This is the first installment of a three part series to help you select a cross country ski that you will love!Nordic skiing is all about getting some fresh air and exercise; hopefully on a regular basis. The most important part of cross country skiing is to get out there and do it! With that in mind, the first and most important factor in ski selection is evaluating your accessible ski terrain. The local ski venues, in many cases, dictate your best ski choice.
Why, because skis are designed for specific skiing conditions. Trail conditions, whether they are groomed or not, dictate both the type of ski required, and the ski technique. This article will help you find the cross country ski best suited to your local trails to enhance your skiing experiences.
A case in point; it doesn’t make much sense to purchase a pair of skate skis, at least not as your primary ski, if you do not have access to groomed trails. The best ski for un-tracked terrain and skied-in tracks is a light touring (or cruiser) ski.
The following are some ski trail scenarios along with our recommendations for the best type of ski for those specific trails.
If you are one of the fortunate who have access to groomed trails, then you have the greatest number of possibilities. These options include skate skiing, classic skiing and touring. Beginning skiers looking for recreational exercise should choose a light touring set-up. New skiers who are active with a winter fitness motive should select a skate ski. Alpine skiers looking to cross-over, should consider a skate ski as well. Good skate ski technique is easier to learn than classic technique, which is why we encourage new skiers to go in that direction.
If you are not sure what kind of skiing is available to you, ask around. If you still can’t get a definitive answer, then the options may be limited to un-groomed parks and/or golf courses. That is OK, these venues can provide great ski experiences, and they are best enjoyed with a light touring set up.
For un-tracked terrain and skied-in tracks we generally recommend a light touring set up. Light touring is done on shorter, stiffer skis that are generally narrower in width. They are efficient both on groomed and un-groomed terrain, and are perfect in loose snow that is up to mid calf deep. These are the typical conditions most people experience, and so a light touring ski is usually the most appropriate choice.
The versatility, along with improvements in design, has made the light touring ski extremely popular with both new and experienced skiers alike. A wax-less light touring set up is a very popular choice for those looking for a “back-up” or secondary ski for spontaneous skiing situations when the snow is too deep for classic skis, or there is no time to wax.
Too often, we see skiers lumbering along on skis that are much too wide and heavy for the conditions. Skis that are 60mm in width or more are significantly slower than narrower widths. Speed may not be a factor for you, but efficiency when skiing with friends is important.
We recommend a traditional touring set up for skiers who regularly ski in un-tracked snow that is mid calf deep, or deeper. These skis are best suited for deep snow in rolling terrain, where steep ascents and descents are not a priority. A traditional touring ski is also the most appropriate choice for those who need the absolute maximum stability in a ski.
The last consideration for determining the best ski type, is ski maintenance. If low maintenance is a priority, then your choices are wax-less skis for light touring, touring or classic skiing. Again, the recommendation for most new skiers with this category is the light touring ski.
These considerations will give you a good starting point. Part two in this series will discuss selecting the best ski model for your needs, and part three will discuss the importance of ski flex and fit for the Nordic skier.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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