Nordic centers quickly discovered that their message had backfired, and now most centers suggest a package of lessons to novices so that they will enjoy and hopefully continue to pursue the sport. If you spent some time Nordic walking this fall, you will be thrilled by the easy transition to Nordic skiing. The weight change, arm swing, arm/leg coordination and bounding of Nordic walking will directly transfer to efficient ski technique. The weight is committed to the right ski or foot which is the gliding ski. The left leg and right arm are relaxed while the right arm is reaching forward. Nordic skiing is not walking on skis, therefore, glide and balance are the two elements that will require practice. Efficient classic skiers transfer all of their weight over the gliding ski and their superior balance allows them to hold this glide until the momentum starts to slow. At this point they push off the gliding ski while shifting their weight to the other ski and repeat the process. A committed upper body over the gliding ski allows the skier to put the weight on the smooth, wax-free part of the ski base to obtain maximum glide. Not only does technique contribute to glide length, differing ski bases can affect glide significantly. Waxless skis have pre-formed “fish scales” imbedded into the middle section of the ski base. When a skier compresses or “kicks” the ski, the scales help grab the snow and give the skier traction. After the kick phase of classic technique, the skier must transfer their weight to the front of the ski so that all of the weight is on the smooth base. This allows for maximum glide. While fish scale skis drag a bit, they also offer more control and work in most conditions from cold, January snow, to warm, spring snow, and their convenience makes them popular for all skiing abilities.
Fortunately, the consistent temperature and bountiful snow in the Fraser Valley make waxing very easy. It only takes five minutes to crayon and cork in the kick wax to the ski base. This kick wax provides the same grip as fish scales in the waxless skis. The benefit of a waxable classic ski is that the wax doesn’t cause the ski to drag as much as the fish scales, so the skier glides faster without as much effort. While Nordic skiing can be a physically demanding activity, there is a pace and trail for every level skier. Whether skiing on the 200 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails in the valley or endless backcountry trails, the tranquility and proximity to nature are sure to impress. Many moose call the Devil’s Thumb area home and wherever you ski in this area, you stand a good chance of spotting coyotes, fox, ermines and porcupines. Descending on Nordic skis creates an adrenaline rush as strong as any speed junkie craves, as the skinny skis and flexible boots allow the skier to connect more closely with the terrain. Since the Nordic skier must rely on self-propulsion to climb a hill (no chairlifts here!), the descent is a great reward. Competent and daring Nordic skiers forgo the snowplow, and instead, point the skis straight and enjoy the free ride. SIDEBAR: HUGH AUCHINCLOSS...
Auchincloss began working at the Nordic center in 1974. “Back then,“ he explains, “we didn’t groom the trails with any equipment; we simply skied the trails in.” In 1979, he teamed up with Al Gingery to purchase the center and they invested in double-track snowmobiles for better grooming and upgraded the rental equipment. They also offered snowcat skiing off of Blue Ridge Mountain on the YMCA property (before the YMCA/Snow Mountain Ranch had its own Nordic trails). Auchincloss took over the entire Idlewild Nordic business in 1982, and with the introduction of skate skiing, groomed the trails wider. In addition to classic and skate skiing, the Idlewild alpine area was also an ideal venue forn telemark skiing. Sadly, the in-town alpine ski experience ended in 1984. While the YMCA trails weren’t established until the mid-1980’s, Devil’s Thumb Nordic Center opened in 1976. Devil’s Thumb also encountered tough times and was closed between 1983 and 1987 when Auchincloss and an investment group bought Devil’s Thumb. Hugh quickly connected the two trail systems creating 125 kilometers of groomed trails. The Idlewild Ski Area was sold and closed in 1994, ending the Idlewild Nordic Center. Devil’s Thumb continued through ownership changes until 2001 when Bob Fanch purchased it and has transformed it into the Nordic gem it is today. While no longer an owner, Auchincloss continues to work at the Nordic center teaching, selling retail and assisting with the overall Nordic program. The physical and intellectual challenge of Nordic skiing is what attracts Auchincloss to the sport. “No matter, how good I get, it is always a challenge as the technique is continually being refined.” He also loves the sport because it is available to so many people – young and old, fit and not-so-fit. He advises newcomers to take lessons and even for advanced skiers to take periodic lessons to improve technique and confidence in handling more difficult terrain. Auchincloss is optimistic about the future of the sport in Grand County. With more groomed trails than any other area in the Rocky Mountain region and with consistently great snow conditions, more fans of Nordic skiing are flocking to the Valley. Hugh Auchincloss has been FraserValley’s Nordic skiing ambassador for 30 years, and with his passion for the sport, he’ll be teaching and perfecting his own glide for at least 30 more. |
Back in the early 1980s, after Bill Koch won the United States’ first Nordic medal in the World Cup, America’s interest in Nordic skiing perked up. Promoters were quick to encourage this curiosity and latched onto a slogan of, “If you can walk, you can ski.” They went so far as to suggest that lessons weren’t really necessary. While this message led many to try the sport, most were discouraged since Nordic skiing is not walking on skis. Skiing is gliding which requires lots of balance and specific technique.
Waxable skis, on the other hand, require a bit of preparation, as the skier must apply the appropriate kick wax for the day’s snow conditions. 
Hugh Auchincloss was seven years old when he moved to the Fraser Valley and discovered skiing. His parents purchased Idlewild Ski Area, an established alpine area in the town of Winter Park where he founded and ran the Idlewild Nordic Center for several years.
MORE STORIES....
WINTER LIFESTYLE
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BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
CABIN REMODEL
MOUNTAIN SPAS
AVOIDING INJURIES
WOOD STOVES
CLASSIC NORDIC SKIING
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