Skating Skis

The cross country skating ski is very different to the classic cross country ski

When looking at the base of the ski, you will notice right away that it is completely smooth. The classic cross country ski has a roughened part in the middle, but on skating skis, which are focusing on the gliding part, this is not necessary. Furthermore, there are so called NoWax skis in classic cross country. These have skins on their base, mostly mohair, which on the one hand spares you the hassle of waxing but also leads to smooth gliding capabilities. The skating ski is a bit shorter, usually at around body height + 8cm. Of course, this also depends on your skills and weight. A better skier will go for a longer ski, as will a heavier skier. Another difference is the ski tip. In classic skis, it is bended strongly, while the skating tip is rather flat.

The greatest difference however, is the camber. The cross country skating ski comes with a camber as known from alpine skis. It is noticable when putting the ski flat on the ground, then you will see a gap between the middle of the ski and the ground. Classic cross country skis have this too, but due to the different skiing techniques, it is very different. Generally, the one of the classic ski is stiffer but this also depends on the ski itself: The stronger the camber, the more pressure and strength is needed. Meaning, the sportier the skier, the stiffer the ski. Beginners will therefore be likely to go for a rather soft model. Moreover, do skating skis have more torsional stiffness, making a powerful kick possible and keeping the ski stable sideways.

©Cross country skating ski by Fischer

Having chosen the right cross country skating ski, you are ready to head into the ski trails!

Push your edges into the snow, kick strongly and off you go. Putting your weight from one ski to the other, that is how you glide across the snow. With the right technique and lightweight equipment, speeds of up to 30km/h can be reached! As can hills and turns easily be managed, as these skis are quite agile.

Other than with alpine skis, the base of cross country skis needs to be adapted to the area of usage. Therefore, there are bases for colder and warmer snow conditions. And there are universal bases. The skis need to be waxed regularly. Though not as often as classic cross country skis, who need waxing before every day of skiing. Madshus Intelligrip skis are a bit different, because they have NoWax bases, meaning they do not have to be waxed.

©Cross country skating ski by Ian Coble

The core of the cross country skating ski has its effects on the skiing characteristics

Different manufacturers, different price segments and different target groups. The core also has an impact on the skis capabilities: With a wooden core, the ski will be a bit heavier, but very sturdy. Carbon and foam cores, equally sturdy, weigh a bit less. Carbon is usually used in a kind of honeycomb structure, a very complex process, making these skis belong to the higher price segment. There are also cap constructions, known from alpine skis, which also make the ski very lightweight. The stability of the ski also depends on its sidewalls. Most skating skis have no sidecut, instead they are very straight. The slimmer the ski, the faster it usually is. Also, the hardness of the ski makes a difference. Cross country skating skis come in different hardnesses which you can play with as with the lengths.

When going cross country skiing, the rest of the equipment is important as well: Skating ski boots have rather stiff soles and are a bit higher around the ankles to support these. Also, there are some boots that can be used for both skating and classic cross country skiing. But if you are really planning on investing lots of time into the sport, you are better advised with getting specific skating boots. Also, the pole plant is crucial! Therefore, the poles are also very stiff and about as high as your chin – making them longer than classic cross country poles which reach your breast.

Read more regarding cross country skating skis

• Cross country skiing guide – Styles: classic, skating, backcountry
• Find the best skating equipment for cross country skiing