A recently popular sport that has developed from Nordic skiing is ski skating. Skate skis are similar to racing skis. Ski skaters use much lighter and shorter equipment and skate instead of using the kick and glide method. They can do this because of a reinforced edge on the inside of the ski that allow them to dig into to the snow as they push off his or her back leg. To support the skier's ankle during the pushing phase, the boots are stiff.
Skater use their poles for balance and maximum propulsion.
The poles are taller and stiffer than touring. Skating is done on groomed trails or groomed roads and skaters can cover this terrain quickly. Backcountry skis allow you to hike in the backcountry, climb up the uphills, and ski down the downhills. The skis are designed to stand up to the rough conditions and are used by winter campers and mountain hikers. To support skiers and their gear, the skis are wider than Nordic skis for better flotation and have metal edges.