FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Just what is the difference between an alpine and cross country ski?

Camber of the ski is the answer. Camber is the arch in the base of a ski. It reduces the impact of your weight on the snow. Alpine (or downhill) camber has practically no arch at all. It allows the entire ski base to contact the snow at all times in order to allow the ski to turn. Nordic (x-c) camber does not allow the ski's mid-section to contact the snow when your weight is evenly distributed across both skis, thus reducing drag and increasing glide.