Guides
Glide testing for cross-country skis
A good glide test answers one question: which skis glide best in these conditions today? Here is how to make the results reliable.
What is a glide test?
Two or more pairs glide down the same slope, in the same track and with the same body position. Time or distance is measured, and runs are repeated to reduce chance variation.
Keep conditions consistent
Air temperature, snow temperature, snow type and humidity change during the day. Test in rounds, vary the ski order and record conditions for each test.
- Same slope and track
- Same tester and body position
- Alternate ski order between runs
Read results correctly
A result applies to the conditions of that test. A pair that wins in cold fresh snow may lose in wet coarse snow.
Build a history
Over time, recorded tests show which skis and structures perform well in particular conditions — the foundation for better race-day choices.