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Selecting appropriate ski equipment depends largely on what kind of skiing you plan to do.  The two primary types of skiing are Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing, which are also known as downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, respectively.  Each type of skiing requires different skis, bindings, ski boots and ski poles, and their headgear and clothing requirements are also quite different. 

Downhill skiers generally travel faster than cross-country skiers, and they wear form-fitting ski suits to minimize wind resistance.  Ski goggles protect their eyes from the cold wind and ski helmets provide head protection, especially for serious skiers moving at top speeds.

A variety of skis are used on downhill courses.  Downhill skis are built for stability at high speeds, are about 215 cm in length, and have heel and toe bindings.  The tip and tail of a downhill ski are wider than the waist/center, and many downhill skis have metal edges that cut into ice or packed snow, somewhat like ice skate blades.  Slalom skis are designed to tighten the turning radius and are generally about 160 cm long.  Telemark skis are relatively wide and only have toe bindings.  Twin-tip skis have upturned tips on both ends of the ski, allowing for backward skiing and freestyle skiing maneuvers.

cross country ski equipment Cross-country skiing requires endurance, and serious Nordic skiers often carry tents or hiking equipment on long treks.  Cross-country skiers wear layers or Lycra ski suits to maintain their correct body temperature while engaging in this aerobic winter sport.  Nordic skis are designed for speed across fairly level surfaces; they are about 200 cm long, about 5 cm wide, and employ only a toe binding.  Kick wax or grip wax tape is used on the kick zone to create traction when weight is applied on the ski.

Most skiers, regardless of discipline, carry ski poles for additional stability and to aid with forward motion.  They also use glide wax on the underside of their skis to melt the snow, creating a water layer that allows the skier to glide more quickly.  SkiEquipment.us features a convenient directory of online ski shops and ski equipment manufacturers where you can find a great selection of Alpine skis and Nordic skis as well as helmets, poles, and ski apparel.

skis

Ski Shops

  • BackCountryStore.com
    This Utah-based sporting goods firm offers alpine skis, cross country skis, goggles, ski boots, bindings, and skiing accessories. Their line includes popular brands like Salomon, Dynastar, K2, Lange, and Atomic.
    www.BackcountryStore.com
  • Snowshack
    This Massachusetts-based ski shop offers skiing and snow sports accessories such as ski bags, helmets, snowshoes, and ski poles.
    www.Snowshack.com

Ski Manufacturers

  • Salomon Sports
    Offers downhill skis, boots, bindings, poles, helmets, snow blades, and soft goods.
    www.Salomon.com
  • Scott Wintersports
    Winter sports equipment featuring goggles, poles, gloves, helmets, bags & packs, and apparel.
    www.Scott-Sports.com
  • Rossignol
    Quality winter sports equipment:  Alpine Skis, Nordic Skis, and Snowboards.
    www.Rossignol.com
  • Head
    Offers a broad range of skis, equipment, and accessories and features an interactive product recommendation tool.
    www.Head.com
  • Atomic
    Manufacturer of alpine skis, Nordic skis, and snowboards.
    www.AtomicSnow.com
  • K2 Skis
    Offers quality skiing equipment, including skis, poles, helmets, goggles, bags, and accessories.
    www.K2Skis.com
  • Nordica
    Manufacturer of skis, ski boots, and skiing accessories.
    www.Nordica.com
  • Volkl
    This German high-tech ski manufacturer offers a full line of skis as well as skiing accessories and ski apparel.
    www.Volkl.com
  • Dynastar
    Offers Dynastar and Lange ski products, featuring skis, ski boots, snow boards, and ski equipment.
    www.Dynastar.com
  • Asnes Ski
    Norwegian manufacturer offers mountain skis, touring skis, children's skis, and snowshoes.
    www.Asnes.com
  • Fischer-Ski
    Manufactures alpine and Nordic skis, plus other sporting goods products.
    www.Fischer-Ski.com

Skiing Resources and Equipment Reviews

  • Snowlink
    Links and information on Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
    www.Snowlink.com

Related Winter Sports Sites
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Ski Equipment Guide - Ski Apparel - Cross Country Skis - Alpine Skis