Ski Skills and Ski Training

A 2-day course introducing principal aspects of cross country skiing, using outdoor roller skis, ski-specific indoor training equipment, indoor and outdoor improvisations.

The course will comprise activities, gymnasium work, lectures, group training, skills and sport-specific fitness training, all based on maximum participation, enjoyment and fun.

There will be numerous sessions learning how to ski cross-country (ie on all terrain, uphill and downhill) using modern roller skis, which are the training tools of all serious cross-country athletes worldwide.

There will also be an introduction period for biathlon – the Olympic discipline of cross-country ski shooting, using the non-kinetic and eye-safe laser rifle system in an indoor range setting. Those interested can book further courses for live biathlon target shooting and competition which will be held at Tollymore NOC.

Instructor: Gordon Seaton (British Biathlon Union Coach Trainer and Assessor; Training Director at the British Biathlon Academy (sports scholarship regime for next-gen GBR National Squad).

Ideal Group Size: maximum 10 (possibly 12 depending on shoe size). All work will be within the buildings, facilities and grounds of the centre. For this course – and other initial foundation courses – there is no need to use open public spaces.

All ages, inc accompanied juniors subject to the stature and shoe size (due to equipment limitations), with reasonable agility and flexible in all 4 limbs.

Neither previous knowledge nor experience is necessary. Peak fitness not required, although the course will be active and sometimes outdoors in prevailing weather.  Although cross-country skiing is often viewed as highly demanding, the spectrum of participation is very broad for all ages and all levels. The foremost focus on the course is the tutoring of skill, technique and knowledge to enable clients to take their next chosen steps.  However, willing students will be able to benchmark themselves on ski-specific evaluation protocols and engage in reasonably intense exercise if desired.

Ideal for those intending or thinking of a cross-country skiing holiday at any level from novice to expert, and also superb for downhill skiers preparing for their next trip to the slopes or even thinking about trying cross-country for the first time.

All equipment provided.

Fee includes equipment for the course, accommodation, break, lunch and dinner.