Cross-country skiing is a great aerobic activity that leads to improved fitness and cardiovascular health. Skate skiing is a type of cross-country skiing that is generally more cardiovascular-intense than classic skiing. Knowing the difference between the skis can help you determine which type of skiing might be best for you and what to expect when looking for skis.
Types
Skate skiing is traditionally done on wide open-groomed trails using a V-step and glide motion. Classic, or cross-country skiing, is typically done with the skis in a track on groomed trails using a kick and glide motion.
Wax
Classic skies come both waxless and waxable. Waxless skis are convenient and easy for beginners to use and maintain because they do not need to be waxed. Waxable skis are for more experienced skiers who desire to go fast and have smoother glide action. Skate skis use wax.
Grip
Skate skiing is skating in a V and using the edges of the skies to grip the snow as you push off. Similar to ice skating, you shift your weight from one foot to the other as you edge and push off onto the opposite ski. The bottoms of the skis are smooth with no grip area. Classic skis use either wax or they have an area directly under the boot providing friction and giving you the ability to grip the snow as you kick the ski forward. If wax is used to achieve this, then the wax is placed directly under the boot to provide a gripping area.
Length
Skating skis are generally about 10 to 20cm longer than your height. Classic skis are 25 to 30cm longer than your height. Weight and ability level are taken into account, so be sure to give the salesperson that information when choosing skis. Manufacturers have specific sizing charts for each of their skis, so be sure to view these charts in the store.
Camber
Skate skis have a single camber, which means that the arc found in the ski is flattened out when compressed, allowing the entire bottom and edges of the ski to touch the snow. Cross-country skis are double-camber skis. They have an additional camber across the middle portion of the ski. This additional camber allows the wax or scales directly under the boot to lift off the snow to achieve better glide.
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