Classic skiing is kind of like golf, when it goes well, there’s not much like it.
The classic technique is both easy and very hard all at the same time. It’s often sold an the entry level as, “walking on skis” - which for the rank beginner who has never been on skis before, is about right. However, to really move well and efficiently, requires, a much higher and advanced level of technique particularly as it pertains to body position, balance and commitment. Here, people will often say it’s like “running-on-skis”, which is not really right or even close. There is way more going on than that.
That being said, assuming good grip, it’s an awesome feeling to be flying down the track, classic skiing. As noted, perhaps my favourite thing to do.
The unfortunate reality, is that these days I tend to skate more. Reason: If it’s sketchy grip wax conditions, I’ll just skate and if skiing with others, and they are skating, then it makes more sense to ski with them and skate( and more advanced skiers who are skiing as cross training for triathlon and cycling, will often only skate). Classic skiing is now something that I tend to do on my own, and when the conditions for waxing are straight forward.