Cross-country skiing (also known as Nordic skiing) is a great way to get out there and enjoy all that winter has to offer.
It is divided into two main styles. You can either classic ski or skate ski. Both are similar in that your heel is not connected to the ski (as with downhill skiing) and you use your muscles and gear to move forward. Here are some key differences between them.
Classic Skiing
Uses a forward and back striding motion that resembles how you walk or run. This makes it a logical starting point for those new to Nordic Skiing.
Classic skiing is typically done on groomed tracks or in the backcountry.
Skate Skiing
Uses a technique that resembles a speed skater on ice. You propel yourself forward by pushing your ski edges out to the side.
Skate skiing is done on wide groomed trails.
Equipment
The equipment for classic and skate skiing differs some, though not dramatically. The main pieces of gear required to enjoy a day on the trails are skis, boots, bindings and poles.
Cross-Country Skis
Cross-country skis come in several styles, each designed for specific terrain and skiing techniques. Classic skis are grouped into three main categories: sport/touring, race/performance, and backcountry/off-trail. Skate skis form a separate category, built for the skating technique used on groomed trails.
Classic: Sport/Touring Skis
These skis are designed for skiing on groomed tracks. They are a great option for people who want to have fun and get some exercise but are not interested in getting a major workout or setting course records.
Classic: Performance/Race Skis
These skis are similar to sport/touring skis in that you use them in groomed tracks. They tend to be built for faster, more aggressive skiing making them less forgiving and requiring better technique. They are a great option for people who want to move quickly and get a major workout on groomed trails.
Classic: Backcountry/Off Trail Skis
These skis are made for skiing out-of-track or on steeper terrain. Compared to Sport/Touring skis, they are typically shorter, wider and have metal edges. These features make them better suited for out of track skiing by making them more maneuverable, having better float in deeper snow and offering better grip in icy conditions.
Skate Skis
Skate skis are light, skinny, stiff and generally shorter than classic skis. They are designed to grip using the edge of the ski and glide using the base of the ski.
Selecting Ski Length and Base
SKI LENGTH
- Once you have decided on the right type of ski, you then need to get the right length of ski. Body weight is the most important factor with determining what size of ski to get. Check the size chart for the ski to see what length you need.
SKI LENGTH VS SKILL LEVEL
- Longer skis tend to be faster than shorter ones. So, if you find yourself between sizes when looking at size charts and recommended weight ranges, think about your skiing ability. If you have never skied before, you will likely want to choose the shorter option. Experienced skiers will generally be better off with the longer option.
SKI BASE DESIGN
- Classic skis feature bases divided into grip and glide zones. The grip zone, located beneath the binding, can be created using textured patterns (often called fish scales), removable skins, or grip wax applied to a waxable surface. The glide zones, found at the tip and tail, require glide wax to help you glide smoothly and efficiently.
- Skate Ski bases are designed entirely for glide. These skis always use waxable bases, and traction is achieved not through the base but by using the ski's edges during each push-off.
Waxless/Fish Scale Base
These skis have really good grip but can detract from your glide. They are perfect if you are starting out in Cross-country skiing and you use the classic ski groomed trails.
Skin Base
Skin skis are making a comeback thanks to the new generation of skins developed for backcountry skiing. These kinds of skis are a great compromise between grip and glide. They can withstand more wear and tear than waxable skis, and they can even be used in long distance races. The skins can be changed depending on whether you want to grip more or glide more.
Waxable Base
Waxable skis allow you to achieve good glide. The amount of grip can be changed by applying different types of wax to the kick zone. Choosing the right kick wax (or grip wax) by considering the temperature of the snow on the trail is quite an art and something that you will learn with practice. You will need to master this to get the best performance from your skis. Waxable skis are therefore best left to the experts.
Cross-Country Ski Boots
There are a couple things to consider when selecting boots:
1) Type of Skiing - Classic, Skate, or Combination of the two. Each style of skiing requires different levels of support and flex from the boot.
2) Binding System - Not all ski boots have the same type of sole, and different brands are made to work with specific binding systems. That means not every boot will fit every binding. It’s important to make sure your boots and bindings are compatible before you buy or use them together.
Classic Ski Boots
Classic ski boots offer a combination of flexibility for striding and torsional rigidity for turning and stopping. Touring/Sport boots often emphasize comfort and tend to have more insulation than Race/Performance models. Race/Performance boots are typically lighter and sometimes have lower cuffs to allow for a greater range of motion.
Skate Ski Boots
Skate ski boots offer more ankle support than classic ski models to help protect against the twisting forces involved in the skating technique. They also have stiffer soles to help minimize torsional and forward flex.
Combi Ski Boots
Combi ski boots are designed for both skate and classic skiing. They have a blend of features that allow them to perform pretty well for both styles.
Backcountry/Off Trail Boots
Designed for rugged terrain and deeper snow, these boots are sturdier and more supportive than touring models. They feature higher cuffs, thicker soles, and added insulation to keep feet warm and stable off groomed trails.
Cross-Country Ski Bindings
There are a few things to consider when looking at bindings.
1) MANUAL VS. AUTOMATIC BINDINGS
- MANUAL: Manual bindings require you to bend over to lock your boots to the bindings or to release them. They typically make a more solid connection with boots and are something serious skiers prefer.
- AUTOMATIC: Automatic bindings allow you to step into them without bending over and to release them with the press of a ski pole. The convenience of automatic is nice and it is a feature many recreational skiers enjoy.
2) BINDING PLATES
- Some skis come with binding plates installed on them .These allow for quick and easy binding installation without drilling, and have the ability to reposition the bindings forward and back based on things like snow conditions and skiing ability. Skis with plates on them need to have compatible bindings installed.
3) BINDING SYSTEMS
- Bindings come in a few different styles - NNN, SNS, TURNAMIC, PROLINK. Each one has a different track system and are compatible with select boot sole types.
Boot and Binding Compatbility
Cross-Country Ski Poles
When selecting cross-country ski poles, consider the following key features:
1) Pole Material – Most poles are made from either aluminum or carbon composite.
2) Strap Style – Straps help keep the poles secure and allow for efficient pushing. They range from simple webbing loops to advanced designs with hook-and-loop closures and quick-release system.
3) Basket Type – Choose between two main styles: semicircle or backcountry, depending on your skiing conditions.
Aluminum Poles
Aluminum poles are a more durable and economical choice, and are typically a bit heavier than composite poles. They are usually designed for Classic Touring/Sport or BackCountry/Off Trail skiing.
BEST FOR:
- Classic Touring/Sport
- Backcountry/Off Trail
Composite Poles
Composite poles feature shafts that are made either entirely or partially from carbon composite. They are lighter and more expensive than aluminum and are preferred by dedicated skiers on Skate skis or Race/Performance Classic skis.
BEST FOR:
- Skate
- Classic Race/Performance
Webbing Loop Straps
These are typically intended for either classic touring/sport or backcountry/off trail use.
Strap Systems
These are often meant for skiers who are on skate skis or race/performance classic skis. The straps hug your hands tightly and keep the poles positioned perfectly for efficient poling.
Semicircle Basket
These baskets are best suited for packed snow, making them a better choice for skate, classic touring/sport and classic race/performance skiing.
Backcountry Baskets
These baskets (~3" diameter) are best suited for deep powder snow, making them a better choice for backcountry/off trail skiing.
