How to Purchase Cross Country Skis

Cross-country skiing is a great low-impact, cardiovascular workout for the winter months. It has a much shorter learning curve than downhill skiing and no lift fees. However, finding the right equipment takes some research.

  1. Type of Terrain

    • Determining the type of terrain on which the skis will be used is the most important factor in the decision. Whether you will be skiing on paths, groomed trails or deep snow through the woods will affect your purchase.

    Width and Length

    • Skis have been getting shorter, and there is no longer a clear-cut rule on how long they should be. Generally, the heavier you are the longer your skis need to be. The width of your skis is best determined by what type of terrain you will be skiing. For groomed trails, narrower is better; for deep snow, wider is better. If you plan on doing both, pick something in the middle.

    Sidecut

    • The sidecut is the amount of curve a ski has along edge from tip to tail. A generous sidecut will help you turn when going downhill, but it will inhibit gliding on the flats. To determine how much sidecut you want, consider the steepness of the terrain you'll be skiing.

    Wax or Waxless

    • Some cross-country skis are designed to have performance-enhancing wax applied to their bases. Waxable skis require more maintenance, but they will outperform waxless skis when maintained properly. Waxing can be tricky; if you don't have an inclination toward applying it before your outings, waxless is the way to go.

    Trying Different Models

    • The best way to find a pair of skis that you like is to go to a demo center or shop that rents skis and try a few different models. There is no substitute for actually feeling how a ski preforms.