20

_ Plans for the coming season presently
being reviewed by the executive Include
an enlarged chalet, C.S.A. approved
instructors, a T-Bar, increased hill size,
and more snow than last year. The first
races to be held in Cassiar will be on
the weekend of March 30 and 31, 1974, so
you still have time to turn up on week-
ends and be taught the finer points by the
experts. Persons wishing more information
on North America's fastest growing sport
should contact the ski club executive
or write P.O. Box 106, Cassiar, B.C.

The ski club will also be periodically
showing ski films at the Rec Hall on
Saturday evenings - everyone is welcome to
attend.

Yukon Cup Race Schedule

January 19-20 - Whitehorse
February 2-3 - Watson Lake
February 9-10 - Whitehorse
M x

Lanna PTD ARTE? mrt Watson, Lake
March 30-31 - Cassiar

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ra

CROSS COUNTRY
SKIING

TECHNIQUE

Bushwacking is cross-country skiing in
deep woods up and down hills and this is
what cross-country skiing in Cassiar is all
about. Itcan be as thrilling a form of
skiing as there is. It is exciting to be
able to move with great efficiency over
deep snow through all kinds of terrain and
still not disturb the peace and quiet of
the environment.

It is not difficult to get started
cross-country skiing. A few weeks ago, I
discussed equipment (simple and inexpensive)
Now assuming one has the proper equipment
and ones boots are on the right feet,
fitting the skis is quite easy, as the
plates on all bindings slant outwards more
on the outside and are more verticle on the
inside of the ski, in much the way the
boots are shaped. If your bindings are
Scandinavian, they are likely to be marked
"H" for hoger (right) and "V" for venster
(left, Be sure to knock the snow from the
bottom of your boots before placing them in
the toe plates. If you have pin type
bindings, the pins must be aligned with the
holes in the boot to insure a secure grip.

There is a great feeling of freedom
that cross-country skis and boots can give
a skier. Jump straight up and down in
place and notice how the light weight equip-
ment makes it possible to gain considerable
height. By transferring your weight to the
poles, you can achieve even more height.

Concentrate on coordinating the move-
ment of poles and skis. Poles should be
kept about a foot away from each ski.
to be relaxed.

Learn

Unless you are taking up cross-country
ski racing, style and technique are not
highly important. However, knowing a few
fundamental maneuvers will make touring
easier for you. On paper these maneuvers
always look very difficult But I unary 4

to try them and you will see tk The
not difficult at all. Sw so if you're
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changing directions. To make the turn,
either one of your skis is brought directly
forward and up. The tail of the ski should
be placed in the snow near the tip of the
opposite ski, or at least half way between
the tip and the boot. The ski should be
almost perpendicular and may be pivoted
around the body and replaced on the snow,
facing in the opposite direction to the
other ski. The other ski is then easily
picked up and crossed over the heel of the
first ski and placed parallel with it, thus
completing the 180 degrees change of
direction. By relying on your poles througt
out the maneuver, you can maintain your
balance.

STRIDE (on flat land)

It is best for a beginner to stay on a
track (ideally about 7 inches between the
skis) that has been made by other cross-
country skiers. By staying in the tracks
you will not be as likely to cross your
skis and lose your balance.