Cross-country Ski : What is it?
| Cross-country skis usually have straight edges or a slight inner curvature called a sidecut. Cross-country skis are designed for a wide range of terrains and locations, such as hiking trails, golf courses, and specially prepared cross-country trails.
Cross-country skis have specialized bindings that hold the toe down, emphasizing a forward motion and leaving the heel open. They are usually coated with wax to lessen friction and increase speed. Other models are waxless, using grooves on the bottom to grip the ground and prevent the skis from sliding backward.
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Kinds of Cross-country Skis include the following: |
In-track touring skis In-track touring skis have small sidecuts or near-straight edges, allowing them to easily stay on track. They are usually moved with a kick-and-glide propulsion, which requires minimal steering and control. They can be used on groomed cross-country terrains or ungroomed natural tracks.
Off-track touring skis
Off-track touring skis are designed mostly for open, ungroomed terrains, such as fields and golf courses. They have straight edges and often no sidecuts, making them wider than in-track skis. The extra width provides excellent flotation for powder snow and soft surfaces.
Skating skis
Skating skis are designed and used like inline skates, allowing better comfort and movement. They short, light, and thin, often requiring the use of ski poles for support.
They provide a complete but low-impact workout.
Backcountry skis
Backcountry skis are used mostly in rough, natural snow conditions, such as those found in mountains. They are relatively wide, often as wide as alpine skis, which provides better flotation on soft snow. They usually have metal edges to provide better control and protect the ski from scratches.
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Length: Choose cross-country skis with the right length for your height. The rule of thumb is that the ski has to be 20 centimeters higher than your head when measured parallel to your body. Skating skis have to be slightly shorter, about 10 to 15 centimeters over the head.
Sidecut: Choose a cross-country ski with a large sidecut for easy turning, and minimal sidecut to keep you stable without reducing your feel of the ground. Smaller sidecuts distribute your weight over a larger area and keep your skis from sinking into the snow. You can go for a narrower base if you ski mostly on firm, groomed trails.
Waxed vs waxless: Waxed skis perform better than waxless models, but are harder and more expensive to maintain. Choose waxed skis only if you are an avid cross-country skier and prefer performance over convenience. |
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