At its core, skiing is simply sliding over snow. The equipment for different types of skiing is different in form and function, however. Cross country skis are most commonly used to ski on flat or gently rolling trails, which are sometimes groomed for that purpose. Back country skis, on the other hand, refer to an assortment of equipment ranging from slightly wider cross country skis to alpine touring skis that very nearly resemble downhill ski, and can be used to ski an incredible variety of terrains.
Types of Skis and Bindings
Ski equipment does not fall into distinct categories so much as it falls along a continuum. At one end are cross country skis and at the other end alpine skis. Back country skis occupy much of the middle ground of that continuum. These skis differ in terms of length, width, flexibility, shape or camber, amount of side cut, weight, type of base, and presence or absence of metal edge. These skis can be mounted with cross country, back country, telemark, or alpine touring bindings.
Characteristics of Cross Country Skis
Cross country skis are lighter, longer, narrower, and have less side cut than back country skis. For example, a typical cross country ski for a 150-pound person measures 60 by 55 by 56 millimeters (mm) is 175 centimeters (cm) long and weighs 811 grams. Cross country skis are cambered so that the area of the ski underfoot only touches the snow when the skier pushes off to move forward. Waxless or "fish-scale" bases feature textures that grip the snow, and waxable bases allow the skier to apply waxes of differing hardness depending on the snow conditions. Cross country skis usually have no metal edges.
Characteristics of Back Country Skis
Back country skis are generally wider, shorter, and have more side cut than cross country skis. Back country skis also feature partial or full metal edges, which give the skier more control when turning. A lightweight back country ski designed for touring may measure 109 by 78 b y95 mm, be 175 cm long and weigh 1,256 grams. A heavy back country ski, designed for telemark or randoee skiing, might measure 122 by 86 by108 mm, be 170 cm long, and weigh 1,477 grams.
Cross Country Ski Bindings
Most modern cross country skis use either the New Nordic Norm (NNN) or the Salomon Nordic System (SNS) binding. These bindings both clip onto a boot with a horizontal metal post and use a groove or grooves to provide stability when the foot is flat on the ski. They are ideal for skiing on flat or gently rolling terrain, but do not give the skier much control when traveling downhill.
Back Country Ski Bindings
Back country ski bindings are designed to control the skis when traveling off trail, descending steep slopes, or in icy conditions. Many skiers still use the 75 mm three-pin system, in which three pins on the binding mate with three holes on a 75-mm-wide toe extension on the boot. The New Nordic Norm Backcountry (NNN BC) binding has become more popular in recent years than the three pin binding. The NNN BC binding is very similar to the NNN binding used on some cross country skis, but is stronger.
Telemark and Randonee Bindings
For difficult descents and ski mountaineering, many skiers use stiffer, wider back country skis with telemark or randonee bindings. Telemark bindings affix the skier's boot at the toe, and the heel is never fixed to the ski. Turning is accomplished by placing one foot in front of the other, bending the knees, and lifting the heel of the rear ski. The randonee or alpine touring binding allows the skier to choose between having a free heel and locking the heel to the ski, much like a downhill ski binding.
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