Warnings

• Master falling on your cross country skis before you try to take on any of the more intricate maneuvers involved in this sport. Start by bending at your knees and falling to the side. Try to land on your rear and then get up by shifting your weight forward onto your knees. Use your poles to lift you back up onto your feet.

• Beginning skiers should invest in a helmet before hitting the snow to help minimize the risk of head injury when a fall occurs.