Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Skiing - Cross Country/Answer Key"
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'''Cross-country skiing''' (commonly abbreviated '''X-country skiing'''; also '''Nordic skiing''') An adventure and fitness activity as well as a competitive [[sport]] popular in many countries with large snowfields. As an adventure activity, it may be viewed as "[[bushwalking]] on skis". | '''Cross-country skiing''' (commonly abbreviated '''X-country skiing'''; also '''Nordic skiing''') An adventure and fitness activity as well as a competitive [[sport]] popular in many countries with large snowfields. As an adventure activity, it may be viewed as "[[bushwalking]] on skis". | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Equipment== | ||
The [[ski]]s are long and thin to distribute the weight of the skier. Like downhill skiers, they carry two [[pole]]s, usually made of [[aluminium]], [[GRP|fibreglass]] or some other light material, with a spike at the end to provide a fixed pivot when the pole penetrates through to a hard surface, and a [[plastic]] ring both to provide maximum impetus from thick snow where that does not occur and to ensure the pole only goes to its designed embedding depth, so as to optimise the angle of arm force. | The [[ski]]s are long and thin to distribute the weight of the skier. Like downhill skiers, they carry two [[pole]]s, usually made of [[aluminium]], [[GRP|fibreglass]] or some other light material, with a spike at the end to provide a fixed pivot when the pole penetrates through to a hard surface, and a [[plastic]] ring both to provide maximum impetus from thick snow where that does not occur and to ensure the pole only goes to its designed embedding depth, so as to optimise the angle of arm force. | ||
| − | To move when on level ground or uphill whilst using the classical style, cross-country skiers slide one ski forward and reach with the arm on the same side to implant the pole in the snow in front of them, then pull on the pole to accelerate themselves along. They then lift the pole out of the snow and repeat the process with the other side of the body, hopefully maintaining momentum and achieving a smooth, energy-saving rhythm. When reaching a downhill slope, they are able to coast down in a similar manner to [[downhill skiing]]. | + | ==Techniques== |
| + | There are three main techniques used. Special equipment is available to suit each. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Classical Technique=== | ||
| + | To move when on level ground or uphill whilst using the classical style, cross-country skiers slide one ski forward and reach with the arm on the same side to implant the pole in the snow in front of them, then pull on the pole to accelerate themselves along. They then lift the pole out of the snow and repeat the process with the other side of the body, hopefully maintaining momentum and achieving a smooth, energy-saving rhythm. The skis either have a ''fish-scale'' underside, or [[ski wax]] is applied to the central section in the centre of the ski, so that when the skier kicks the ski into the snow it grips, allowing the skier to move forward | ||
| + | |||
| + | The classical style is often performed on prepared trails (pistes) that have pairs of parallel grooves cut into the snow, one for each ski. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When reaching a downhill slope, they are able to coast down in a similar manner to [[downhill skiing]], or may use Telemark technique - see below. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Skating Technique=== | ||
| + | Skating involves the skier pushing outward with the [[ski]] angled, so that the inner edge of the ski is driven against the snow, much like an [[ice skating|ice skater]]. Skis tend to be shorter than those used in classical technique, and poles longer. There are various combinations of ski and pole movements to suit the terrain and conditions. The tehcnique is only suitable for use on prepared trails (pistes) or those with firm, smooth snow. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Telemark Technique=== | ||
| + | The Telemark technique is particularly suited to [[backcountry skiing]] (off piste cross-country skiing). While it is firstly a technique, for those with dedicated equipment it is effectively a separate branch of skiing - see [[Telemark skiing]] for details. | ||
| + | ==History== | ||
Cross-country skiing has been practised in [[Scandinavia]]n countries since prehistoric times, and also possibly by native Americans for similar lengths of time. It has been used by polar explorers as a means of transport, and all Scandinavian [[army|armies]] train their [[infantry]] on skis for winter operations. | Cross-country skiing has been practised in [[Scandinavia]]n countries since prehistoric times, and also possibly by native Americans for similar lengths of time. It has been used by polar explorers as a means of transport, and all Scandinavian [[army|armies]] train their [[infantry]] on skis for winter operations. | ||
| + | ==Competitition Events== | ||
Today, there are several types of cross-country competitive events, involving [[racing|race]]s of various types and lengths, as well as the [[biathalon]], involving a combination of cross-country skiing and [[rifle]] shooting. | Today, there are several types of cross-country competitive events, involving [[racing|race]]s of various types and lengths, as well as the [[biathalon]], involving a combination of cross-country skiing and [[rifle]] shooting. | ||
| + | ==As an Adventurous Activity== | ||
As an adventure activity, skiiers tackle trails of various lengths and difficulties. Some skiiers stay out for extended periods using [[tent]]s and equipment similar to bushwalkers, others take relatively short trips from ski resorts, or use huts provided along some trails. | As an adventure activity, skiiers tackle trails of various lengths and difficulties. Some skiiers stay out for extended periods using [[tent]]s and equipment similar to bushwalkers, others take relatively short trips from ski resorts, or use huts provided along some trails. | ||
| − | See also | + | ==See also== |
| + | *[[Skiing|Skiing and Skiing Topics]] | ||
| + | *[[Ski touring]] | ||
Revision as of 18:51, 16 September 2003
Cross-country skiing (commonly abbreviated X-country skiing; also Nordic skiing) An adventure and fitness activity as well as a competitive sport popular in many countries with large snowfields. As an adventure activity, it may be viewed as "bushwalking on skis".
Equipment
The skis are long and thin to distribute the weight of the skier. Like downhill skiers, they carry two poles, usually made of aluminium, fibreglass or some other light material, with a spike at the end to provide a fixed pivot when the pole penetrates through to a hard surface, and a plastic ring both to provide maximum impetus from thick snow where that does not occur and to ensure the pole only goes to its designed embedding depth, so as to optimise the angle of arm force.
Techniques
There are three main techniques used. Special equipment is available to suit each.
Classical Technique
To move when on level ground or uphill whilst using the classical style, cross-country skiers slide one ski forward and reach with the arm on the same side to implant the pole in the snow in front of them, then pull on the pole to accelerate themselves along. They then lift the pole out of the snow and repeat the process with the other side of the body, hopefully maintaining momentum and achieving a smooth, energy-saving rhythm. The skis either have a fish-scale underside, or ski wax is applied to the central section in the centre of the ski, so that when the skier kicks the ski into the snow it grips, allowing the skier to move forward
The classical style is often performed on prepared trails (pistes) that have pairs of parallel grooves cut into the snow, one for each ski.
When reaching a downhill slope, they are able to coast down in a similar manner to downhill skiing, or may use Telemark technique - see below.
Skating Technique
Skating involves the skier pushing outward with the ski angled, so that the inner edge of the ski is driven against the snow, much like an ice skater. Skis tend to be shorter than those used in classical technique, and poles longer. There are various combinations of ski and pole movements to suit the terrain and conditions. The tehcnique is only suitable for use on prepared trails (pistes) or those with firm, smooth snow.
Telemark Technique
The Telemark technique is particularly suited to backcountry skiing (off piste cross-country skiing). While it is firstly a technique, for those with dedicated equipment it is effectively a separate branch of skiing - see Telemark skiing for details.
History
Cross-country skiing has been practised in Scandinavian countries since prehistoric times, and also possibly by native Americans for similar lengths of time. It has been used by polar explorers as a means of transport, and all Scandinavian armies train their infantry on skis for winter operations.
Competitition Events
Today, there are several types of cross-country competitive events, involving races of various types and lengths, as well as the biathalon, involving a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
As an Adventurous Activity
As an adventure activity, skiiers tackle trails of various lengths and difficulties. Some skiiers stay out for extended periods using tents and equipment similar to bushwalkers, others take relatively short trips from ski resorts, or use huts provided along some trails.
