Cross-country skiing originated as a means of transportation in cold winter climates. Today, cross-country skiing is an excellent cardiovascular form of exercise and a competitive sport. You keep your skis parallel in the Classic kick and glide style of cross country skiing. Skating-style skiing uses lateral movements familiar to ice skaters. Specialized equipment helps you keep control on the snow and move faster.
Basics
You don't just ski down a hill when you cross-country ski. In contrast to alpine or downhill skiing, in cross country, you travel across groomed tracks and trails or uncharted back country. You ski over flat terrain, down hills and up hills as well. Cross-country skis are narrower and more flexible than alpine skis, and glide cross-country skis and cross-country skate skis differ from each other. Cross-country ski centers, often called "Nordic" ski centers, feature groomed tracks of differing levels of difficulty for beginners and advanced skiers. Some offer back country ski options as well.
Function
Classic kick and glide cross-country skis and skating skis function to move you across the snow under different conditions. The thin and long skis of classic cross country skis work well on groomed tracks. You choose the length of the ski based on how tall you are, and in general, longer skis help you move faster. Skating skis must provide stability on flat surfaces and a "bite" on the snow when you push off to the side. They must not trip you as you set one ski down and lift the other up, hence their short length and light weight.
Dimensions
Classic cross-country skis are longer, thinner and more flexible than alpine style skis. They also have more upward curve at the tips and are slightly convex. The part of the ski where your boot attaches is slightly higher than the front of the back of the ski. Skating skis are shorter, lighter and stiffer than classic kick and glide cross-country skis, and more maneuverable than any other type of ski.
Waxes And Camber
Most skis need waxes to aid or impede how much you glide on the snow. Some waxless skis use "treads" on the center of the kick and glide style skis, but flat-bottomed skis provide better control. Traditional cross country skis must provide glide and grip on the snow. When you balance your weight on both skis, the slightly curved profile or camber of classic cross-country skis keeps the center of the ski slightly elevated above the snow. The front and back end of the ski makes contact with the snow. You need glide wax for the front and back of the ski, and a grip wax for the center part of the ski. When you put all your weight on one ski in order to kick off, the ski flattens and the center part makes contact with the snow. The wax assures that you have a grip on the snow and you do not slide.
Skating requires you to continuously shift your weight from one ski to the other, and to glide constantly. Skating skis need only glide wax for this reason. The skis also need to keep constant contact with the snow and so they are stiffer than the classic gliding skis.
Additional Equipment
The way that boots and poles interact with the skis differs in classic vs. skate styles. Both types of skiing requires that boots attach at the toes only, leaving the heels free and allowing you to flex your ankles as you move across the snow. Skating skis, though, are stiffer and have straighter edges, unlike the inward curve of classic skis that give them a "waist." Because you push off to the side rather than straight back, ankle support is important. You need boots that have sturdy side support for skate style skiing. Ski poles also are longer than the ones you use for alpine skiing. Poles ideally reach just below your chin.
Member Comments