What level Skate skier are you?

Not sure what level skier to classify yourself as? Use the skill descriptions below to help determine your ability level.

    • I am working on putting my skis and poles on correctly and taking them off

    • I rely largely on my poles to create forward movement and propel myself down the trail

    • I use my poles for balance

    • I am not sure WHEN to use my poles relative to my skis

    • I prefer to keep both skis on the snow at the same time

    • I have never successfully executed a snowplow or:

    • I can use a snowplow to slow my speed on straight, gradual downhills, but have difficulty stopping quickly

    • I can put my skis and poles on correctly and take them off with ease

    • I can skate without poles for short periods on the flats

    • I can ski using 1 out of the 3 poling techniques, (V1, V2, ​or​ V2-A)

    • I can bring myself to a complete stop using a snowplow

    • I can execute individual snowplow turns to the left or right

    • I am beginning to connect multiple snowplow turns, one after the other

    • I can ski flats and gradual inclines without poles (green/easy/beginner trails)

    • I can ski using 2 or 3 out of the 3 poling techniques, (V1, V2, V2-A)

    • I can bring myself to a complete stop ​quickly​ using a snow plow

    • I can link snowplow turns and navigate natural curves in the trail

    • I can ski flats and moderate inclines without poles (blue/intermediate/moderate trails)

    • I have attempted all 3 poling techniques, (V1, V2, V2-A), but need clarification on the differences between them

    • I can stop on a downhill using a snowplow and am also practicing my hockey stop

    • I can execute skate turns on flat or gradual downhill corners

    • I can ski flats and moderate inclines confidently without poles and am attempting some steeper hills without poles (black/advanced/most difficult trails)

    • I can ski use all 3 poling techniques (V1, V2, V2-A), and have a clear understanding of which is which and when to use them

    • I am most comfortable doing V1 on one side or the other (L or R)

    • I can stop using a snow plow or hockey stop

    • I can use skate turns to maintain momentum on most down hill corners

    • I have attempted parallel turns but don’t regularly choose to use them

    • I can ski almost any terrain without poles (including sustained or steeper uphills)

    • I can identify the appropriate technique for different speed and terrain

    • I can execute both V1 and V2-Alternate on either right or left side

    • I can transition seamlessly between techniques (V1, V2, V2-A) including right side V1 to left side V1

    • I can stop smoothly using a snow plow or hockey stop

    • I can perform a wedge turn, skate turn, or parallel turn on almost any downhill

© 2020 Methow Valley Nordic