Skis, Poles, Boots

Classic Skis

Classic skis are usually longer than skate skis and have a upward curled tip. Classic skis have what is called a kick pocket located in the middle of the ski. This where the kick wax is applied. When there is no weight on the ski, the whole ski does not touch the ground. Only the tips and tails are touching the ground. When standing on both skis equally, you do not want the middle of the ski to touch the ground. Only when a ski is "kicked" will the middle part of the ski with the kick wax touch the ground. This is why skis are fitted by weight. If you weigh too much for the ski, the ski is too "soft" meaning that when you stand with equal weight on both skis,, the whole ski touches the ground. When you weigh too little for the ski, the ski is too "stiff" meaning that when you apply all of your weight onto one ski, you are not able get it to touch the ground. When a ski fits well, you are able to stand equally on both skis and not have them touch the ground and when you put all of your weight on one ski, the middle area or kick pocket is able to touch the ground.

Diagram of a weighted and unweighted ski

Classic Boots

The image above is a picture of classic ski boots. They are made with little support around the ankle for ease of striding.

Classic Poles

Poles for classic skiing are shorter than skate poles. Classic poles should hit about at your armpit.

The image to the right is a listing of pole heights for both classic and skate.

Skate Skiing vs. Classic Skiing

Skate Skis

Skate skis are shorter than classics and do not have a kick zone.

Skate skis are fitted in a similar way to classic skis, except for the fact that they do not have a kick pocket. Weight is still important for fitting skate skis, as you only want the ski compressed to the ground when all of your weight is on one ski.

Skate Boots

Above is a picture of a skate boot. The boots in skate skiing are stiffer and have more support round the ankle in order to skate more efficiently.

Combi Boots

These boots will work well for both classic and skate skiing. Touring boots can be thicker and more rigid than race boots. They are also the most economical choice because you only have to buy one pair of boots instead of two. It is recommend for new skiers to buy NNN/Prolink combi boots.

Touring Boots vs. Race Boots

Touring boots are typically heavier than race boots and are more rigid. A race boots allows for a greater range of motion and are lighter. Touring boots may be okay for a new skier when they are first starting out, but for a more experience skier a race boot would be better.

Skate Poles

Poles for skating are longer than classic poles. They typically should typically go to your nose.

Ski Bags

A bag for your skis and poles is a necessary piece of equipment. You can purchase a ski bag at specialty ski stores. It is important to clearly label your ski bag with your name and maybe your phone number. Many skiers have the same ski bag, so it is important to distinguish it as your own.

Bindings

There are two main binding systems called SNS (Solomon Nordic System) and NNN (New Nordic System). There is no great difference between the two binding systems in function, mostly just personal preference. However, the SNS system is being phased out by manufacturers in favor of a universal binding system called ProLink. The Prolink binding will allow NNN boots to fit, so all boot manufacturers are now primarily producing Prolink / NNN boots and bindings. The Eden Prairie High School ski team was all on the SNS binding system until the 2018-19 season when we started to transition our bindings on team owned skis to NNN / Prolink. If you are new to the EP Nordic team and plan on using team skis through the lottery, we would like you to purchase NNN boots.

Other Tips and Parent Recommendations

It is important to label all ski equipment: boots, poles, skis, and bags. Masking tape and painters tape sticks quite well to skis, so this is a good option for putting your student's name on school owned skis, poles, and bags. Sharpies work well once you have purchased your own equipment. Some parents also recommend adding a phone number. There are stories of parents receiving a call from Three Rivers Park District personal saying that their student's poles were found.

"As much as you might hope that you will only need to purchase one full set of equipment that will last your skier's entire high school career, be prepared that it may not. My son reached his full height by his freshman year. When we purchased skis at the beginning of his sophomore year, I hoped that they might last for three years, so we bought an intermediate quality, not bottom of the line. However, he had more filling in to do and we had to purchase new classic skis junior year and skate skis his senior year. On the other hand, my daughter reached her full height and weight at the end of her freshman year. We were able to pick up some top of the line demo skis at the end of her freshman year at Gear West for the same cost as intermediate level skis and they still fit her senior year. She has gone through several sets of boots as her feet kept growing, however. Also be aware that as students become more proficient skiers, they may want higher quality equipment."

- Barb Shaepe