| What is cross country skiing? | Season Calendar | Ski de fond homepage | FAQ | Useful links | Our instructors | Contact us |
Our students and classes
The CERN Ski Club is aimed at beginners and recreational skiers. Even though we have top-level skiers and competitors, we don’t train for competitions in our classes. We accept all levels from the ages of 14-100
Lessons take place in groups of 7 to 10 people, each group containing students of a similar level. If you register for the wrong level, don’t worry: groups will be regularly adjusted.
What is my level?
Group levels are beginner (level 0), intermediate beginner (level 1), intermediate (level 2) and advanced (level 3). Note that the advanced levels will only take place if there are enough inscriptions.
Can I take skating classes if I have never tried cross country skiing?
If you have never been on cross-country skis before, we highly recommend you start with a classic level 0 course. Exceptions can be made for those who have considerable experience in downhill skiing or ice skating and who can show that they are capable of skiing for two metres on one ski, but we reserve the right to ask you to change. As the skis are not the same, make sure you can change your skis when you change class.
| What you learn in each course | |
|---|---|
| C0 – Classic beginner | Snowplough, diagonal stride and fishbone technique. Getting comfortable on skis and learning the basics. |
| C1 – Classic intermediate 1 | Developing the diagonal stride, improving coordination and balance, and gaining confidence on gentle slopes and varied terrain. |
| C2 – Classic intermediate 2 | Improving efficiency and rhythm, working on kick and glide, and developing techniques for uphill and downhill sections. |
| C3 – Classic Advanced | Refining technique and building endurance. Classes are more intense, with longer distances and a stronger focus on skiing efficiently over varied terrain. |
| S0 – Skating Beginner | Basic principles, mainly without poles. Objectives: Learn to descend and stop using snowplough and other techniques, be able to slide for several metres on one ski, know how to climb a moderate slope |
| S1 – Skating intermediate 1 | V1 (Deux temps) skating V2 Alternate (Alterné) introduction Weight transfer and glide Climbing and descending skills |
| S2 – Skating intermediate 2 | V2 Alternate refinement V2 (un temps) technique introduction Efficient transitions between techniques Cornering and downhill control Balance and glide optimization |
| S3 – Skating Avancé | Refinement of the above but classes are more intense and pupils ski further. |
