Cross Country Ski Equipment Instructions

The major difference between downhill and cross country skis is the size. Cross country skis are typically much thinner and lighter than downhill skis. The equipment involved in cross country skiing is designed to be as light as possible since there is often sufficient work involved that gravity does for downhill skiing. The best gear will be both light as a feather and as strong as hardened steel.

  1. It's All About The Bindings

    • Cross country skis have special bindings that should be very easy to release for those times when you may have to walk up a small hill with your skis in hand. At the same time, the bindings should be strong enough to keep you in them when you need to be. If you're new to cross country skiing, you'll likely get in and out of the bindings much more often than those who are veterans of the sport.

      Look for the best combination of ease of release, strength, durability and weight. Be sure to really kick the tires when you try out a potential pair of skis you'd like to use often. You don't want to be on a flat trail in the middle of nowhere with a bad binding.

      Most cross-country or Nordic ski bindings connect at the toe only. Though many skiers prefer groomed trails, even those can be tough to navigate for a beginner. You'll want to be familiar with your bindings and get the kind specific for your type of skiing. Many people think of cross-country skiing as a sport that never involves skiing down from high mountain peaks, but there's an extreme version of Nordic skiing called Alpine Touring. It involves blazing your own path on sloping mountain terrain that can be even more exhilarating than traditional downhill skiing on groomed trails. This type of touring requires stronger bindings, typically with both heel and toe connecting points. These bindings are also designed for the more intense climbs that might be involved in getting up to a peak where there is no lift.

    Touring or Racing?

    • There are two general types of cross country skiing: Touring and Racing. Just like big beefy "touring" motorcycles, cross country skis are available in touring varieties made for slower cruising. Racing skis for cross country are designed to go faster and perform to competitive standards. The Winter Olympics has biathlon for an event, which is where cross country racing really shines.

      Touring gear is for the hobbyist and/or the adventure seeker who wants to travel great distances in relative ease and comfort. If you don't mind taking your time to get there and want to experience the full view on the way, touring is the best bet. Touring can be done on both groomed and unmarked trails and typically involves a skating or kick and glide motion.

      Racing gear is for the more adrenaline-seeking cross country skier. Cross country ski racing may not sound like an exciting, fast-paced sport, but it certainly can be with the advancement of technology and availability of amazingly crafted skis and even more well-put-together athletes involved in races like that of the Biathlon event.

      Telemarking is an athletic drop-knee turning technique, allowing skiers better control of their movements on downhill runs. Telemarking is possible on ungroomed powder in the back woods or groomed, packed runs at the mountain resort.

    Boots, Poles, Accessories and Tips

    • Be sure to get the most comfortable boot you can find. Remember as a beginner it may be tough to get used to the sport, and you may have to walk more than you ski at first. When trying your boots on don't settle for a walk on a rug to test them out. Stand in the skis with the boots on for a real feel of what it's going to be like in action. Inspect the latching mechanism and be sure it's durable and easy to lock and unlock.

      Poles are essential in cross country skiing, and having the best poles can make a huge difference. Poles and ski length are determined by the skier's height, and a salesman can help you choose the right gear if you're not sure about the length of skis and poles you need.

      You can also choose between wider or narrow skis and waxable or waxless skis.

      A waxable ski requires application of special Nordic kick wax. The wax performs a dual task: first binding to the snow for excellent grip when needed for stopping and slowing down, and then releasing to slide gracefully and smoothly during the descent. Waxable skis are often more functional, but this comes at a cost. Maintaining these skis can be a bit more expensive with the cost of the wax (up to $20 for a container, depending on size and type), and it takes more of an effort investment than what you'd face with waxless skis. You can get waxes in multiple varieties, even spray-on or "express" wax.

      Waxless skis treat the snow like a boot tread, impacting the crystals to create a more solid platform to push off from. The pattern of a typical waxless ski can look like snake skin. Keep in mind these skis are made to slide forward, but not backward. Also, all skis will need to be replenished with glide wax every now and then, which is entirely different from kick wax and should not be applied nearly as often. Waxless are the preferred skis for beginners while more experienced skiers prefer waxable models.

      Skinnier skis minimize drag. Their sleekness allows for greater speed. Wider skis are better for off-trail excursions. You will get more stability and buoyancy on top of the snow from wider touring skis, which are also shorter than regular cross country and downhill skis. Telemark and Alpine Touring skis come in multiple sizes. Longer skis provide higher control and stability. Shorter skis promote ease of maneuvering at slower speeds over changing terrain. These skis are typically crafted with wider tips and tails in order to handle fresh powder and faster turns.

      For the ladies, you may want to ask for women's models: Some cross-country skis are specific to women. These are lighter, they flex easier, and they are designed for a woman's lower center of gravity.

      Other accessories you should always have with you are gloves, head wear, goggles or sunglasses and other weather-resistant clothing that can endure the harshest conditions and keep you warm the whole time, too.

      Although new equipment is always better than used gear, Cross country skiing might be the most underestimated sport on the planet. Many people who take it up can't get into it or don't have the endurance to make it fun. This means there are a lot of folks selling their skis on Ebay or at local yard sales. Chances are those used skis could still be as good as new.