Hammerhead bindings are among the best on the market for any skier who likes to enjoy the back country.  They provide a solid ride on just about any ski you use them on, so they are extremely versatile.  Many skiers turn to these bindings for a reliable fit, especially when they want a binding that works with a number of different skis.

The Basic Stats of the Hammerhead Bindings

Of course no informed skier will buy any kind of bindings without knowing the basic statistics on them because they can make or break any ski experience.  Here are the basic stats of the Hammerhead bindings:

• Five positions for the cable guides
• Plastic boots
• 2000 pound test cable attachment
• More than two inches of spring travel
• One size fits all with easy adjustment
• Comes with a 2 year warranty
• Weighs 1417 grams
• Made for backcountry skiing
• Manufacturer: Twenty Two

One thing you will notice from all of these stats is that they are very versatile.  They work with almost any brand of skis on the market, so they make sense for pretty much anyone who loves to enjoy the back country.

Features of the Hammerhead Bindings

There are many reasons that so many skiers appreciate the Hammerhead bindings, and the long list of features is probably why.  Both men and women can use these bindings, which are extremely lightweight and flexible.

Skiers love the fact that there are no side cables or wires, which can make other bindings break far more easily than these.  These bindings are also very unusual because they accommodate so many different sizes of boots, unlike other bindings which must be ordered in very specific sizes.

These bindings have five different pivot point settings, so any skier can easily customize them to exactly their skill level and the type of terrain they enjoy skiing.

Advantages of the Hammerhead Bindings

Skiers who use this set of bindings say they offer extremely good control and are perfect for skiers of all levels because they can be fine-tuned according to the skier’s skill level.  The newer models also incorporate a unique heel system with a spring loaded piece, which makes it easy to flip up the climbing bar without having to think about it.

The versatility of this binding makes it perform extremely well in all conditions.  It is also extremely durable, which means you will have these bindings for a very long time.

Most skiers who use the Hammerhead bindings don’t have anything bad to say about them.  They are simply a great choice for almost any skier.  The spring-loaded heel is more convenient than similar models, and the durability factor seems to be off the charts with this particular product.

Taking cross country skiing lessons is a great adventure, although many people don’t necessarily feel that they need lessons because it just seems a lot less dangerous than downhill skiing.  Nonetheless, anyone who wants to ski with the proper technique should consider taking lessons rather than just plunging ahead on their own.

The Advantages of Cross Country Skiing Lessons

Whether you are new to the sport or just looking to improve your technique, there are classes that will be perfect for you.  Skiers who are simply dabbling in the sport may be interested in just a few introductory lessons, but those who want to get more serious about it will want to consider more advanced lessons to improve their technique.

There are several advantages to taking cross country skiing lessons:

• You lessen the chance of hurting yourself, even though the sport seems less dangerous than downhill skiing.
• You get the chance to learn the proper techniques or improve the techniques you’re already using.
• You realize that there is much more to cross country skiing than simply trying to walk around wearing skis.
• You learn how to run up hills, adding variety to your trips.
• Learning to turn isn’t as easy as you think.
• Lessons allow you to get your feet wet without just jumping in and discovering you don’t like it.

What to Expect when Signing Up for Cross Country Skiing Lessons

When signing up for cross country skiing lessons, there are a number of things to keep in mind.  First all, remember that you will likely be going quite far, so be rested and prepared to work hard.  Many schools allow you to rent skis and everything you need, but a few will require that you have your own, so be sure to ask ahead.

You will need to purchase a ski pass, so don’t forget to do that before heading out on the trail.  Also don’t just assume that a ski resort offers lessons in cross country skiing.  If you or someone in your family needs lessons, be sure to call ahead and make sure that they are available during the time you want to visit the resort.

Other Tips about Cross Country Skiing Lessons

In some cases, you may be able to get a package deal with lessons and a place to stay.  This can offer some incredible savings for you.  Even kids can get in on the fun much more easily than they can with downhill skiing, so consider booking lessons for the whole family so that you can all head out on the trails together.

Taking cross country skiing lessons can open up a whole new world of adventure for the entire family.  Lessons are a great way to test the waters and make sure that this is something you really want to do.

Choosing Nordic ski pants requires much more than just knowledge about what looks good.  If you don’t dress properly for the sport, you will have a very uncomfortable time out on the trail.  The tendency may be to bundle up as much as possible, but remember that you also may break out in a sweat because you’ll be exercising.  This means that you should dress in layers that pull the sweat away from your body, preventing you from feeling cold and clammy.

Nordic Ski Pants and Dressing in Layers

As with other types of skiing, it is important to dress in layers.  Ski pants tend to be made in two or three layers, so you won’t need to wear all three of these layers on your legs.  Just make sure that you find out if the cross country ski pants you choose are of the two or three layer variety.

Here are the layers you’ll have to plan for your ski attire:

• Base layer – This bottom layer should draw moisture away from your skin.  Long underwear made for skiing makes a good choice under two-layer cross country skiing pants.
• Second layer – Think of insulation when you get to this layer.  In warmer climates, this may be your outer layer.
• Top layer – If it’s extremely cold, you’ll need a third top layer as your outer layer.

Tips for Choosing The Perfect Pants

When it comes to choosing cross country ski trousers, functionality should always be your first concern.  Everyone wants to look great out in the field, but it’s more important that you can move freely without being concerned that your pants are going to restrict you.  Comfort is also important because you may be spending hours or even days out on a tour.

Also make sure that the pants you buy are specifically made for cross-country skiing.  There isn’t a huge difference between them and pants that are made for downhill skiing, but the design and cut of the pants will allow freer movement in the directions that are associated with Nordic skiing rather than downhill.

The Best Brands of Nordic Ski Pants

Choosing Nordic skiing trousers can be difficult because there are so many brands on the market, but it is quite important that you stick to known brands so that you know what you’re going to get.

Skiers buying men’s cross country skiing pants usually like the selections from:

• North Face
• Mountain Hardwear
• Arc’teryx
• Patagonia
• REI
• CW-X

The best brands of women’s Nordic ski pants include some of the same brands as the men’s, with a few additions:

• REI
• Rossignol
• Salomon
• Swix
• Patagonia
• Mountain Hardwear

No matter which brand you end up with, fit is the most important thing to consider.  It is very helpful to hit up a store and try on several different brands before making a purchase.

When it comes time to choose cross country bindings, Hammerhead for telemark skiing is one of the best choices.  Skiers looking for versatility and a solid ride will enjoy them because they work with almost every ski on the market.  Combine those advantages with a fit that is very reliable, and you have a winning binding every way you look at it.

The Basic Stats of the Telemark Hammerhead Bindings

It’s important to understand the basic information about anything as technical as a pair of skis or their bindings.  In the world of telemark skiing, you’re getting even more technical because of how the heel turn works while you’re out in the back country.  Here are the basic details on the telemark Hammerhead bindings:

• Five different optional cable guide positions
• Boots made of durable, flexible plastic
• Test cable is 2,000 pounds
• Spring travel is more than two inches
• Adjustment is easy for a one size fits all binding
• 2 year warranty ensures quality
• 1417 gram weight
• Made specifically for telemark skiing, but also works great for cross country
• Made by Twenty Two

The best thing about the Hammerhead telemark bindings is how versatile they are.  It is pretty unusual to find a binding that works on almost any brand of skis on the market.  Anyone who enjoys telemark or back country skiing should definitely check these out.

Hammerhead Telemark Binding Features

Skiers have been loving the Hammerhead telemark bindings for a very long time, and it is probably because of how versatile they are.  These bindings are unisex and extremely flexible and lightweight.

The bindings do not have any side cables or wires, which means that they are less likely to break than other similar telemark bindings.  They are also very unusual because they will go with almost any size of boot.  It is extremely easy to adjust them.

The Hammerhead telemark bindings also have five different settings for the pivot point available, making it simple for everyone to customize them to the type of skiing they like, as well as their skill level.

Advantages of the Hammerhead Telemark Bindings

Maneuverability is one of the best features of the Hammerhead telemark bindings.  They can be fine-tuned for any skier’s specific needs.  The newer models have a spring-loaded heal so that the climbing bar can flip up even more easily than with other brands.

These bindings work very well in all conditions and are very long lasting.  It is quite difficult to find a skier who has anything bad at all to say about these bindings.  Their versatility makes them a great choice for anyone, and they are much more convenient than most other models on the market.  Their durability will also make them last forever.

Cross-country skis can be your vehicle to a new world if you let them, but there are so many kinds of skis on the market that it can be difficult to know which brand is the best.  XC skiing, also known as cross country skiing, allows you to really explore your surroundings while getting a great workout.  Of course usually choosing skis is less of a question about which brand is good and more of a question about what kind of trails you will travel on and what kind of performance you are looking for.

This guide will help you figure out what kind of skis will be right for you.

How to Choose the Right Cross-Country Skis

The first question you should be thinking about when you’re looking for cross country skis is what kind of cross-country skiing you want to do.  Some skiers prefer to stick to groomed trails, while others like to go off trail and see what they can find.

Your body weight is generally the main measurement used in determining the length of the skis you need.  Skis with shorter lengths tend to move slower, but they are easier to maneuver, so it is all a question of what you want to do.

There are a lot of numbers involved in choosing skis, so it’s important to learn about these numbers if you want to pick the right ones.  For example, if you’re looking for flotation so you can go off trail more into deeper snow, then you want a tip that’s wider than 70 mm.  On the other hand, you want the tip smaller than that if you will be staying on groomed trails.

When you’re looking at skis, also make sure to select a waxless pair because these are much more convenient.  They rely on the shape of the ski to grip the slope rather than requiring you to put wax on the bottom of them to do so.

Touring vs. Metal-edge XC Skis

Your basic touring skis tend to come in longer lengths and are narrower than their metal-edge counterparts.  This enables you to move faster on them, especially on groomed trails.

Metal-edge skis are more for flotation and stability when you’re hitting up areas with deeper snow.  Turning is easier with these skis, so if you’re going off track a lot, then this is probably your best option.

The Best Brands of XC Skis for 2012

In general, there are two brands most cross-country skiers trust above all others.  They are:

• Fischer – The Orbiter and Cruiser are both excellent skis from this brand.
• Rossignol – The Delta Classic and the Positrack Backcountry skis are among the most popular.

Some other very reputable brands of cross-country skis include:

• Black Diamond – The Justice and Havoc models receive great reviews from skiers.
• Madshus – Check out the Annum MGV Omni for an updated version of an earlier much-loved model from this brand.
• G3 – The Rapid Transit model is recommended by most skiers who have it.
• K2 – You’ll really be able to make tracks with the Hardside Alpine model from this company.

Figuring out how many calories are burned in cross country skiing is fairly simple, and there are a number of calculators out there to help you out.  The short answer to the question is generally more than 500 calories an hour, but there are a lot of factors that go into exactly how many calories you are burning while cross country skiing.

Factors that Go into How Many Calories are Burned in Cross Country Skiing

Most calculators that tell you how many calories you are burning while cross country skiing will ask for:

• Your weight
• The amount of time you were skiing

Some calculators are more thorough and may also ask you any combination of the following questions:

• Whether you were skiing uphill or not
• If you were skiing at a slow, moderate, or vigorous pace
• Your heart rate during the exercise
• Your body mass index
• Your height
• Your age
• Your gender
• The speed at which you were traveling

Calculating How Many Calories Burned in Cross Country Skiing

If you don’t have access to a website with a handy calculator to help with determining how many calories are burned in your workout, then it does help to have a very basic formula to follow.  Of course you don’t want anything too complicated, or then you won’t be able to remember it.

You also may want to estimate ahead of time, and this is easy to do if you know a few basic numbers before you head out.

1. To figure out your calories burned, start by taking your basal metabolic rate divided by 1440 minutes per day.  For easiest results, determine your basal metabolic rate using an online calculator ahead of time.  This rate won’t change much until you lose a lot of weight.

Next you need to know the MET, or metabolic equivalent.  For cross country skiing, that number ranges from 5.5 up through 16.5, depending on how fast you are going:

• 5.5 MET: 4 km/h
• 7.7 MET: 6 km/h
• 9.9 MET: 8 km/h
• 12.2 MET: 10 km/h
• 14.3 MET: 12 km/h
• 16.5 MET: 14 km/h

2.  Take the MET value that corresponds to your approximate speed, multiply that by the result you got in the first step.

3.  Multiply that number you got in step 2 by the number of minutes you were skiing.

How to Burn More Calories in Cross Country Skiing

Of course to burn more calories, you need a more intensive workout.  In cross country skiing that may mean simply moving faster, or it might mean opting for trails with fresh, heavy snow.

Cross country skiing is also a great cardio workout, so you really get a two for one deal on this particular type of physical activity.  It is one of the easiest and most fun ways to get in shape.

With so many different ski companies competing for your business, it can be hard to determine what kind of equipment to buy, but the Salomon cross country ski boots may be a good option.  For those who love to ski cross country, boots are an important element and must be chosen with care.  Salomon offers a line of boots that are functional, comfortable, and affordable.

Features of Salomon Cross Country Ski Boots

Salomon cross country boots come in many styles for men, women, and children.  All Salomon boots offer:

• Comfortable fit for long days and optimal performance
• Seamless construction
• Fleece lining
• Lateral support
• Water resistance
• Lace cover with diagonal zip
• Compatible with any SNS Pilot ski bindings

The more expensive models of Salomon boots offer custom fit Thinsulate liners and Velcro strap adjustable cuffs.

Choosing the Right Style of Salomon Cross Country Ski Boots

While more expensive brands offer lots of features, you may be paying for much more than you need.  Salomon boots are flexible enough for Telemark skiing, but offer stability and support where it counts.   The men’s’ line ranges from simple, functional $100 boots to professional grade boots worthy of Olympians.

Starting with the Salomon Escape 5 for $130, these boots perform well on either groomed ski paths or untested terrain.  They give the flexibility needed for maneuverability and the stiffness needed for carving your own path.

There are several midrange styles as well, but the top of the men’s line is the RS Carbon Cross Country.  Made specifically for racing and training, this boot can meet the demands of serious skiers at a reasonable price.  It is made with high lateral support, Sensifit envelopment for a tighter fit, and a carbon skating plate midsole.

For women, there are several models that range from $100 to $300. Much like the men’s Escape 5, the Siam 5 offers flexibility and control for women and can be found for $130 or less.  The top of the line women’s model is the Siam 9, which offers faux fur, custom fit lining, a Velcro adjustable cuff for better fit, more durable quality, and a flashier design.

The boot you choose should not only fit your foot, but your ski style and needs as well.  If you don’t ski often, you might want to go for the lower end of the spectrum.

However, if you trek through the backcountry several times a year, consider paying more for a top quality boot.   Whatever you choose, Salomon has the right design for you.

Why You Should Consider Salomon Boots

Ski equipment is pricey and hard to choose, but serious skiers know that quality is important.  Salomon offers tried and true quality, comfort, and performance at a price you can live with.  Everyone from beginners to advanced skiers who spend their weekends trekking across the snow will be able to find a Salomon boot to fit their needs.

You can find an affordable pair of boots that will allow you to ski to your heart’s content without breaking the bank.

Karhu Ski Boots: Reviews and Ratings

Karhu ski boots are some of the absolute best high performance cross-country footwear available for purchase today.

Karhu cross country ski boots are so comfortable, you might forget what’s actually on your feet, and think you were wearing sneakers or slippers.

But no matter how comfy your Karhu ski boots are, and how much you may forget that they’re even there, they are still offering you high performance quality and working hard to give you the best cross country ski experience possible.

If you are in the market for a new or used pair of cross country footwear, you should definitely consider Karhu cross country ski boots.

Below, we’ll take a look at three different models of Karhu ski boots. Surely, of the three, you’ll find something that suits your needs.

If not, don’t fret. The market for cross country ski boots is wide and ever-growing. The best advice is to try on every pair of boots you come across until you find the perfect fit for you.

But you may just find, after all that searching, that Karhu ski boots are the best of the bunch.

After all, you could do a whole lot worse than wearing a pair of Karhu cross country ski boots, but you really couldn’t do too much better.

Karhu Ski Boots: Zoom II

These great Nordic touring Karhu ski boots are just as technologically advanced as they are comfortable to wear.

Offering warmth and dryness all day long, the Zoom II’s are one of the bestselling and best loved Karhu cross country ski boots for a reason.

Synthetic materials keep the water away from your feet while letting them breathe with ease.

These Karhu ski boots also feature an advanced lace-wrapping system that protects them from icing over, giving you easy in and out access.

Karhu Ski Boots: Frontier

With 3D molded midsoles, the Frontier Karhu cross country ski boots are top of the line products that offer superior quality and comfort.

With a brand new system of lacing and a 3D stitched tongue, your feet are held firmly, though extraordinarily comfortably, in place.

Here are a few of these Karhu cross country ski boots’ best features:

• Lacing fingers
• Lace covers
• Molded thermoplastic cuff
• 3D molded midsoles
• 200g Thinsulate insulation

Karhu Cross Country Ski Boots: Convert

Both rugged and lightweight, the Convert Karhu cross country ski boots are perfect for all-purpose backcountry sporting.

For the ultimate in flexibility, support, and durability, these Karhu ski boots feature 2mm split-grain leather uppers.

Use these Karhu cross country ski boots for everything from steep powder runs to craggy ice rivers – they’ll take you wherever you want to go with ease, precision, and total foot comfort.

Lighter than air and tougher than steel, these Karhu ski boots are truly one-of-a-kind and top of the line.

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How to Identify Cross Country Ski Bindings

Just as the nature of the sport itself is different than alpine skiing, so cross country ski bindings are different than traditional downhill bindings.

Cross country ski bindings are designed to benefit the techniques used in propelling yourself across (and sometimes uphill) in snowy environments. You use your lower body in a much different way when you are cross country skiing than when you are alpine skiing.

It is therefore of the utmost importance that you are using the correct equipment.

So, how to identify cross country skis?

Let’s assume that you are a beginner cross country skier and clueless about what to look for and buy. Below we will go over what exactly cross country ski bindings are and how they differ from alpine ski bindings.

By the end of this article, you will hopefully have all the information you need to go looking for the right cross country ski bindings for yourself, and make an informed decision.

First and foremost:

What Are Cross Country Ski Bindings?

To understand what cross country ski bindings are, you should first understand what bindings are in general.

Bindings, when used in different types of snow skiing, are the devices that affix your boots to the skis. In alpine skiing, the bindings connect your boots in a semi-permanent way, making them immobile on the skis until you release them using a lever.

On the other hand, cross country ski bindings only attach the front of your boot to the skis so that you can glide and skate along trails in a walking style.

Depending on which of the various techniques you use, the boots designed for cross country skis are generally much later and far more flexible than the hard shells used for alpine skiing. This allows you to have much more control of the stepping motion and skating movement of your skis.

The toe clips (cross country ski bindings) are usually mounted by screws to your skis. This is a similarity amongst all cross country ski bindings.

But not all of them are exactly the same.

There are three different groups of cross country ski bindings. In the next section, we will take a closer look at them.

Cross Country Ski Bindings: The Primary Groups

In accordance with the different styles of cross country skiing, and the variety of different boots you may use, there are a number of types of cross country ski bindings.

The three primary groups are:

• NNN (New Nordic Norm)

• SNS (Salomon Nordic System) Profil

• SNS Pilot

The NNN style of cross country ski bindings are made to fit boots created by Alpina Sports, Fischer, Madshus, and Rossignol. These bindings are different in that they have two long ridges that protrude from the ski that fit into corresponding slots in your boots.

The SNS Profil bindings were crafted to mate with Salomon, Adidas, Atomic, Botas, and Hartjes boots. These cross country ski bindings are mainly used for classic and skating techniques.

The SNS Pilot cross country ski bindings fit with Salomon, Adidas, Atomic, and Hartjes boots and are generally used by professional, collegiate, or world class skiers. They are also used for classic and skating techniques, though these bindings tend to cost a lot more than SNS Profil cross country ski bindings.

Now you know what to look for. As always, make sure you have plenty of questions to ask, and a professional ski equipment sales representative working with you that can answer them.

Happy hunting!

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Learn How to Cross Country Ski

To learn how to cross country ski is to learn a great winter sport different than most others.

Popular in many countries that feature vast snow fields, cross country skiing is the activity of moving yourself across a snow-covered ground with skis and poles.

As opposed to regular snow skiing, which exclusively features the downhill movement of skiers, cross country skiing generally involved traveling across flat surfaces and even climbing steep slopes on skis.

Some people learn how to cross country ski to take strolls through winter landscapes for purposes of sightseeing. Others learn how to cross country ski for an aerobic alternative to exercises like jogging or speed walking. And still other take it up as part of other activities, including the biathlon, Backcountry skiing, or Telemark skiing.

For those who want to give learning how to cross country ski a shot, here’s a brief primer for finding the right equipment and getting started in the snow.

First things first:

How to Choose the Right Size Cross Country Skis

If you are a beginner at cross country skiing, then the advice for is the same as for first-time downhill skiers: rent your equipment first. Unless you have the money to spend on expensive equipment you may not want to use ever again, renting is the best option for those just learning how to cross country ski.

There are different models, shapes, and sizes of cross country skis for different types of activities.

Here’s a look at some specific features of cross country skis:

• Sometimes referred to as skinny skis, cross country skis are much thinner than alpine skis. This helps to distribute the skiers weight and help him/her move quickly across the snow.

• Their tips are higher and more curved than downhill skis so that they have an easier time cutting through deep snow.

• Aside from those used mostly for Backcountry and Telemark skiing, most cross country skis do not have metal edges.

As far as size goes, you need to speak to a professional about your cross country skiing intentions before deciding on what will work best for you. Skating skis are shorter and narrower than classic skis. And off track cross country skis are much wider and heavier than others.

You need to figure out what kind of cross country skiing you’d like to do, and then you’ll have a better idea of what kind of ski you will need to rent (or buy).

How to Cross Country Ski

There are three distinct styles of cross country skiing which include Classic, Skating, and Telemarking. Let’s take a look at the Classic form.

This technique is used on pistes (or prepares trails). Long, narrow skis work best in such environments.

For class cross country skiing, you should move in a walking or running motion with your skis splayed. Try to avoid a gliding motion. Plant the poles alternately behind the skis.

In order to learn how to cross country ski downhill, you need to become familiar with skate skiing. This is a gliding movement, similar to ice skating, that will help you keep control at high rates of speed.

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