Types
Many types of skis exist, all designed for use different situations, of which the following are a selection.
Downhill ski
Downhill skiss are svaged to promote easy turning. The ski binding anchors the foot firmly to the ski at heel and toe. It is spring-loaded, detaching the ski from the foot in case excessive force is applied.
Alpine ski touring ski
Alpine ski touring ski. This type of ski is ususally a light-weight downhill ski with an alpine touring binding.
Telemark ski
Telemark ski. A downhill or touring ski, where the binding attaches only at the toe. The Telemark ski was the first ski with an inwards-turned waist which made it much easier for skiers to turn. It was pioneered by Sondre Norheim of Telemark, Norway
Cross-country ski
Cross-country skiss are very light and narrow, and usually have quite straight edges. The bindings attach at the toes only. They are usually coated with wax to reduce friction during forward motion, but also to get adhesion when going uphill. Some models may have patterns on the bottom to increase the friction when the ski slides backward. These skis are also used in biathlons.
Backcountry ski
Skis for mountain/backcountry/cross-country free range skiing which are designed for skiing on unbroken snow, where an established track is lacking. These are characteristically quite wide, and with cable bindingss to provide general sturdyness, and to better extract ones feet from deep snowbanks, in case it should be impossible to reach the bindings by hand. This is also the model used by military forces trained to fight in winter conditions, and the most closely related to the historical ski.
Ski jumping ski
Skis for ski jumping. Long and wide skis, which bindings attaching at the toe.
See also
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