3.4 NORDIC - COACHING AND SKI INSTRUCTING
3.4 NORDIC FAQ
What kit do I need?
Skis: A set of classic skis and skate skis depending on what you have booked.
Poles: (classic) when you stand on the skis the length of the poles should come to your armpit. For skating the poles length should be between your chin and nose.
Boots: Either a specific skate and classic ski boot or combination boot. make sure they are made for classic or skating and that the boots fit the binding of the ski.
So if you would like to do both classic and skating you will need two sets of boots poles and skis. It is possible to have a combination boot although you do lose some stability when skating.
Clothing: it is recommended to wear something light. Alpine ski clothing will be to heavy and you will get warm really quickly if you have never skied before then the first day or two you will get away with alpine clothing. If you do not have nordic specific cloths then a light tracksuit with thermals underneath will also work. Ski touring clothing will also work well for nordic.
Also make sure that you have gloves, hat, buff and glasses for the sun and snow.
Do I need to book my own Accomodation?
You are required to book your own accomodation. If staying in ruhpolding this can be done through the Ruhpolding tourist information office.
Where can I hire skis?
In Ruhpolding near the traffic lights and at the Chiemgau Ski arena at the small log cabin Cafe at the gate entrance, it is possible to hire skis, boots and poles. Specify if you are needing skating or classic skis.
What happens when there is no snow?
From around December Ruhpolding gets regular snow. In cases of a period where snow is lacking then there are different options available to us. 20 minutes away is Winkelmoos Alm with an altitude starting at 750 meters up to 1750 meters above see level. It is possible to drive by car up to the tracks or take a ski lift up.
Another option is Hochfilzen which is about 1-hour drive away and lies at 1000 meters and is normally has secure snow from January.
Located near Ruhpolding is the Chiemgau Arena which has a base of made snow on the tracks, this means that the snow holds much longer. special permission is required to use the stadium so it is not always available to us.
There are a few other smaller spots around the area which often has snow when other places are lacking.
When is the best time to come visit the Region?
Ruhpolding and the Chiemgau region can be visited year round. For skiing purposes, the best time is from about the middle of January through to the end of March.
The second week of January the Biathlon world cup is held and then it could be hard to get hold of accommodation and some the roads to the skiing areas are closed during the races.
The end of January the British National Championships are held in Ruhpolding. With several cross country and biathlon events held over a period of two weeks. The main participants are the British Military but the event is open to civilians also. It is entirely possible to combine a ski course and then race at the end.
How do I get there?
Ruhpolding is 10-15 min away from the German Autobahn. Salzburg airport is a 20 min drive away and takes about an hour by train. Munich airport is about a 1 hour 30 away by car and if you are doing the full stretch from Munich airport by train then around 3 hours.
Skating or classic skiing?
For complete beginners, it is best to learn the Langlauf/Classic skiing first before applying the cross-country ski principles to skating. There are many similarities and it is important to learn the basics from classic skiing first. It is possible to learn both styles in a week.
Do I need a lift pass?
This is the beauty of cross country skiing, you do not need a lift pass. In most cases, there is no charge to use the cross country tracks.
Occasionally in some towns, there is a charge for using the prepared track or a parking fee. The only time you will need a lift pass is if we go to an alpine area that is not accessible by car. Winkelmoos is such an area although normally it is possible to drive up, (there is a toll charge for this). If skiing in the Chiemgau Biathlon stadium there is also a charge.
Can you offer qualifications?
Currently, I am unable to offer qualifications, in the future this will be an option.
Can I try biathlon?
If you have access to a rifle then I can teach you how to shoot like a biathlete. I also have a have a rifle that can be hired.
If you just want to give biathlon a try then I suggest the best option would be to follow one of the biathlon tours that is regularly held in the biathlon stadium and at a charge it is possible to shoot with a rifle that is similar to that used by biathletes.
Do you coach in other locations or abroad?
Although I am mainly based in Ruhpolding I am more than willing to coach cross country skiing or biathlon in other locations and am also able to travel abroad. For example, in November I am normally instructing military teams in Norway.
What skis do I require for classic skiing?
In classic skiing, you have the option for the traditional waxy skis where you apply your own wax to make the skis stick. This is great for racing since you have little resistance.
Most rental skis are with fish-scales which does not require any wax. This means in 90% of conditions the skis will work, the downside is that they are slow compared to 'sticky skis'. The other option is skis with a small piece of carpet-like material on the base, similar to touring skis. This option works in more conditions but again is not as fast as 'sticky skis'.
The choice is ultimately yours and if you are going to rent skis then you might not have much of an option. Personally, I like to ski on 'carpet skis' as I know I will always have stick. It is important to learn how to wax skis yet at the same time if you have fish scales then you can just go ski without having to think about waxing. Contact me about skis before you come out for a lesson.