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 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 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 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 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.

An accessory traction device removably attached to undersides of backcountry skis is described herein. The device will provide users' ability to ascend terrain without removing skis and walking uphill. As designed, the device has novel structure with flanged or clamping ends with a threaded fastening rod that improves longevity while minimizing any possible damage to the ski itself. The traction wave patterns and grooves are also optimally designed and tapered. An additional inventive aspect involves a few hinge options wherein the hinge allows the device to be conveniently folding and stowed in a backcountry skier's backpack.

An accessory traction device removably attached to undersides of backcountry skis is described herein. The device will provide users' ability to ascend terrain without removing skis and walking uphill. As designed, the device has novel structure with flanged or clamping ends with a threaded fastening rod that improves longevity while minimizing any possible damage to the ski itself. The traction wave patterns and grooves are also optimally designed and tapered. An additional inventive aspect involves a few hinge options wherein the hinge allows the device to be conveniently folding and stowed in a backcountry skier's backpack.

A snowshoe-ski kit comprising a hybrid snowshoe-ski comprising a main body defining a bottom surface operative for moving over snow and having a snowshoe-ski traction coefficient, and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The hybrid snowshoe-ski further comprises a binding attached to the main body for attachment to a person's foot atop the top surface. The kit also comprises a first removable and reversible sheet-like skin having opposite first and second surfaces each defining respective first and second skin traction coefficients that differ from each other and that differ from the snowshoe-ski bottom surface traction coefficient. The first skin is removably attachable to the snowshoe-ski main body with either one of the first and second surfaces bearing against the bottom surface and the other one of the first and second surfaces being exposed, for allowing the snowshoe-ski to be operatively used either alone or with the first skin installed with either one of the first and second skin surfaces exposed.

The present invention relates to a gliding board for cross-country skiing, intended to receive a shoe fastener (F) including an upper face, a lower face and side ridges, characterized in that at least one of the side ridges of the board is provided with a series of notches (11) whereof each rim (11a) defines, on the one hand, a transverse stop face (12) making it possible to stop the board in the backwards direction, and on the other hand, a longitudinal connecting face (13) between the notches (11) allowing forward gliding.