Equipment
- Skis
- The skis are long and narrow to distribute the weight of the skier and allow the skier to move quickly. Shorter skis are slower but easier to handle for recreational skiers or those skiing in rugged terrain. Body weight is the main determining factor for ski length so you must look at the ski specification to determine what size is right for you.
See cross-country skiis.
- Poles
- Like alpine skiing, cross-country skiers carry two poles for steadiness and propulsion. Nordic poles are longer than poles for alpine skiing. Traditionally, pole length has been up to your armpits. Today, in-track poles can be slightly longer and off-track poles slightly shorter. See cross-country ski poles.
- Ski Boots
- Cross-country ski boots are generally much lighter in construction than alpine boots. They generally offer flexibility for striding along with torsional rigidity for turning and stopping. Fit is always the key to a successful ski boot. Wear a pair of wool or synthetic ski socks when trying on boots. A good fit is achieved when boots are comfortable and hold your feet solidly in place. See cross-country ski boots.
- Bindings
- The binding clips the toe of the boot to the ski. They are lightweight so you don’t waste energy and provide a comfortable connection point between your boots and skis. These bindings are step-in style; you simply need to place the toe of your boot in the correct position then press downward. To release, push down on the correct spot on top of the binding and lift your foot off. See cross-country ski bindings.
- Clothes
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Your clothing needs to protect you from the elements while allowing sweat to quickly ventilate away. If it doesn’t, you risk getting chilled once you stop. Cross-country skiers need a shell layer with exceptional breathability. A soft shell is a great choice for most skiing days. Soft shells are tightly woven jackets typically featuring a durable water repellent finish. An outfit of lightweight base layers and light pants is usually sufficient in mild conditions. Avoid bulk when layering: several light layers provide more warmth than a single bulky layer. Keep layers snug-fitting: layers must not be bulky to the point of limiting your skiing motion, so tight-fitting layers are a better choice. For your head, a light cap with visor works well on mild days. For the feet, a base layer (liner socks) and an insulating layer (wool or synthetic socks) are often used. See cross-country ski clothing.
