For example the skis are stiffer with strengthened edges, the boots provide more ankle support and the poles are longer to allow them to be planted behind the skis. Touring Touring is the winter equivalent of summer backpacking. By donning your rucsack you can make your own tracks and ski from hut to hut through spectacular scenery. For this type of skiing you will need stamina and good technique. You also need strong, reliable equipment, for the journey can take you over isolated and rough terrain.
Many people have the misconception that nordic skiing is like walking on skis, on flat terrain.
Unless you're skiing round a lake there is very little terrain which is absolutely flat and at some point you will be going downhill. Telemarking is is at the extreme end of nordic downhill and is nordic skiing's equivalent of alpine skiing. The telemark turn is a graceful technique and was developed for descending steep slopes on nordic equipment. The skier initiates the turn in a bent knee position. The boots are still recognisable as nordic boots because they are only fixed to the ski at the toe, allowing the heel to rise and the technique to be performed.