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Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Ski Techniques, and Various Ski Types Explained.
Cross country skiing can be divided into two technique types; classical (diagonal stride, double poling, double poling with kick) and skate (V1, V2, V2 alternate). Classic skiing is the traditional form of cross country skiing, where a single ski is pushed down into the snow to engage the grip wax, or zone of the ski, to propel the unweighted glide ski forward. Skate skiing, as the name suggests, incorporates a pushing motion to the side to propel the skier forward. At times, you may hear the term "freestyle" used to describe certain races. These are races where all techniques are legal, but skating is used because it is currently the fastest technique available.
Skate technique requires groomed trails, or a consistent snow pack with little (ankle depth) loose snow. Classic technique has more flexibility in handling snowy conditions, however certain ski types are used for more effective movement in specific conditions. In snow deeper than mid-calf, most skiers are relegated to using a walking or shuffling movement to break through these deeper situations.
Nordic skiing can also grouped by equipment/ski type. Touring, Light Touring, Sport/Performance, and Racing. The following is a quick breakdown of each category.
The Touring
term is used broadly to describe many types of skiing, but for this discussion we will limit its use to skiing on un-groomed terrain in deeper snow conditions. Touring skis are broader and longer than Light Touring skis to “float” better on soft or deep snow, and they may, or may not, have metal edges. They are available in wax-less and wax-able
versions, and technique is limited to hiking with skis, and classic skiing. Metal-edged skis are single-camber. They are more stable, but they lack the flex of a double camber ski for a dynamic kick-and-glide.
Light Touring consists of classic skiing and/or walking/shuffling on groomed trails or un-groomed venues such as parks or golf courses where snow depth is limited to mid-calf. Light Touring or Cruising skis are wider and more stable than Performance skis, but thinner, shorter, lighter, and generally more dynamic than traditional Touring skis (hence, the name). They do not have metal edges, but they do come in wax-less and wax-able versions. The advent of the light touring ski has revolutionized ski touring, making the skiing more fun, and the skis easier to maintain. This is the type of skiing that 90% of people do when they ski tour, so most skiers should consider a light touring ski/package over a traditional touring ski when searching for a new ski.
The performance/sport/fitness category encompasses both classic and skate skis designed for groomed venues. These skis are lighter, narrower and faster. They are built to meet specific performance standards for either classic or skate skiing. Due to the improvement of equipment over the last 20 years, this group has increased dramatically. Skiers in this group usually ski regularly as a way to socialize outdoors, keep fit, improve technique, and maybe join a race or two.
The racing category is self explanatory. If your goal is to eventually join this group, then think long-term about both your equipment and ski-tuning needs. If you have no skiing experience (or very limited), we recommend looking into a performance ski first that will allow you to master technique, and then upgrade to racing gear when you are ready to get serious.
For more see: How to Select a Cross Country Ski
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