This year, discover the joys of cross-country skiing with one of our J+S ski instructors and take part in a beginners’ course.
Fancy trying a new sport? Come and give cross-country skiing a go with our instructors at the Col de La Givrine in Saint-Cergue. Our region is renowned for its extensive cross-country ski trails and breathtaking scenery!
Private cross-country skiing lessons lasting 1 or 2 hours to help you discover the sport and learn quickly. Bookings for 1 to 4 people with discounted rates.
There are two styles: classic and skating. The classic style is more suitable for beginners. More experienced skiers will prefer the skating style, which is more physically demanding and technically challenging.
Please note that all participants must be equipped for the same discipline (skating).
For your first lesson, we recommend you start with classic-style equipment, unless you’ve already mastered the skater’s stride in alpine skiing, roller skating or ice skating.
For your first session, it’s also best to book a 2-hour class, where you can get a comprehensive overview of the technical basics.
It is desirable, but not essential, for participants to be at a similar level.
In cross-country skiing, how long does it take before you start enjoying skiing «on your own»?
It varies a great deal, but on average, after an hour, you’ve learnt the basic movements and can ride independently, going slightly uphill or downhill. So it doesn’t take long to start having fun and enjoying yourself. Of course, as your speed and the gradient increase, you’ll need more practice. But you don’t need to be a top athlete – a bit of exercise or basic training as part of your everyday life is enough.
In cross-country skiing, there are two different styles: classic and skating. Who is the classic technique suitable for?
No one technique is simpler than another. It depends on the individual’s style and personal preferences. If you’re not yet very comfortable on the snow and haven’t learnt to glide on it through other sports, it’s advisable to start with the classic style. You move forwards, just as you would when walking. The classic technique is easy to learn, and anyone can get started straight away, which is why it’s also very suitable for older people. Classic cross-country skiing is also excellent exercise following an accident, for example, when you’re not yet steady on your feet.
And what about the skating technique?
If you already know how to ice skate or roller skate, you’ll find skating much easier. Skating works the leg muscles more. But whether you choose classic or skating is very much a personal choice. We see this during training as well. Whilst for some, skating is the most natural movement, for others it will be classic style. It depends entirely on your «build» and your background. The best thing is to try it out for yourself: you’ll soon realise which you prefer and which gives you the most enjoyment.
The cross-country skiing area La Givrine is situated in the Jura Mountains, in the municipality of Saint-Cergue.