The word “ski” means “a stick of wood” in an ancient Norwegian language. Skis were originally made from a single piece of wood and polished to perfection. Ski wax was applied under the skis to decrease the drag. The application of ski wax under the skis also makes them water resistant. Initially, skis were made only from wood, but now they are also made from other materials such as fibreglass, carbon Kevlar, titanium, or hardened plastics.
Skis are generally long and thin with an upward curve at their ends, which prevents the ski from digging into the snow. Skis are designed with integrated bindings that help improve flexibility. The skis move forward because there is a certain amount of pressure exerted on the snow directly under the skis due to gravitational force. Along with that pressure, a mild heat is generated due to friction that melts the ice. The melted ice helps the ski to move forward.
Skiing can be divided into two categories – Nordic skiing and Alpine skiing. Nordic skiing is the oldest form of skiing while Alpine skiing evolved from the skiing practised on the Alps. Nordic ski bindings attach only the toes of the skier’s boots to the ski. But the Alpine skis bind both the heels and toes of the skier to the skier’s boots. Alpine touring skis are designed to glide through unprepared snow. The Alpine skis were initially made from wood. Gradually, metal frames were incorporated for better grip and durability. In recent times, lighter materials like fibreglass and carbon Kevlar have been used to make skis. While increasing durability and grip, these light materials add manoeuvrability and speed to the skis.
There are different types of skis available. Typically, modern skis are designed to reduce the natural turning radius. An inward waist at the middle of the ski (whereby the centre of the ski is narrower than the tip or tail) decreases its turning radius. A Telemark ski was the first ski to be designed with an inward waist. It was pioneered by a Norwegian called Sondre Norheim from Telemark. The Telemark skis also come with bindings attached to the toes alone.
Kite-skiing or para-skiing are newer versions of skiing. Kite or para-skiing involves a parasail or a kite which pulls the skier along. Dry slope skiing involves skiing on slopes in regions that don’t have enough snow cover for normal skiing. Dry slope skiing is very popular in the United Kingdom.
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