Cross country skiing has become almost two separate sports: one using the skating technique and the other using the classic or diagonal stride technique. In our ski shop we have the question of whether to buy skate or classic ski equipment to start with. What is the difference? And can one pack be used for both skating and classic xc technique?
Most are familiar with the classic xc technique or also known as lunges. Many who just want to venture out into their backyard choose a touring pack: a complete ski that can be used on both ungroomed and groomed xc trails. These classic skis are wider than their racing equivalents and have fish scales that serve to replace kick wax in the underfoot area. This allows the user to propel himself forward uphill without sliding back or “missing” a kick. For the more serious athlete, classic xc skis, boots, bindings and poles are much different than backcountry skis. The race ski is lighter and thinner than the equivalent ski touring. A classic Nordic boot is flexible, allowing your foot to bend as you push yourself forward. The binding mainly serves to keep the boot on the ski and offers little stability compared to a skate boot. The length of the ski pole for the classic technique generally extends to the armpit. These poles are light and stiff and are usually made of carbon fiber or the equivalent lightweight material.
Skate ski xc equipment is very different from the classic Nordic equipment. Skate skis are usually shorter than the classic variety, but they are also light and thin. Unlike classic boots, skating boots are extremely stiff and tend to fit snugly around the foot. Skate boots extend above the ankle, allowing for more support when pushing from side to side. The skate binding is also stiff, allowing for greater stability than the classic binding. The length of the XC pole is also longer than the classic pole. Skating poles usually extend to the height of the skier’s nose. These poles are also light and stiff.
The cross-country ski world makes a “combi” boot that can be used for both classic and skating, but the downside to this boot is that it doesn’t work well. For classic skiing it is usually a bit stiff and quite uncomfortable. For skating, the boot tends to be too soft, resulting in a less stable ski.
For the serious cross-country skier, separate ski packages for skating and classic skiing are ideal. To answer the question of what to buy first: skate skis or classic skis. Here in Mammoth Lakes, California, we have seen a general trend of buying skate skis first. Skiing with skates is faster, more dynamic, and generally a more cardiovascular workout. It is worth taking a skating lesson if you are a beginner, or even if you are an experienced xc skier, good technique will go a long way. There’s nothing wrong with classic skiing, but it does tend to require more technical skill to master. There are some who opt to just skate, but this limits the number of ski days available, as on snowy days or after heavy snowfall, classic skiing will be ideal. After heavy snowfall or on snowy days, skiing with skates is cumbersome as the tips of the skis tend to get caught in the loose powder.
If you are considering purchasing a cross country ski package, please visit our online store at http://xcskistore.com. Happy Nordic skiing to you!
