Track-making machines prepare the snow surface you ski on. Some resorts have hundreds of miles of prepared trails, allowing you to explore much of the local landscape. There are two different types of track skiing – classic and skating.

Classic skis run in parallel ‘grooves’ made by the track machines. This was the first track skiing technique and is generally the technique beginners learn first. It is a slower technique than skating and requires less energy.

Skating is similar to ice skating or inline skating and you ski on a wide flat area prepared by the track machine. Not all resorts have skating tracks. Skating is faster than classic and requires more energy.

Touring is the winter equivalent of summer backpacking. By donning your rucksack you can make your own tracks and ski from hut to hut through spectacular scenery. For the very intrepid you can also camp outside in your own snowhole! For this type of skiing you will need stamina and good technique. You also need strong, reliable equipment, for the journey can take you over isolated and rough terrain. Touring can be one of the most rewarding forms of cross-country skiing and allows you access to unique, otherwise inaccessible, terrain .

The Telemark turn is a graceful technique developed by Sondre Norheim for descending steep slopes on Nordic equipment and gave birth to the modern alpine techniques in the 1930’s. The skier completes the turn with each ski equally weighted but with the heel of the trailing ski lifted. The technique is especially suited to soft powder. The boots are still recognisable as Nordic boots because they are only fixed to the ski at the toe, allowing the heel to rise and the technique to be performed. If you like the adrenaline rush of steep slopes then Telemarking may be for you. Any Nordic skis are suitable for Telemarking but it is easier to learn on specialist equipment.