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Used Cross-Country Skiing
A little history.
Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in the Nordic skiing family. It has inspired other disciplines such as ski jumping, Nordic combined and biathlon. An Olympic sport since the establishment of the Olympics in 1924, the body responsible for regulating the discipline and its events is the French Ski Federation (FIS). Cross-country skiing has had several essential roles for man throughout its history, it was above all a quick way to move from one place to another and was used for hunting
The different practices.
The skis used are long, narrow, have no metal edges and are attached only to the front of the foot.
There are two types of skiing:
- la technique traditionnelle, dite du « pas alternatif » (« classique »), qui consiste à avancer dans deux traces parallèles et depuis les années 1980. La technique dite « classique » se pratique avec des skis traditionnels dont la partie centrale est fartée pour la retenue ou à défaut équipés d'écailles dans le cadre d'une utilisation axée tourisme. Cette technique est aussi appelée celle du pas alternatif, du fait que la glisse s'effectue alternativement sur un pied puis sur l'autre.
- la technique du « pas de patineur » (« skating ») dont le style au niveau des jambes peut s'apparenter au roller ou au patin à glace. La surface de leur semelle est globalement plate, lisse sur toute sa longueur pour le ski de skating, et comprenant soit des écailles, soit une chambre à fart en son centre pour le ski de classique, afin de permettre la propulsion en avant.
Choice of equipment.
The skis
Skis for the classic technique:
For the classic technique, the surface of the base of the skis used requires the presence of an anti-recoil system in order to promote forward thrust and prevent backward slippage. Three systems are possible:
- the retaining (or pushing) wax that is deposited on the central part of the ski base. This area is called the wax chamber. It is the most efficient system;
- the scales, similar to fish scales. Its gliding performance is very poor, but this system does not require maintenance and that is why it is the one found for rent.
- sealskin arranged in strips with rearward-facing hairs clinging to the snow. This system is almost no longer used in cross-country skiing, unlike ski touring where it remains the reference, because its sliding performance is very poor.
The ski is usually 10 to 15% larger than the skier.
Skis for skating technique:
The sole of skating skis is smooth and does not require the presence of an anti-recoil system. The ski is usually 3 to 10% (or 5 to 10 cm) larger than the skier.
The classic ski is generally 30 cm taller than the skier. For example, a 170 cm skier will take 175 to 180 cm skate skis and 200 cm classic skis.
Shoes.
Cross-country ski boots have, in addition to the binding system, a relatively rigid sole, which has a rail that allows the boot to stay aligned with the ski. Shoes for the classic technique are usually in boot format, i.e. they go up to above the ankle. The ankle support is less important and these shoes are high, especially to prevent snow from getting into the shoe. Shoes for the skating technique have an identical sole, but often stiffer, the foot does not need to "unroll" in the shoe. They are higher, rising about ten cm above the ankle, by integrating a shell allowing lateral support of the ankle.
Les bâtons.
Cross-country ski poles are generally made of three materials:
- Aluminium: the rigidity and weight are mediocre, but they are less brittle, as aluminium deforms before breaking, unlike fibres. These are the cheapest.
- Fiberglass: The stiffness and weight are good, they are more brittle than aluminum poles. The price is intermediate.
- Carbon fiber: The stiffness and weight are excellent, but they are particularly fragile and sensitive to impacts. The price is high.
It should be noted that manufacturers divide their range by making poles in fiberglass and carbon blend, the price and performance depending on the percentage distribution of the two fibers.
The length of the poles in the classic style is 30 cm less than the skier and 20 cm less for the skating style. For example, a 170 cm skier will take 140 cm poles in classic style and 150 cm in skating.