Many people love skiing. It’s a great way to get outdoors during the colder months of the year, provides plenty of exercises, and is extremely fun. Skiing has been an enjoyable activity for thousands of years for those reasons and many more.
My name is Christine, I’ve been skiing for most of my life and I have a lot of experience with the two primary skiing styles – Alpine and Nordic. Though the technology and techniques have advanced over the centuries, the basic elements remain the same – you put skis on and glide across the snow.
That said, there are plenty of different skiing styles that exist today. There is even specific gear that you want to get for each type and different techniques and approaches to exploring them.
This article will look at two of the most common types of skiing, Alpine and Nordic, and explain what makes them unique.
Let’s get after it.
Contents
What is Alpine Skiing?
Many of us modern-day skiers practice Alpine skiing. You may have never heard this term before, but it is synonymous with downhill skiing and is the most common style of skiing you’ll see at most resorts today.
Alpine skiing has taken off in the last 100 years or so, and the advancements of the style have given rise to many off-shoot styles that are also quite popular. Basically, any type of skiing you see at the resort is alpine skiing.
Alpine skiers use skis, boots, and poles, but their design and purpose differ from Nordic models. We’ll look at these differences more in-depth in the sections below.
What is Nordic Skiing?
Nordic skiing is a style of skiing where the toe of your ski boot attaches to the ski, and the heel is left unattached. This style of skiing has been around for a very long time and was developed to travel long distances through deep snow.
Even though the technology and materials used to build these skis have changed a lot over the years, the basics remain the same.
This style of skiing was the first style. Every other style that we know and enjoy today can be traced back to these Nordic roots. When you’re out Nordic skiing, you utilize long skis and poles to push, skate, and grab through the snow.
This is much more efficient than simply walking or snowshoeing, as the ability to skate and glide over the surface of the snow is much faster.
A modern-day Nordic skiing setup includes skis, boots, and poles. But these are all different than what’s used for Alpine skiing.
Alpine vs. Nordic Skiing: Differences
There are some key differences between Alpine and Nordic skiing. Even though they are both forms of skiing and involve sliding across the snow, they are two distinct styles that utilize different gear and equipment.
Difference #1 – The Terrain
One of the most apparent differences between Alpine and Nordic skiing is the type of terrain you ski on.
Alpine skiing is also known as downhill skiing, which means that this style is intended to be practiced on steep mountain slopes where all you need to do is point your skis downhill to generate momentum and get moving.
Nordic skiing is also known as cross-country skiing, and this style is usually practiced on more flat terrain where you don’t have the advantage of using a ski lift to get you to the top. Nordic skiing was initially meant as a means of transportation rather than sport.
Difference #2 – The Skis
Alpine skis have metal edges on them to cut and carve into the snow, allowing for powerful high-speed turns. These skis also have more shape than Nordic skis, which allows for easier turns and enhanced performance.
Nordic skis do not have an edge because they are designed for flat and slightly varied terrain and are not intended for strict downhill use. This makes them a lot lighter and easier to pick up in the snow.
Nordic skis are also typically longer and far narrower than other types of skis, which allows them to cut through and stay on top of the snow.
Alpine skis have more surface area and stability than Nordic skis, making them better at going downhill in really deep snow. Nordic skis are a lot lighter, making them much easier to travel long distances on flat terrain.
Difference #3 – Boots and Bindings
Alpine ski boots are rigid and sturdy, making them the exact opposite of Nordic-style boots. That allows for excellent edge control and the ability to maneuver in all sorts of conditions. Stiff boots help transfer power from the foot to the ski, giving the skier excellent control at high speeds.
Nordic ski boots look more like regular snow boots than ski boots. This boot is warm but lightweight. It’s a lot more flexible than an alpine ski boot and doesn’t have all of the buckles and straps.
Alpine and Nordic bindings are also entirely different. Alpine bindings lock the entire boot into place, which allows for enhanced control and power transfer.
Nordic bindings have a simple toe clip that holds the boot in place while allowing the heel to remain free. This will enable you to step forward and glide across the snow. It also helps keep everything lightweight.
Alpine vs. Nordic Skiing: Which One is Better?
Both skiing styles are pretty great, but some people prefer one over the other. If you look at it strictly from an exercise perspective, I’d say that Nordic skiing is better. But if you look at it from pure fun, I think Alpine skiing is better. It really just depends on what skier you ask!
Health Benefits of Alpine Skiing
Alpine skiing has some good health benefits and is an excellent form of winter exercise. This style can be good for building strength in your lower body and core. You constantly use your thighs, glutes, and abs while skiing hard.
You can also get a pretty good cardio workout when Alpine skiing. The harder and faster you ski, the more benefits you will see in this regard. There are also some benefits related to exercising at high altitudes, which is where most Alpine ski resorts are located.
Another health benefit of skiing, in general, is that it is so much fun and you spend a lot of time in nature. It’s hard to have a bad day on the mountain, which can help decrease stress and increase your happiness and well-being.
Health Benefits of Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing is one of the best forms of total body exercise that I have ever tried. It’s a true full-body workout that will have you sweating and gasping for air if you aren’t already in good shape. If you want to stay active in the winter months, this is how to do it.
When you are out on the Nordic ski trails, you literally use just about every muscle group. Your legs will drive you forward, but you also use long poles to push your body forward, making for a solid upper-body workout.
I think Nordic skiing is one of the most intense types of aerobic activity you can do. If you dedicate yourself to Nordic skiing often, you will get in really great shape, and this can translate into many other athletic activities.
FAQs
Here are a few short answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relating to Alpine and Nordic skiing styles.
Is Nordic skiing hard?
If you have never skied at all before, Nordic skiing can actually be easier to pick up than Alpine skiing. But it is generally more challenging from a physical perspective because you don’t use a ski lift to get around the snow and have to work hard to get around.
Is Nordic skiing the same as cross-country?
Yes, Nordic skiing and cross-country skiing are the same thing. Nordic is the original term for this style of the sport and refers to its roots in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. Cross-country is a more practical way of describing the modern version of it.
Is alpine skiing the same as downhill skiing?
Yes, alpine skiing and downhill skiing are virtually the same thing. There are numerous styles of downhill skiing, especially in competitive skiing. But when you are headed down the mountain at the ski resort with your boots locked into your bindings, it’s Alpine skiing.
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with any type of skiing, and no matter if you choose Alpine or Nordic, you are sure to have a good time out in the snow.
Alpine skiing is more popular these days and is what most people think of when they hear about skiing. But Nordic skiing is a traditional style that is an excellent form of exercise and really takes a lot of work to master.
If you haven’t tried both of these skiing styles, I thoroughly recommend getting out there and giving them both a shot. You’ll become a better skier and learn new skills along the way!
