How Does
How Does a Pair of Downhill Skis Differ from Cross Country Skis?
By Kate E
eHow Contributing Writer
They Attach to Bindings Differently
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With cross country skis, the wearer's boots clip into the bindings only in the front. This gives the skiers more freedom of movement in their feet by allowing them to lift their heels. With downhill skis, the boots clip in on both the heels and toes of the boot. This prevents alpine skiers from slipping out of their skis when navigating steep hills, moguls or turns.
They Differ in Width and Weight
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Cross country skis are made to be very lightweight and thin since skiers have to ski extensively on flat ground and sometimes work to go up inclines. Heavy skis would make this an arduous task. Downhill skis are wider so that skiers can lean into turns and navigate them quickly without toppling over.
They Require Different Types of Boots
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The shapes of the ski boots are different so that they can fit into their respective bindings with their single or paired clips. Also, alpine ski boots are usually more bulky and must provide a perfect, tight fit to protect the skier.
Cross Country Skis Need Texture
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Some cross country skis are waxed to allow the snow to stick slightly to the centers. Others have textured bottoms to help a skier resist inertia or the pull of gravity when trying to push forward in the slick snow. (These are sometimes called waxless skis.) If cross country skis were smooth on the bottom like downhill skis, making your way uphill would be like trying to walk up a playground slide in your socks and it would be hard to do anything on flat ground besides move in place.
Downhill Skis Need More Safety Features
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Alpine skis are made to unclip from their boots easily. A quick push of a lever and the boot releases. This protects the skier in case of a fall or crash. Since cross country skiing has a lower risk of injury, this feature is not needed on the skis.
eHow Article: How Does a Pair of Downhill Skis Differ from Cross Country Skis?
