Types of Nordic Skis

CLASSIC TRACK SKIS:

For practical purposes, this category encompasses Nordic skis designed primarily for fast gliding performance. These skis are some of the stiffest in a company’s line and come with the most narrow shape, giving them exceptional speed in groomed tracks. A skier of any ability level, from the complete novice to the full-time ski instructor can appreciate the benefits offered here. They are best matched with those who live within driving distance of groomed ski trails and are interested in the most aerobically active striding and gliding experience. Nearly all of these skis possess waxable bases. If you do plan to ski primarily at a Nordic center, classic track skis are undoubtedly the most fun to use. We sometimes equate them to road bikes because both are light, fast and designed for smooth surfaces rather than rough terrain.

Exmaple: Rossignol Delta Classic



SKATE SKIS:

Skate skis look very similar to classic track skis, cosmetically speaking. You can separate them in a line up because skating skis are sized shorter and typically have snubbed tips. They have stiff single cambers and lots of torsional rigidity (resistance to twisting forces) because they are meant to be used like ice skates. Select a skating package based on your ability level and how frequently you skate. Upper level skate skis come in multiple flexes and with more base structure choices for particular types of snow, and they also get progressively lighter in construction.

Exmaple: Atomic Pro Skate



LIGHT TOURING

These skis have the extra width to provide adequate flotation and stability for adventures into ungroomed territory. They are great matches for anyone interested in forays through the park, golf course or fields behind the house, places that may have informal ski tracks but no machine set and leveled snow. A ski that has width underfoot feels more stable on descents and over uneven terrain, and wider tips keep the ski hovering on top of powder rather than plunging beneath it. The camber of these models is softer than what is found in racing ski construction for more grip and user-friendliness. Light touring skis are sized in slightly shorter lengths which aids in maneuverability on trails not specifically designed for cross-country. As mentioned above, they perform well at Nordic ski areas (just not as well as Classic Track or Skating skis) and the narrower models can also make dedicated in-track skis for less active folks. As with hybrid bicycles, light touring gear is well suited for use on the smooth surfaces of groomed Nordic trails in addition to adventures off the beaten path.

Exmaple: Fischer Voyager



RUGGED TOURING

These skis are specifically designed to handle, as the moniker suggests, rugged terrain. Skis found here are noticeably wider than the previous group and almost always sport metal edges to bite into hard snow. Generally all of these offerings are too wide to fit into machine set tracks. Some are sized in the traditional longer lengths to provide more glide for point-to-point touring, which are suited to old logging roads and remote wilderness areas. Other models are skied shorter and come with more sidecut to emphasize easy maneuvering and downhill turning. Some of the latter can handle full-fledged backcountry ski trails with aggressive pitches, narrow turns and double fall-lines. Kick and glide performance is much slower than that of classic track or light touring models because of the wider dimensions and weight. Like mountain bikes, Rugged Touring skis can go just about anywhere you like, but they are designed to perform best on rough terrain.

Exmaple: Fischer Outtabounds