Cross Country Ski

You need to match the type of cross country skiing you plan to do with the cross country ski and gear, poles and boots you want to buy or try out.

Find, Compare, and Buy Cross Country Ski Equipment - View All Ski Links

The choice of cross country Ski also depends on your Skill level. Beginners should look for recreational equipment that is waxless and gives stability and balance.

There are different types of cross country Skiing that require different types of Ski. There is classical Skiing which is the traditional type of X-C Skiing where arms and legs move in parallel in a kick and glide combination, much like the motion in walking or running. Skating or freestyle X-C Skiing is a type of Skiing that came out of competitive racing. It involves more of a lateral motion of arms and legs like ice skating or inline skating.

With classical cross country Ski there are glide zones at the tip and tail of the Ski and a kick zone in the middle. The glide zones are smooth on the Ski and the kick zone has a crown pattern, or through the use of wax, a surface to grip the snow in alternating right Ski and left Ski motions. Freestyle or skating Ski are smooth on the bottom to enable the Skier to make the skating motion.

Recreational cross country Ski are not intended for speed. Rather, they are designed to give the beginner to intermediate Skier stability of movement and versatility to Ski on different Ski terrains. Recreational Ski are a little shorter than racing Ski to aid the Skier in turns and changes of direction.

Adventure X-C Ski are a middle category of Ski. They can be used on groomed trails or off.

Skate Ski are shorter than classical racing Ski that are long and narrow.

Ski boots also vary. Ski boots for recreational Skiing have a higher cuff to provide more support for the X-C Skier, and are heavier but warmer. Adventure boots provide more support than recreational boots. Backcountry Ski boots are the most durable and warm of the X-C category.

Cross country Ski poles are lightweight and stiff. Recreational poles should measure between the armpit and middle of the shoulder. Skating poles should reach somewhere between the nose and chin. Adventure poles tend to be heavier than either the recreational or racing poles. Backcountry Ski poles need a variety of larger baskets to deal with deep powder.

If you are just starting out, it is a good idea to seek out the advice of an experienced cross country Skier who is on staff at your local Ski shop. The salesperson can put together a demo package of Ski, boots and bindings for you to try out. Also consider taking some Ski lessons as you start out.

The major Ski manufacturers all carry cross country Ski lines including Atomic, Dynastar, Fischer, Rossignol and Salomon.

 

 

 

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