Friction affects more than just glide

Research at Luleå University of Technology shows that ski properties and skiing technique influence each other more than previously understood. The findings could contribute to better ski selection, waxing strategies and technique training by providing a more realistic picture of what actually happens on the snow.

How fast a ski glides is often measured in various tests before training sessions and competitions. However, a ski that performs well in a test is not necessarily the one that delivers the best performance on the trail. This is shown by research conducted at Luleå University of Technology.

In his doctoral thesis, Gustav Hindér, Doctoral Student in Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology, investigated how the skier, the ski and the snow interact during real skiing conditions.

“A ski that performs well in a test is not always the one that delivers the best performance on the trail. Our results show that it is necessary to understand the interaction between the equipment and the skier in order to see the full picture,” says Gustav Hindér.

Gustav Hindér, doctoral student in machine elements at Luleå University of Technology.

Friction changes movement patterns

By combining biomechanical analyses with studies of ski–snow contact, Gustav Hindér demonstrated how a skier’s movements influence the interaction between the ski and the snow and, consequently, the friction generated during skiing.

The results also show that skiers adapt their movement patterns when glide conditions change. During skating, the skiers often maintained the same rhythm but took shorter cycles and lost speed as friction increased. During double poling, force output increased and the body was used more actively to cope with the higher resistance.

“When glide conditions deteriorate, it is not only speed that changes. Skiers also adapt how they use their bodies to move forward. This shows that technique and friction are much more closely linked and need to be studied in greater depth than has previously been done,” says Gustav Hindér.

Better decisions on skis and waxing

The findings show that traditional glide tests do not always capture what happens during real skiing. A ski that performs well in a static test may not provide the best performance when the skier loads the ski dynamically across varying terrain.

The research suggests that ski testing can become more realistic by taking into account how skiers actually use and load their skis during movement. This could provide better guidance for ski selection, waxing and technique training, while helping skiers and coaches adapt equipment choices to different conditions.

In the longer term, Gustav Hindér hopes the results can be incorporated into advanced models that help optimise ski selection, waxing strategies and technique for specific snow and terrain conditions.

“Ski selection and waxing are not just about minimising friction. It is about finding the right balance between glide, grip and how the skier actually loads the ski during movement,” says Gustav Hindér.

• Machine elements
• Centre for Sports and Performance Technology (SPORTC)