Weight transfer (weight shift) refers to the need to get the body weight more directly over each foot in Nordic skiing in order to help flatten the ski against the snow. Beginners should practice this skill by over gliding (holding their balance for an extra beat on each ski). After the skier develops the ability to hold their balance and glide on a flat ski, they can begin to “back off” and not hold their balance as long. Weight transfer is a “lever” that you can adjust according to the situation and the technique. Techniques with a longer glide phase have more complete weight transfer.
Coach Credit
Kim McKenney, learned competition-style Nordic skiing as an adult. She is one the three founding coaches of XC Ski Nation and the person who “holds it all together”.
