Ski School and Continuing Education

Ski School, Saturday, January 28, 2023

Under current COVID-19 safety guidelines the club is resuming its ski school. However, individuals should assess their risk carefully before deciding whether to ski with a group. We are responsible for our own safety. The following safety precautions are in place for Willamette Chapter’s Ski School and tours:

1. No one should participate in a club activity if they have symptoms that might indicate Coronavirus infection, or, if they have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

2. The Willamette Chapter requires everyone to be vaccinated to participate in ski school.

3. Carpooling is an individual choice. Those who carpool should wear face coverings as a precaution.

4. Skiers should maintain 6’ social distance at all times and wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible.

5. For our lesson at Hoodoo masks are required inside the lodge, but not on the Nordic trails.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The ski school is appropriate for beginner through intermediate levels. The school teaches, reviews, and gives you an opportunity to practice cross-country skills. Willamette Chapter membership is required for participation in the Ski School. COST: $25.00 per student for trail passes and group lesson. Rental skis are available from Hoodoo for $10.00.

EVENING CLASSROOM SESSION: will not be offered this season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, information on preparing for the on-snow session and future tours will be provided through this website. We encourage ski school participants to review the information and email questions or comments to: Bob Young arch.byoung at gmail dot com or Jim Todd toddwac18 at gmail dot com.

ON THE SNOW SESSION: Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Hoodoo’s groomed Nordic trails. The on snow day combines a group lesson, taught by Hoodoo’s PSIA certified Nordic instructors, and a practice session with mentoring by ONC’s experienced skiers. Departure time and place from Salem to be announced via email to registered students. Return at approximately 5:00 PM. The focus will be on the demonstration and practice of fundamental cross-country skiing skills. Students are responsible for their own food, water, equipment, and transportation. The club will offer several beginner ski tours during the remainder of the ski season so you can practice your skills. Plus, as a member of the club, you will receive the club newsletter and have access to our experienced skiers for continued advice and assistance.

Clothing and Gear for cross country skiing: the REI webpage is a good guide to xc ski clothing and has links to the Ten Essentials that should be carried on ski tours. But please note that XC skiing is an aerobic exercise generating considerable heat. In our mild climate you are more likely to be too warm than too cold. On your first ski outing it is a good idea to carry a pack with enough room to hold clothing you remove to avoid overheating. (Be sure to carry plenty of water for hydration)

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/crosscountry-ski-clothing.html

Skill Development: A professional lesson is the best way to begin cross-country skiing. Firm grounding in basic technique leads to skiing proficiency more quickly and increases enjoyment of this great winter sport. Joining a local ski club also offers excellent opportunities to practice new skills and learn from experienced skiers. For further development, we recommend the following aids to self directed learning:

Books: “Cross-country Skiing: building skills for fun and fitness” by Steve Hindman; The Mountaineers, 2005. Comprehensive treatment of all aspects of cross-country from racing to backcountry travel. The descriptions of basic and advanced technique are excellent. If you want just one book on cross-country skiing, this is it.

Videos: Thousands of cross-country skiing videos are posted on youtube, vimeo and other sites. The selections below are among the best at explaining and demonstrating basic technique. A youtube search for “XC Ski Academy” or ”k2nicol” will lead to other helpful videos.

Classic (Diagonal Stride) Technique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqb09bLVdoM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkczIolX0vM

Free Style (Skate) Technique:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brGZlZkCwyk