Physical Culture | Gear Test, Cross-Country Skis
By JACK BELL
Published: January 10, 2008
THE cross-country ski has come a long way from the days of wooden slats and bamboo poles. In the last 10 to 15 years, the equipment has undergone drastic changes, resulting in skis that are lighter, faster and stronger.
And a new style of cross-country skiing developed by the American Olympian Bill Koch two decades ago has evolved, attracting committed fitness fanatics. The skating style (think ice-skating on skis) makes for an extreme workout and has grown more rewarding as new racing technologies, including composite materials, trickled down to the equipment for recreational skiers.
Drew Gelinas is the World Cup race technician for the United States Nordic combined team, whose members compete in both ski-jumping and cross-country events. Mr. Gelinas, wearing the Fischer Vasas, left, tested five of the latest models of recreational skate skis at the Soldier Hollow Cross-Country Ski Resort in Midway, Utah, the site of cross-country competition during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games at Salt Lake City.
He rated the skis on glide, feel, ease when climbing hills, stability and overall response.
His caveat: the right fit is essential, because cross-country skis must be matched to height and weight for optimum enjoyment.
By JACK BELL
Published: January 10, 2008
THE cross-country ski has come a long way from the days of wooden slats and bamboo poles. In the last 10 to 15 years, the equipment has undergone drastic changes, resulting in skis that are lighter, faster and stronger.
And a new style of cross-country skiing developed by the American Olympian Bill Koch two decades ago has evolved, attracting committed fitness fanatics. The skating style (think ice-skating on skis) makes for an extreme workout and has grown more rewarding as new racing technologies, including composite materials, trickled down to the equipment for recreational skiers.
Drew Gelinas is the World Cup race technician for the United States Nordic combined team, whose members compete in both ski-jumping and cross-country events. Mr. Gelinas, wearing the Fischer Vasas, left, tested five of the latest models of recreational skate skis at the Soldier Hollow Cross-Country Ski Resort in Midway, Utah, the site of cross-country competition during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games at Salt Lake City.
He rated the skis on glide, feel, ease when climbing hills, stability and overall response.
His caveat: the right fit is essential, because cross-country skis must be matched to height and weight for optimum enjoyment.
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