Alpine Race Skiing vs. Nordic Race Skiing Part 2

Continuing off my last blog post, it is very evident that alpine race skiing and nordic race skiing are vastly different from one another. Nordic race skiing in comparison to alpine, while still being based on technique, places a much greater emphasis on endurance. The average nordic ski race length is around 25 km which is only a little bit shorter than a marathon. And like a marathon course for runners, the average nordic ski race course goes up and down, making it extremely grueling and exhausting for even the fittest racers. To gain an edge racers train for hours at a very intense pace while refining their technique and race strategy. Race strategy plays a huge role in nordic ski races while having almost no impact in alpine ski races due to the missing endurance component. Nordic ski racers have to decide either to go out fast and hope they can hold onto the lead that they build or go out slow and hope they can catch people from behind. Perfecting your race strategy is certainly important for any nordic ski racer, but refining your technique and maximizing the usage of your gear are arguably just as important. Technique is really important for a nordic ski racer because, when racing, a racer needs to be as energy efficient as possible and by tweaking your technique a racer can preserve just the slightest bit of energy that gives he/she the extra little boost at the end of the race. A racer needs to know the exact time at which he or she should use one technique versus another which again plays into race strategy. How a racer utilizes his or her gear can also have an impact on the final result of a race, particularly if their gear is used in an ineffective manner. One of the few similarities between nordic ski racing and alpine ski racing is that in each the racers wear super tight, full bodied suits to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. Nordic ski racers suits are not padded in certain areas like those of alpine racers because nordic ski racers never hit any gates. Also unlike alpine racers, nordic racers don't wear protective helmets or goggles as there is no risk of any high speed crashes. The skis, boots, and poles that nordic ski racers use are also much different than those used by alpine racers. The skis are much thinner and lighter with little to no camber, making them more suited for going in a straight line. The boots are also much lighter and more maneuverable due to the fabric based materials and reduced number of buckles. The poles on the other hand are usually longer to generate power, and, consequently heavier.