Guide to Purchasing Cross Country Skis

Welcome to our guide for buying cross country skis. Understanding the terminology associated with cross country skis can be challenging, but rest assured – we've simplified the fundamentals for you. With this guide, selecting the right cross country ski becomes straightforward.​​​​​​

When you're ready to buy your first or a brand new set of cross country skis, it's crucial to think about a few important factors. To begin, our cross country expert, Christian, suggests posing these three questions to yourself:

1. What kind of skier are you? (Casual or performance-focused)
2. Where do you plan to ski? (On maintained tracks or off the tracks)
3. What is your weight and height? (Determining nordic ski length)

If you're confident about the answers to these questions, you can effortlessly find a pair that fits by browsing our complete array of cross country skis – just ensure your selection matches the size guide information we provide for each specific model.

If you'd like to delve deeper into the essentials of selecting cross country skis, we'll lead you through these topics:

• Cross Country Ski Sizing
• Cross Country Ski Types
• Cross Country Ski Camber

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Cross Country Ski Sizing – Determining Your Ideal Size

Many skiers seek assistance to determine the appropriate length (or size) of cross country skis. Nonetheless, the user's weight is equally as critical as the ski length. For each ski we offer, you'll find a size chart tailored to that specific model, helping you pinpoint which ski model aligns with your height and weight.

The cross-country ski size charts below provide simple calculations to assist you in determining the suitable size of cross country skis.

Additional recommendations for cross country skis length and weight:

• Seasoned skiers generally lean towards the longer range
• Beginners should opt for models on the shorter side of the range
• If you're lighter than most of your height, choose a ski from the shorter end of the range
• If you weigh more than most individuals of your height, pick a ski from the higher end of the range

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Cross Country Ski Types – Comparing Classic and Skate Styles

As you step into the realm of cross country skiing, one of the initial distinctions to grasp is between classic and skate skis. These primary kinds of cross country skis cater to unique skiing styles and require distinct skis. Let’s delve into each ski type before exploring the specific attributes of cross country skis.

CLASSIC CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Classic cross country skis are crafted for traditional skiing movements, where skiers progress forward by kicking backward while gliding. These skis have a kick zone beneath the foot to offer traction on snow. Traction in the kick zone can be achieved using fish-scales, kick wax, or cross country skins.

Skin skis may be labelled as waxless skis because they don't utilize wax in the kick zones. This can be misleading, as skin skis still need glide wax in the glide sections. Waxless skis are favoured due to their excellent performance and convenience. With waxless skis, there's no need to mess with removing and applying kick wax, which saves both time and money on waxing gear. Waxable skis are admired by enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to precisely tweak their skis' grip and glide areas. Such skiers dedicate time to fine-tuning their skis to ensure optimal performance for the specific conditions they plan to face.

For beginners, classic skis are advisable due to their stability and ease of use on groomed paths. Whether you’re just starting with cross country skiing or indulging in a relaxing journey on the tracks, classic skis are the ideal pick. However, there are classic skis designed for enhanced performance and competitiveness, catering to those skiers who aspire for greater speed, agility, and precision on the trails.

Explore our variety of Classic Cross Country Skis.

SKATE SKIS

Skate skis are engineered for the skating technique, involving a side-to-side motion akin to ice skating or inline skating. These skis boast a flat and slim profile for efficient gliding and robust strides. Unlike classic skis, skate skis lack a kick zone; instead, skiers propel forward by pushing off at an angle through a sideways movement. In essence: extended glide and no kick zone.

Skate skiing is ordinarily practiced on smooth, well-groomed trails, rather than classical tracks. Compared to classical skiing, the lateral movements in skate skiing are more complex, making it less appropriate for novices.

Check out our range of Cross Country Skating Skis.

BACKCOUNTRY CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Backcountry cross country skis are devised for traversing various distances in the wilderness, and typically, they feature a broader ski design suitable for terrain outside of groomed tracks. This type of ski is crafted to excel in versatile terrains and diverse snow conditions, spanning from fresh powder to compact or icy surfaces.

The broader ski design delivers superior flotation, spreading your body weight over a larger area to minimize the likelihood of sinking into the snow. These skis generally include kick areas for ascents, and are available in both waxed and waxless versions. Many models incorporate steel edges for enhanced grip on icy snow, as well as better overall control and stability while descending.

Discover our collection of Backcountry Cross Country Skis.

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Understanding Cross Country Ski Camber & Flex

The term camber describes the upward curve along the length of a ski when it's on a flat surface. A ski with more camber reduces the interference of the kick zone during gliding, allowing for longer glides and achieving greater speed.

High camber skis are ideal for speed and responsiveness but sacrifice ease of turning. This is because high camber maintains contact with the snow at both ends. Lowering the camber facilitates easier turning, positioning the pivot point in the centre of the ski.

The extent of camber considerably affects the ski’s attributes, and the right camber level depends on the type of skiing you prefer and your expertise level.

Usually, classic skis for beginners or recreational cross-country skiers have less pronounced camber. In contrast, skis aimed for more advanced users, focusing on performance, tend to have higher camber.

Skate skis possess less camber than classic types, but they still exhibit enough curvature to ensure the skier's weight is evenly distributed. The reduced camber aids in side pushes during skate skiing, boosting maneuverability and on-snow performance without impeding speed given the lack of a grip zone.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI FLEX

Flex indicates how stiff a ski's camber is, significantly influencing a ski’s speed and turning dynamics. Softer flex skis require less effort for gripping in soft snow and offer easier turning. On the other hand, stiffer flex provides more stability on solid snow and at higher speeds, though they are more challenging to maneuver in softer conditions.

For most skiers, it's unnecessary to delve extensively into the technical specifics of camber and flex. When you choose a ski aimed at your skiing style, skill level, experience, and your measurements of weight and height, you'll ensure a pleasurable skiing experience without overcomplicating technical factors.

If there's any uncertainty regarding which cross country skis to select, feel free to reach out to us.