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Comparing Alpine and Cross-Country Skis

by Brian D. Ladin
Brian D. Ladin is the founder of Delos Shipping and a director of Konig & Cie. Outside of his leadership work with both businesses, Brian D. Ladin enjoys skiing. He has skied in locations such as Colorado, New Mexico, and Switzerland.
Individuals can purchase a variety of skis depending on the type of skiing they plan to engage in most often. Alpine skis, for example, have been designed to prioritize precision and speed as well as expert turning. As a safety precaution, the bindings of alpine skis can detach in the event of extreme force exceeding the ski’s accepted value. The overall design reflects the needs of advanced skiers who enjoy black diamonds and other challenging trails, as well as competitive racers.
On the other hand, cross-country skis feature bindings that attach only at the toe. The skis themselves are frequently coated with wax and designed to minimize friction between the ski and snow in order to better promote forward motion. Some cross-country ski designs even incorporate intricate patterns that enhance friction should the skis begin to slip backwards. This feature can be useful should a cross-country skier encounter a slight incline on the trail. Other types of skis include free ride and freestyle skis, telemark skis, and custom racing skis.