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Show MOUNTAIN TIMES New Techniques and Technology Make Track Skiing Fun Wasatch et February 21 ¢ 22°23 By John Aalberg Ww" we call track skiing in this country is a type of aerobic exercise that is very different than crosscountry skiing on untracked backcountry trails, both in technique and equipment. Even though all skiing originated as a means of Plastic Tele Boots 30% Off Garmont Extremo only $280.00 Garmont Guida only $238.00 C\ on skis, called Full Leather trans- Hiking Boots portation through deep snow, track skiing has resulted in better groomed trails, lighter and faster equipment, and more specialized techniques. The most dramatic change was a development of a new way of moving forward skating, Cold Weather Track and Cycle Shells, Tights and Gloves 30% *° 40% ¢ 50% Off From Pearl Izumi, Bell Weather and Nike Equipment for classic skiing The basic and classic skiing technique is called diagonal or classic technique. Variations on this technique are used both for backcountry skiing and diagonal track skiing. When using this technique, all your are longer and the sideways torsion ¢ movements are pointed forward, and the arms and ski poses are used par- lesser than for skating skis. Non-wax skis will glide slower than skis that are allel or in syne with the opposite leg waxed due to the added friction of the mechanical pattern on the base. If the poles are too short, your arms will not be able to contribute much to the forward motion, and only be used as a tool to keep balance. If poles are too long, it will inhibit correct technique as well as making uphill sections difficult. Boots must be big enough to not inhibit blood circulation and keep you warm. But since track skiing sessions often are of shorter duration and higher intensity than backcountry touring, you also want to consider the weight, just as you do with running shoes. shorter than your height (should reach between your chin and mouth when standing on the floor). The equipment needs reflect the technique used. To be able to push or kick yourself forward, the necessary with the snow is created by kick wax or by a “ruff” physical pattern underneath the ski in the case of waxless skis. To prevent this friction from also prohibiting all forward motion, most skis are designed with a “camber” along the mid-part of the ski, which actually lifts and decreases the friction when gliding forward on the ski. Sizes for classic equipment (note: length for crosscountry gear is measured in centimeters.) e Skis — long. 10-20 centimeters longer than your height, but never longer than 210 centimeters. ¢ Poles — medium-long. 25-30 centimeters shorter than your height (should reach your shoulder socket when standing on the floor. e Boots — low. No or little ankle support (should have good flexibility in the ankle. Since the ward/backward skis are motion, used in a for- the ski tips Off Starting at $75.00 and and ski. 40% GARMONT. the sport leaped into a new area of equipment needs. friction Touring’s Wi SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH SE Gg 4% S 702 E 100 S « Salt Lake Equipment for skate skiing The newly developed skating technique is generally only used for track skiing and not in conditions out- side a groomed or packed trail. Since the forward motion in skating is created by using the inside edge of the skis, no artificial or added friction, such as kick wax, is necessary. Skate skis are actually waxed similarly to alpine skis, where the purpose is to create a slick, frictionless ski base. Sizes for skate skiing equipment e Skis — short. 0-15 centimeters longer than your height, 145-150 centimeters for all ages. PAGE Poles — long. 15-20 TO City * 801-359-9361 centimeters Combination equipment The only part equipment than can of track skiing easily and effec- tively be used for both techniques are ° Boots — high. Ankle support and stiff sole (should have good sideways stability). boots. Since the skate skis are mostly gliding in an outward angled directions, and edged when the skier is pushing off, the ski must be stiffer and torsionally more rigid than a classic ski. A metal edge is not necessary. A shorter ski with a shorter tip is needed to avoid hooking the tip in soft snow. Because skating involves lifting the ski between skate strides, the width of the ski becomes crucial. It is futile to try skating with old-fashioned touring skis, unless your goal is to see how frustrated and sore you can become. Poles for skating are longer than for classic skiing. the poles during skating are almost always used in a double-pole motion (power and weight on both poles simultaneously), and longer poles work more efficient- Rules of thumb Before discussing the question of what equipment to buy, here are some rules of thumb: ly. Boots with good ankle support are important for the enjoyment of skating. Proper balance while gliding on the ski is an elementary and crucial skill — a stable ankle enhances the technique. The should not prevent motion in the ankle. 5 boot, any however, forward Combo boots have good ankle support but do not extend up the calf as far as regular skating boots. e Skating equipment should not be used for classic skiing. e Skating requires groomed or wide packed trails. e Equipment for classic skiing can be used for learning proper skating technique. e Equipment for classic track skiing can also be used for ungroomed skiing or touring. e Intermediate or advanced classic track skiing will require wax skis and knowledge of waxing. ¢ ment Touring can or be backcountry used to learn equip- proper track classic skiing. e Touring or backcountry equipment can not be used to learn proper skating technique. @ |