Which cross-country skis are the right ones?

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skis – The right choice for every requirement

The market offers a wide range of models: long or short skis, classic-style skis with or without scales, skating skis for fitness or competition, and Nordic cruising or Nordic cross models for fun on or off the trail. Accordingly, the requirements vary greatly; in any case, the selection must be precisely tailored to the customer’s individual needs and preferences. The staff at Sport Brugger are happy to help. Two techniques characterize cross-country skiing: the classic technique (diagonal stride), which is used in soft snow and on groomed trails.

The more modern and popular technique is the skating technique, which requires specially groomed trails and is more physically demanding.In the diagonal stride, the skier propels themselves forward using their push-off force from the push-off zone; in the skating technique, forward movement is achieved by pushing off from the inside of the ski. Lightweight equipment is essential for both techniques. Similar to alpine skis, the most important construction methods are the sandwich and box constructions, usually built in a special honeycomb shape to save weight while maintaining sufficient stability. More affordable models are filled with foam on the inside. Unlike alpine skis, cross-country skis are significantly narrower, have virtually no waist, are lighter, and are usually longer. Cross-country skis also do not have steel edges.

Diagonal Ski

Classic cross-country skis are curved in an arc so that the middle section—the so-called push-off zone—only comes into contact with the snow during the push-off. The camber height and stiffness of a ski are crucial to its suitability. Waxed skis are designed to glide quickly forward and grip securely during the push-off. To achieve this, the push-off zone is treated with climbing wax (klister), while the glide zones (front and rear) are treated with glide wax. The classic diagonal-style ski for the trail is longer, less tapered, and has a more pronounced upward curve at the tip.

No-Wax Skis

No-wax skis have base zones similar to those of wax skis, although the kick zone is equipped with a climbing aid (scale-like structures). These skis are usually slightly softer and wider than wax skis.

Skating Ski

The push-off is performed using the inside edge of the ski with full edge contact and pole plant. The steps are taken diagonally forward in the direction of travel. The skis are shorter but more tapered; they have less curvature, and the tips are flatter.

S-Cut

Nordic skis feature a slight carving sidecut behind the binding and a wider platform at the front of the ski. This provides greater control and stability on the slopes and off-piste (backcountry skis).

Cross-country Ski Bindings

Unlike alpine ski bindings, the cross-country binding only secures the shoe at the toes, allowing vertical movement. When fully stepped on, a guide rail stabilizes the shoe. In skating technique, return springs connect the rail and the shoe sole. The mechanism must be operable with gloves. Especially in skating technique, the material is subjected to high forces, yet the binding must be light and stable. The return spring stabilizes the foot against lateral forces when lifted and returns the ski to the starting/push-off position. The housing parts are made of impact-resistant plastic or light metal, the guide rail of elastic plastic. Two binding standards have become established: SNS system (Salomon Nordic System) and NNN system (New Nordic Norm)

Cross-country ski boots:

To directly convert the power while running into forward movement, the boots must have an optimal fit. The heel must be soft but very effectively enclosed. During the lunge step, no pressure folds should form over the toes. Equally important are a precisely fitting footbed and appropriate protection against moisture.

While leather was previously the main material, today synthetic fabrics are mostly used. This makes the boots very water-repellent, lightweight, and partly breathable. For the optimal fit, all boots are cut above the ankle; they are closed with a zipper, often additionally with Velcro straps. The soles are mostly made of PU, both soft and hard.

Classic Shoes

Classic-style boots are soft and flexible, providing optimal support for the natural rolling motion of classic-style cross-country skiing. They offer a high level of comfort and are ideal for groomed trails.

Skating Boots

Combination Skates

Combination skates combine the advantages of classic and skating skates. They are versatile and particularly well-suited for beginners and recreational skaters who want to try both techniques.

Cross-country ski poles

Cross-country ski poles are significantly longer than alpine ski poles. Due to the lower lateral load but higher compressive load, the poles are significantly stiffer, yet thinner and generally lighter. They are usually made of carbon, aluminum, or fiberglass. They are also equipped with smaller, asymmetrically shaped baskets. This prevents the poles from getting caught when pushing off.

The grip is usually made of cork, plastic, or various types of rubber or plastic with different levels of hardness (soft or dual-density grip). This provides a good grip and effective shock absorption.