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Cross Country Skis
There are two basic types of cross country skis, both are used to travel over long distances of snow which is generally uphill and downhill but never very steep. The two types are classic skiing, and skate skiing. Both are very light and have bindings that only secure the boot at the toe leaving the ski free to hang and the skier able to kick.
Classic cross country skis are the longest as well as the easiest to learn how to use. On the base there is a section with angled ribs that bite the snow when the skier kicks and drives their momentum forward. On racing classic skis the ribs are replaced with a snow temperature specific kick wax that grips the snow. The flex of the ski prevents this area from rubbing the snow unless the skier is pushing down and back, called the kick, on the ski. These are used parallel to each other all the time.
Skate cross country skis are designed for skiing in a herringbone style that emphasizes long powerful glides balanced on one ski. There are roughly five different techniques within skate skiing designed for steep hills, gradual uphill, downhill, and flat land. The skis are specific for certain weights to get the maximum glide. This is more difficult to learn and cannot be done in deep snow, but is by far the fastest way to cross country ski.
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