Mastery of all the components above are equally important to enjoy a great ski. Most important for the above mentioned components is ones body position. Correct body position is required in every phase of cross country skiing. Without it skis slip, glide and momentum decrease, and chances of falling increases. Visualization is a good tool for remembering body position. Helpful images like “toe-knee-nose” and  “bite the cookie” might be dated, but they do work and prevent the alternative “vertical shuffle”.  Correct body position requires focus, commitment, balance and coordination.

If you are not sure if you have good body position while skiing, you can check out a video, take a lesson, and watch more accomplished skiers. Classic skiing is great fun and easy once the basics are mastered, but, they are not easy to master. But, oh so worth the effort.