BY KAREN BOSSICK

Two-time Olympian Betsy Youngman and her multiple-World Masters Champion husband Bob Youngman, who has a PhD in Physics and Materials Science, will hold a clinic exploring the aesthetics and physical challenges of Classic Cross-Country Skiing from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 15.

The class, to be held at Sun Valley Nordic Center, will be limited to six participants who must be an experienced intermediate or advanced skier using waxable classic skis. If there’s enough interest, a second clinic will be held.

The class, titled “An Aesthetic, Intellectual and Physically Challenging Pursuit,” will show students how classic skis work, how to select and apply grip wax and how the right ski with the right wax is integral to efficient classic skiing.

Topics include classic ski mechanics and the “wax pocket,” diagonal stride biomechanics, the process for selecting grip wax and techniques like diagonal stride, double poling and herringbone.

It is generally accepted that diagonal stride classic cross-country skiing represents one of man’s most aesthetically appealing athletic motions, said Youngman, a multiple World Masters champion in addition to being an Olympian. The graceful, repeated striding and glide make the skier appear to be one with the snow and traveling at a steady pace over varied terrain in a dance.

That said, none other than Olympic medalist Bill Koch, who sparked the popularity of skate skiing in the late 1970s, has said that the classic ski technique is more difficult to master properly than skate skiing.

Classic skiing, which involves aligning the skis with the direction of travel, has been practiced for centuries. The correct body positions require substantial core and upper body strength. Once a certain level of competency is achieved, it’s a dance that’s a joy to engage in.

Unlike skate skiing where only glide waxes are used from tip to tail, classic skiing involves glide waxes applied to tips and tails with the proper grip wax applied in the area underneath the foot.

The clinic costs $150 per person and includes a day pass for Sun Valley Nordic. The workshop costs $110 for those who already have a season pass for Sun Valley Nordic.

Want to know more? Call the Sun Valley Nordic Center at 208-622-2250 or Betsy Youngman at 208-721-8725.