cross-country ski

Long board designed to glide over a snow-covered surface; light and narrow, it has a relatively pronounced camber between the shovel and the tail.

heelplate

Back part of the binding; it has notches that fit into the sole of the boot to prevent the foot from twisting to the side.

toepiece

Mechanism used to block the front end of the boot.

toe binding

Binding with a mechanism that locks only the front of the boot.

shovel

Front end of the ski; its upward curve cuts through snow and helps to avoid catching an edge.

tail

Back end of the ski.

ski tip

Rounded end of the shovel.