Easy-to-Handle Short Skis Set For Long Run

MINOCQUA, Wis. Short skis. That's all you need to know to be onthe cutting edge of cross-country skiing.

The operative word is fun. You won't see "shorties" in WorldCup or Olympic competition for a while because they are banned fornow. You will see them at Midwest Nordic centers and park trails.

"Skiing on them is like Rollerblading on snow," said DanClausen, ski pro at Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center.

Introduced last February, short skis are being marketed toexpert skiers, who already own several pairs, and beginners,particularly those who want to use the easier-to-handle skatingtechnique.

The skis range in length from 147 centimeters …