Skate ski lessons in cross-country skiing — for beginners in Oslo
Learn skate skiing techniques (also called freestyle) in a group of up to eight participants. It is helpful to know classic skiing beforehand, but not required.
Is the skate class right for you?
The right course for the right person provides the best experience. See what is right for you:
Yes, sign up if you
- want to try something new
- has own skating equipment
- want more speed and harder cardio training
- will use trails without prepared tracks
Instead, start with classic if you
- never been on cross-country skis
- don't have skating equipment and don't want to rent it
- is unsure of balance on one leg
This is what you will learn in the skating course
Four techniques — one for each type of terrain.
Flat and gentle downhills
One skate - V2
Fast and efficient progress.
Moderate terrain
Two skate - V2 Alternate
Kick off with one leg at a time, with a pole hold on each slide.
Uphills
Offset skate - V1
Climb hills efficiently and maintain momentum.
Steep uphills
Herringbone
Herringbone with glide, where arms and legs work synchronously.
Equipment for skate skiing
You must bring your own skating equipment to the group class. Skating skis are shorter and stiffer than classic skis, and the skating poles are higher — classic equipment does not work for skate skiing .
For private lessons, equipment can be rented at the course location, and you will have your own instructor who will adapt the program to you.
See private lesson in skate skiing →Find the correct length for your skis and poles in seconds with our calculator.
Open the ski and pole length calculator →Reviews from participants
"I attended a group class. skate skiing . It was a rich class with clear structure, frequent individual feedback, and noticeable progression. Good value for money. Recommended!»
Eirik"Fantastic cross-country skiing course with skating technique! The instructor was skilled, and the course perfectly balanced theory and practice."
Ørjan"Great instructors who gave personal attention even in a group, and I was finally able to get the hang of it." skate skiing . Thank you teacher Varja for a good guide during the trip!
PavelFrequently asked questions about skate ski lessons
Do I need to know classic before learning skate skiing?
No. It is an advantage, but not a requirement. If you have never cross-country skied before, we recommend classic beginner course first — where you learn balance and kicking in tracks, which makes skate skiing easier.
What is the difference between classic and skate skiing ?
Classic skiing takes place in tracks using a back-and-forth motion. Skate skiing takes place on a flat, groomed surface with a sideways push, much like ice skating. Skate skiing gives you more speed and a tougher cardiovascular workout, but it requires better balance.
What equipment do I need for skate skiing?
Skate skis, which are shorter and stiffer than classic skis, skate boots with stiff ankle support, and poles that go to the chin or slightly higher. Classic equipment does not work for skate skiing. For group courses you must bring your own equipment; for private lessons, equipment can be rented at the course location.
How long should my skating skis and poles be?
Skating skis are primarily chosen by weight, poles by height. Use the ski and pole length calculator to get both based on height.
Is skate skiing more difficult than classic ?
Skate skiing requires more balance at first, but most people get it done within a 90-minute guided session. What takes time is using the right technique on the right terrain, and that's exactly what the course is about.
How much does the skating course cost?
990 NOK per person for 90 minutes, in a group of maximum 8 participants. If you would rather have your own instructor, private skate skiing lessons cost 1,850 NOK.
Where is the skating course held?
By Sognsvann in Oslo, 5 minutes walk from Sognsvann Metro station on line 5. There is parking on site.
Registration
Choose a date and book
The 2026/27 season starts on December 20th and runs as long as the snow lasts. Courses fill up fastest in January.
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
- 100% refund in case of bad weather or illness
- Satisfaction guarantee — or your money back
- Maximum of 8 participants, so everyone gets feedback
Attendance
Sognsvann , 5 minutes from the subway
- Subway — line 5 to Sognsvann , then 5 minutes walk
- Car — parking at Sognsvann
- Meet up — 10 minutes before the course starts
Not quite the right course?
We have courses from Absolute Beginner to advanced, in both classic and skate skiing .
Start with classic. You learn balance and kicking in the tracks first, which makes skate skiing easier later.
Classic beginner course →
Private lesson in skate skiing, with the possibility of equipment rental at the course location. Lesson package offers up to 25% discount.
See private lesson →
All group courses and private lessons in Oslo, with prices, levels and meeting locations together.
All ski courses in Oslo →