Initially, skiers skied with their skis pointing straight forward, leaving two parallel tracks behind. Koch won a World Cup title using this swifter style, and the racing world changed techniques almost overnight. But classic skiing remains popular among purists, and unless you ice skated as a child, it is probably easier to begin as a classic skier.
Skiers move straight down the trail.
If you are skiing at a Nordic Center with groomed tracks, there usually will be a set of tracks on one side of the trail for you to use. If skiing where there is no grooming, other skiers may have preceded you establishing similar, parallel tracks. If the snow is fresh, you will need to set your own tracks, which is hard work, but also enjoyable. In classic skiing, as one ski moves forward, the pole on that side moves backwards. The opposite ski and pole meanwhile move in reverse.