How to Choose Cross Country Ski Equipment

Cross country skiing is a popular sport that provides a full-body workout in the wintry environment. When first getting into the sport, all the gear may seem overwhelming. By using a chronology of questions and answers, weed out the gear you need for your chosen branch of the sport. Touring, traditional and skate skis are the styles of cross country ski gear you select from. Enjoy the sport, as it is a solid way of beating the winter blues while staying in shape.

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine where you ski and what your goals for the sport are. If you are in a location near miles of groomed ski trails, consider going with traditional "diagonal" style skis. These are made for groomed ski tracks. If you live in a wild or more remote winter environment with no groomed trails, go with a metal edged "touring" ski to maximize the back country snow. If you live near a ski area with wide groomed skate ski trails and you want to go fast consider going with skate skis.

    • 2

      Get your foot sized by a professional boot fitter at a ski shop or outdoor outfitter. Select ski boots, regardless of style, in your size. Wear one pair of mid-weight socks when trying the boots on, as this is what you wear when skiing. For traditional and skate ski boots, look for plastic hard shell with a lightweight nylon fabric under the shell. Touring boots look similar to heavy hiking boots and have soles with treads.

    • 3

      Choose poles based on your height and size. For skate ski poles, a general rule of thumb is to size them slightly long. Hold the ski poles in your hands and stand straight. Push the pole behind you and plant the tips at a 45 degree angle to your shoulders. Proper skate ski poles have the tips planted at the angle and your hands at chest height. Traditional poles are sized with you holding them standing straight up. The poles should come up to chest level while planted at your side. Select and adjustable telescoping pair of poles for back country touring skis.

    • 4

      Choose ski size based on the ski style. A general rule of thumb for skate skis is to stand up and hold the skate ski next to you. Extend your arm up next to the ski. Your fingers should reach the tips of the skis. For traditional skis, hold the ski up next to you and place an extended arm next to it. Your wrist should touch the ski tip. Back country skis are wider and are sized much shorter than the other two. Consult a size chart based on your weight and whether you carry a laden backpack when selecting touring skis.

    • 5

      For traditional skis, decide if you want waxable or waxless skis. Waxless skis are easier to maintain, but that comes at a cost of speed and performance. Waxable skis allow you to wax for the conditions but requires applications each day or as conditions vary throughout the day.