Sukset

Suks are a pair of long, narrow boards worn on the feet and used to glide over snow. They are used in various forms of winter sport and travel, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, telemark, and ski touring, as well as recreational rides on prepared slopes or backcountry terrain. The design of skis varies by discipline, with alpine skis optimized for turning at speed, cross-country skis for light weight and efficient stride, touring skis for uphill traversal and downhill stability, and powder skis for soft snow flotation.

Construction: Skis consist of a core made from wood, foam, or composite materials, surrounded by laminates, a side edge of steel, and a base usually made of sintered or extruded polyethylene. The shape of a ski is described by its profile (camber and rocker) and its sidecut. Camber places most of the weight under the foot, while rocker raises the tip and tail for easier turn initiation. The sidecut width (waist in relation to tip and tail) determines turning radius, aiding carving on piste or in powder. Bindings attach boots to skis and vary by discipline; alpine bindings are the most common in resort skiing, while touring rigs and telemark bindings support freerheel designs.

History: Skis date back thousands of years in northern regions, used for travel and hunting. In the 20th century, ski technology evolved with metal edges, advanced plastics, and waxable bases, culminating in modern carving and backcountry skis.

Maintenance and safety: Regular waxing, edge maintenance, and base repair extend ski life and performance. Proper binding DIN settings, helmet use, and appropriate skill level reduce risk.