Steeper or Faster? Tactical Dispositions to Minimize Oxygen Cost in Ski Mountaineering

PurposeInvestigate the effect of speed, inclination, and use of heel elevator on the oxygen cost of vertical climbing (C-vert) in ski mountaineering. MethodsIn this study, 19 participants who were (3 women and 16 men) moderate- to well-trained recreational Norwegian ski mountaineers were involved. All participants were tested for VO2max in running, and in a ski mountaineering test on a treadmill, to assess C-vert. The test protocol consisted of 12 4 min work periods at different inclinations from 13 to 23 degrees, with continuous VO2 measurements. After every second work period, the inclination increased by 2 degrees, and speed was decreased accordingly. The speed reduction was based on the equation V-vert = speed center dot sin(alpha), where alpha represents the angle of inclination. V-vert was thus held constant for each work period (854 m center dot h(-1)). All work periods were completed twice, with and without a heel elevator. Half of the subjects started with the smallest inclination, and the other half started with the steepest inclination. ResultsThe results showed that C-vert was unchanged at all inclinations except 13 degrees, where there was a significantly higher C-vert, at the same V-vert. Only at 13 degrees, C-vert was higher with the use of heel elevator. There was also a significant trend indicating lower C-vert with use of heel elevator with steeper inclination. ConclusionsThere seemed to be nothing to gain by choosing detours if the inclination was 13 degrees or less. The use of heel elevator was more advantageous, the steeper the inclination, but at 13 degrees there was a negative effect of using heel elevator.