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