Skis

Skis are long, narrow runners worn on the feet to glide over snow. They are attached to boots by bindings and work by distributing the wearer’s weight and reducing friction, allowing movement across snowy terrain with propulsion provided by gravity, momentum, and technique.

Most modern skis have a wood, foam, or composite core sandwiched between layers of fiberglass or carbon fiber. The core is encased in a sidewall and a smooth base, while the tip is often raised to improve flotation in soft snow. Camber and rocker profiles, along with sidecut, influence stability, turning behavior, and flotation. Bindings connect the boot to the ski and determine how the boot releases in a fall; alpine bindings release under load to reduce leg injuries, while Nordic and telemark bindings allow more freedom of movement and a different stance.

Types of skis include alpine (downhill), Nordic or cross-country, touring or backcountry (which combines uphill efficiency with downhill capability), telemark, racing, and freestyle. Alpine skis are optimized for edge control on groomed slopes, often with a pronounced sidecut for carving. Nordic skis are longer with minimal sidecut and a free heel. Powder skis feature wide waists for floatation in deep snow, while touring skis balance uphill efficiency with downhill performance.

Historically, skiing originated in snow-rich regions and evolved from simple wooden planks strapped to feet to today’s high-performance gear, incorporating synthetic materials, metal edges, and advanced binding systems. Ski design continues to adapt to terrain, snow conditions, and safety considerations, including gear for backcountry and avalanche-prone environments.