Related articles
Edit |
Discuss Article
Ski
This article concerns the skis used in skiing. For the place in Norway, see Ski, Norway.
A ski is a long flat device designed to help the user slide over snow. A ski is pointed at the front to prevent the ski digging into the snow and the user is attached by a bindingss to the skier's ski boots. Also, a ski may denote a similar device used for other purposes than skiing, e.g., for steering snowmobiles.
Construction
Skis were originally wooden planks made from a single piece of wood. They are now usually made from a complex assembly of components including glass fiber Kevlar or related composite materials, though many may still contain a wooden core.
Most varieties of skis have a metal edge running the length of the sides that once sharpened allow the ski to grip more effectively on hard packed snow and ice.
Shape
The sides of most skis describe a parabola, making the ski narrower under the skiers foot than at the tip and tail. By setting the ski at an angle so that the edge cuts into the snow, the ski will follow the parabloa and hence turn the skier, a practice known as carving a turn. Faced by competition from snowboarding, during the 1990s this shaping of the ski became significantly more pronounced to make it easier for skiers to carve turns, and such skis may be termed carving skis, also called shaped skis or parabolic skis. For other turning techniques, see Skiing.
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
Source | Copyright
|
 |
 |
 |
Webmasters: Add your website here:
Readers: Edit |
Discuss Listings
Salomon The official Salomon site. Skiing, snowboarding, skiboarding, inline skating, nordic skiing, outdoor recreation equipment manufacturer. http://www.salomonsports.com/
Rossignol Ski, snowboard, binding, boot, pole and sporting equipment manufacturer. http://www.rossignol.com/
K2 Skis, Snowboards, Skates and Bikes http://www.k2sports.com/
Dalbello Ski boot and inline skate manufacturer. http://www.dalbellosports.com/
Fischer Skis for alpine and nordic skiers and tennis racket supplier. News on their sponsored athletes and ski test results. http://www.fischer-ski.com/
Mivida Ski Helmets Ski and snowboard helmets, snow accessories, winter helmets and snowwear. http://www.skihelmets.it
Dynastar Skis, Lange, Look, Kerma Dynastar skis, Lange boots, Look bindings, Kerma poles and Original Sin Snowboards. http://www.dynastar.com/
Dunsion Glove Waterproof ski and snowboard gloves in a wide range of styles. Also produce outdoor and motorbike gloves. http://www.dunsion.com
Roberta Tonini Skiwear Skiwear, snowboard and extreme sports apparel http://www.tonini.com
Bstinger Skis Easy learning skis for new skiers using the graduated length method. http://bstinger.com
Sidecut Supplier of skituning and ski racing equipment. http://www.sidecut.com
Marmot Ski clothing and accessories. Locate a dealer. http://www.marmot.com
Smith Sport Optics Eyewear for people who ski, snowboard, surf, motocross, bike, and do everything else under the sun and in the snow. http://www.smithsport.com
Zardoz Ski Wax A liquid teflon lubricant which is easy to apply. http://www.zardoznotwax.com
Sierra Designs Canada Makers of outdoor gear including gore-tex parkas, tents, sleeping bags, and other high quality outdoor clothing. http://www.sierra-designs.com
Boardside Down Ski and Snowboard wax and accessories. http://www.boardsidedown.com
Boot Dryer Williams Boot Dryers are used for ski boots and hockey gloves. Used by many ski resorts and NHL teams. http://www.bootdryer.com
Kandie Imports Offers winter sport repair tools including tools for ski and snowboards. Also offers training courses for ski and snowboard workshop technicians. http://www.kandie.co.uk
SkiJewel - Administrative Software SkiJewel is newly developed software for administering ski area Host programs. SkiJewel supports a web site for Host communications. http://www.skijewel.com
The Warming Hut Boot, glove and hat warmer for skiing and other winter activities. http://www.warmitup.com/
Nordica Providing a complete line of skis and ski-boots for all skiers - from top level to beginners - as well as a technical collection of mountain and skiwear http://www.nordica.com
Head Skis, boots, boards and Tyrolia bindings. http://www.head.com/
Uvex Manufactures ski goggles, ski helmets, sportglasses, polarized sunglasses. We also carry Kryptonite ski and snowboard locks and Zardoz Notwax. http://www.uvexsports.com
Kwik Boot and Glove Dryers Bootdryers.com offers 2, 4, 12, 14 and 44 unit boot and glove dryers for your condo, resort home, shop or ski area. Dries boots and gloves in 20-30 minutes. http://www.bootdryers.com/
Outlast Technologies Ski apparel and outerwear using phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal regulation and temperature regulation in outdoor gear. http://www.outlast.com/
Ratnik Industries Inc. A designer, manufacturer, and supplier of snowmaking systems worldwide. Offers snowguns, hydrants, snowpumps, snowmaking hose, and engineering services. http://www.ratnik.com
Pale Ski and Sport Ski and Snowboard Production in Carinthia, Austria. Worldwide sales for U-Step, a universal soft step-in binding. http://www.palesport.com/
SOLDA' - SKI WAX Producers of a large range of Alpine and Nordic ski waxes. [English and Italian] http://www.soldaskiwax.com/
Idaho Sewing For Sports Manufacturing ski area pads, tower, post, hydrant, racing, seats, and custom padding, snow and water tubing and sledding tubes, groomer, lift, and specialty outdoor covers. http://www.idsewing.com
Edgemaster Ski and Snowboard Edge Tuner An adaptable ski and snowboard edge tuner to help maintain sharp edges and equipment performance. http://www.edgemasterskituner.com
Snowflex Briton Engineering Snowflex virtual snow engineers. Sole UK ski lift manufacturer, and agent for Doppelmayr. http://www.britonengdevt.demon.co.uk
Volkl Quality skis, boards and tennis racquets from Germany. Choose from US and original European site. http://www.volkl.com/
Tecnica - US Site Ski Boot, Skate and Hiking Boot maker. http://www.tecnicausa.com/
Elan Skis Ski and snowboard manufacturer. http://www.elanskis.com/
K2 (UK) Ltd Skis, snowboards, inline skates, winter sports equipment from the UK division of K2. http://www.k2shakespeare.co.uk
Voile Mountain Equipment Manufacturer of backcountry equipment, including telemark skis, bindings, shovels, and split decision touring snowboards. http://www.voile-usa.com/
ORAGE new school ski-wear Orage produce a range of new school ski-wear. This site relies heavily on graphics. http://www.orageski.com/
Dynamic Ski spirit : freeride, carving, competition (slalom) and bindings. Presentation of the freeride and freecarve team. http://www.skisdynamic.com
Ski Key System Ltd. Ski and snowboard security systems - racks and locks available at ski areas throughout the U.S. and Canada. Free standing and wall mounted racks for skis and snowboards. http://www.skikey.com/
The Skier's Edge Company Downhill skiing simulator and cross-training machine for dramatically improving skiing, sports performance and health. Exclusive official supplier to the world's best ski teams. http://www.skiersedge.com
Ski-Trol, Nordic Ski Brake Manufacturer Ski-Trol manufactures nordic ski brakes for beginner nordic skiers, enabling nordic skiers to descend steep slopes more under control. http://www.ski-trol.com
Tyrolia Ski Bindings Binding-Selector, information about Tyrolia ski bindings, race calendar, free download of screensaver and wallpapers, action videos. http://www.tyrolia.com/
Tua Ski Italian manufacturer of telemark, alpine, freeride and randonnee skis. http://tuaski.net/
Dallmont-Rebell Italian manufacturer of ski gear and accessories including sunglasses, gloves, helmets, and apres-ski boots. In English and Italian. http://www.dallmontrebell.it
Atomic Skis, bindings, boots, and accessories for alpine, crosscountry and backcountry skiers. Information on skiers and events plus downloads. The site is available in both German and English. http://www.atomicsnow.com/
Alliclip A versatile and compact way to store accessories. http://www.alliclip.com
PoleCatSystems PoleCatSystems is a in home storage system for bicycles, skis and snowboard, it's space efficient,inexpensive and easy to install http://www.polecatsys.com/
The Ski Tool Company Manufacturer of Ski Tool which provides extra leverage to help alpine skiers buckle their alpine boots and is also a boot carrier. http://www.skitoolcompany.com
Southern Ski Tools Supplies bootfitting tools for stretching ski boots (Toe Jam Spreader) and for grinding orthotics (H/O Grind-n-Vac) for the Master bootfitter. http://www.alltel.net/~stam/southern-ski-tools.html
Scott USA Scott USA designs and manufactures a wide variety of products for wintersports, motorsports and paintball, including goggles, ski poles, sunglasses, gloves, accessories, apparel, baggage, and grips. http://www.scottusa.com
Grind-n-Vac Grinding and Vacuuming Station used in the production of custom orthotis, custom footbeds, or custom insoles. http://www.alltel.net/~stam/grind-n-vac.html
Silvretta Bindings Manufacturer of alpine touring bindings and accessories. http://www.silvretta.de/generatore_uk.html
Prorace Italian designer and manufacturer of specialized protectors and headgear for skiing, snow boarding and cycling. All products can be personalized with your logo. Quotes and estimates available via e-mail. http://www.prorace.com
Canon Skiboards Canon Skiboards and all it's skiboard products including apparel http://www.canonskiboards.com
Helly Hansen A brand of technical clothing that allows you to experience outdoor activities, but not extreme the conditions. http://www.hellyhansen.com
Vertical International Ltd Produces temperature indicators for the Winter sports and outdoor pursuits market. The adhesive strip can be stuck to anything from skis to ice axes. http://www.vertical-int.com
Swedice Specialises in engineering, building and the maintenance of ice and snowprojects like indoor snow facilities and icerinks. http://www.swedice.com
Rogers Corporation World's leading manufacture of hydrants and valves for the snowmaking industry. Also used for other frost free applications including irrigation and waste water treatment plants. http://www.rogershydrants.com/
Predator Manufactures racing and competition apparel. Site also includes movie clips and other items to download. http://www.predatorwear.com/
The Bodysaver Ski and Snowboard Rack The BodySaver is a temporary Rack you use while getting ready to hit the slopes. It is designed to avoid damaging your Skis and 'Boards from falling and scratching your Vehicle. http://www.thebodysaver.com
Kinetix Sports Clothing Offers cross country ski wear, warm-up jackets, vests, and racewear. http://www.kinetixsportsclothing.com.au/
Tecnica - Worldwide Skiboots, moonboots, trekking and winter footwear and in line skates. Main European site in both English and Italian languages. http://www.tecnica.it
Asnes Ski High quality nordic, backcountry and telemark skis, made in Norway. Site available in Norwegian and English. http://www.asnes-ski.no
HeatShields HeatShields are heat reflecting multi-thermal layers for ski boots, shoes, boots and boot heaters to keep feet warmer longer. Mail order available via site. http://www.warmfeet.com
Mohn Sport Racks The very latest in 21st Century Skiing and Snowboarding racks. http://www.mohnsportracks.com
PILSKI - Universal skiholder A ski vise/holder to simplify ski tuning. http://www.pilski.dk
Icer Sport Innovative ski and snowboard products. Icer aerosol spray-on ski and snowboard wax outperforms a hot wax. http://www.icersport.com/
Star Ski Wax and Star BluBike Site written in English and Italian. http://www.starwax.com
Nava Ski Products, dealers, contacts, company profile, events, and news. http://www.navaski.com/english/index.html
Intuition Sports Inc. Heat-moldable sport boot liners for use in skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, telemarking, touring, wakeboarding and other sports. Custom fit boot liners for a variety of sport boots. http://www.intuitionsports.com/
Harusch Ski Lifts Manufacturer of ski lifts, incline elevator, tubing lifts, and other cable transport systems. Includes product summary, photos, and contact information. Located in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. http://haruschlifts.com
Mountain View Technologies, Inc. A manufacturer of snowmaking equipment. Also system design, automation, web-based mountain information, research and development http://www.the-snowman.com/
The moving world of lifts, people movers,groomers, snowmakers. The manufacturer of lifts, people movers, groomers, snowmakers. http://www.leitner-lifts.com
Seymour Snow Inc Manufacturer of fan type snowmaking equipment. http://www.seymoursnow.com/
Yellowstone Track Systems, Inc. Manufacture snowmobile and snowcat grooming equipment and front renovators. Includes product description, photos, and prices. Located in West Yellowstone, Montana. http://www.yellowstonetrack.com/
Woomera Snow Guns Pty Ltd Australian maker of ground, tower and fan air fan snowmakers and special snowmakers for cryogenic application. Specializes in indoor and outdoor snowmaking applications. Provides client list and product and contact information. http://www.snowmaking.com.au/
Sun Helmet A company making ski and snowboard helmets. Features ski helmets, casques de ski, Snowboard, and winter sports. http://www.sunhelmet.it/
EnergiaPura Manufacturers of professional skiwear. Profile, catalog, dealers, teams, and contacts. http://www.ep-racing.it/
Kuu Ski and Snowboard products Manufacturers of ski and snowboard waxes, accessories and products. http://www.kuu.com/
Garmont Cross-country ski, pole, wax, backpack and footwear manufacturer. http://gusa.site.yahoo.net/
Jofa Ski and Snowboard Helmets Swedish-made Jofa ski and snowboard helmets -- safe and comfortable for recreational use and racing by skiers and riders of all ages. http://www.JofaHelmets.com/
Mueller Lifts Canada Manufacturer of ski lifts, gondolas, rope tows, tube tows, t bars, telefericos and other cable transport systems and accessories. Includes services description, photos and contact information. Located in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. http://www.mihaiwilson.com/mueller/
Sportovni potreby Drazice Czech producer of cross-country ski binding. Site written in English http://www.spdrazice.cz/index_en.htm
Nordica USA The North American based website for Nordica providing a detailed description of the current ski, boot, and binding lines, technologies, team athletes and dealer locator. http://www.nordicausa.com/
Extrem Skis and snowboards for alpine and freeriding skiers. Official site for this Swedish manufacturer. http://www.extrem.se
Blizzard Skis, poles and accessories for alpine and touring skiers. Official site for this Austrian manufacturer. The site is available in both German and English. http://www.blizzard-ski.com
SportsGearGuide.com - Buyer's guide Online sports gear buyer's guide with skis, boots and binding http://www.SportsGearGuide.com
SunHelmets ski and Snowboard Helmets Sun Helmet S.r.l. is a manufacturing society of ski and snowboard helmets. http://www.sunhelmet.com
The World's Safest Ski Binding A precision performance ski binding with patented safety features and user convenience. http://electronic-ski-binding.com
Happy Monkey Snowboards, Inc. Local Northwest manufacturer of hand-crafted, snowboards. Custom made to specifications. http://www.happymonkeysnowboards.com/
Stockli Swiss manufacturer of a complete range of ski types. http://www.stockli.com/
Alpina Sports Cross country, telemark skis, boots, footwear and inline skates. Dealer locator for US customers. http://www.alpinasports.com/
Scarpa Italian manufacturer of backcountry skiing, climbing, and mountaineering equipment. http://www.scarpa.net/
Proline Winter sportswear, thermal garmets, medical supports, braces, and body protection manufacturer located in the UK. http://proline-sports.co.uk
Demidesign Helmet balaclavas using 3M Thinsulate, DuPont CoolMax and Fleece. http://www.demidesign.com
Brower Timing Systems Wireless athletic / sports timing equipment. http://www.browertiming.com
Packasport Roof Top Carriers (RTC's) Fiberglass RTC with stainless no tools hardware. Custom color available upon request. http://www.Packasport.com
Karhu USA Karhu-Trak manufacturer of telemark, touring, backcountry-skis, boots, poles, bindings and accessories. http://www.karhu.com
Fischer Sells skis and ski boots, and alpine and XC ski equipment. http://www.fischerskis.com/
Advanced Buckle Technology A new skiboot buckle. A new way to tighten your buckles while they are closed. http://www.advancedbuckle.com
SOS (Sportswear of Sweden) - European Site Technical winter and fall outer garments manufactured by Sportswear of Sweden since 1982. http://www.SOS-sportswear.com
DaleBoot USA Custom made ski, snowboard boots liners and ski poles. http://www.dalebootusa.com
Carrera Sport Carrera Sport produces the best in Ski and Sport, including goggles, helmets and sportglasses. Screensavers available for download and games to play. http://www.carrerasport.com
The Dry Place Boot and Glove Dryer A patented boot and glove dryer fixture built into cabinets and benches to provide safe, effective, quiet and out-of-sight overnight drying of boots, skates, shoes, gloves and mittens. http://hometown.aol.com/bootdryer
Areco Snowmaking Equipment Manufacturer of snow machines, snowguns and other equipment for snowmaking. http://www.arecosnow.com
Lacroix Officiel website for Lacroix skis. http://www.skis-lacroix.com
|