A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

The running surface of a ski with unique individual tractive elements arranged in a pattern that allow for uphill movement by the skier. Individual tractive elements used on the running surface of a ski that have unique features in the surface design that enable more efficient operation for uphill movement by the skier. Individual tractive elements arranged in a pattern on a ski bottom in such a way that allows for minimum resistance to the snow surface in the glide portion of uphill ski movement, and maximum resistance in the grip (or kick) portion of uphill ski movement. Individual tractive elements that can be used uniquely on a ski bottom where a portion of the ski bottom surface is a device that can be removed and reattached. Individual tractive elements on the running surface of a ski bottom that can be arranged in a unique and optimal array to maximize the functions of uphill glide and uphill kick through movement of the skis by the skier. Individual tractive elements that can be incorporated on a climbing skin used in tractive uphill/forward skiing in a unique array configuration. Individual tractive elements in a unique array configuration that can be incorporated with additional tractive materials on a climbing skin used in tractive uphill/forward skiing.

Embodiments relate to a denticle scale array including a plurality of denticle scales arranged in pattern and configured to be incorporated onto a ski base, wherein the plurality of denticle scales includes at least a denticle scale including a glide contact area configured to contact terrain when the ski base is unweighted and moving forward, a kick contact area greater than the glide contact area and configured to contact the terrain when the ski base is weighted and not moving forward, at least a longitudinal profile comprising an S-curve, a curved trailing edge profile, and at least a longitudinal groove running parallel with the forward movement of the ski base.

A running surface for a ski having a running surface profile that has slideback prevention elements with sliding surfaces which slope up counter to a sliding direction and merge into push-off flanks. The slideback prevention elements have at least one first ramp element having a longitudinally convexly curved sliding surface with a first radius of curvature (r1) and at least one second ramp element. The the second ramp element has a longitudinally convexly curved sliding surface with a second radius of curvature (r2) which is greater than that of the first ramp element.

A ski having vents for venting snow from beneath the ski to a location above the ski and a modified keel that provides for greater and easier directional control over the ski relative to a conventional ski.

A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

A ski having vents for venting snow from beneath the ski to a location above the ski and a modified keel that provides for greater and easier directional control over the ski relative to a conventional ski.

A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

A ski having vents for venting snow from beneath the ski to a location above the ski and a modified keel that provides for greater and easier directional control over the ski relative to a conventional ski.