Abstract: A no-wax ski base is formed of a composite material in which relatively harder particles are uniformly distributed in a plastic matrix. The harder particles are angularly oriented with respect to the gliding surface of the ski base to provide a unidirectional friction coefficient that combines good gliding properties in the ski forward direction with good grip properties in the backward or "kick off" direction of the ski. These friction properties are maintained throughout the entire life of the ski base irrespective of wear. The ski base may be manufactured by extruding the plastic composite material through a split nozzle while causing it to flow substantially asymmetrically through the split nozzle to obtain the angular orientation of the harder particles in the plastic matrix.