How to prevent and treat foot blisters
Outdoor Activities | March 28, 2024
SAIL
October 4, 2022
Share
Cross-country skiing is one of those versatile sports appealing to both performance athletes looking for a high-intensity cardio sport, and casual sports enthusiasts looking to enjoy a spot of fresh air and some beautiful winter scenery. Its popularity has boomed over the past few years, and many would like to give cross-country skiing a go. But when it comes to choosing your equipment, and with the many criteria to consider before purchasing, it’s easy to get lost. Fortunately, Éric Pérusse, Buyer at SAIL and cross-country skiing expert, is here to help.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know to get started with cross-country skiing, including:
Cross-country, Nordic, XC… Are they all the same? In short, yes. Those terms refer to the classic kind of cross-country skiing, which involves moving forward in a straight line in a ‘kick and glide’ motion. Classic XC can be done on groomed trails or in the backcountry, and is usually a good starting point to learn the sport. However, some keen skiers may want to give the skating technique a go. Skating skiers move their skis sideways the same way as speed skaters, on groomed flat surfaces. This requires a bit more technique and good cardio. The equipment and trails used for both disciplines are also different, so it’s important to settle on one or the other before purchasing your gear.
Before settling on a pair of classic skis, you’ll need to determine the kind of terrain you are likely to ski on. Will you be sticking to well-groomed trails, in which case you’ll need long, narrow cross-country skis, or venturing off trail, for which wider skis should be used in order to provide more flotation on deeper snow?
Skating skis also differ from classic ones. They are shorter and therefore easier to manoeuvre, and shaped in a way that allows skiers to reach faster speeds. They are torsionally rigid, so skiers can really push off the edge of the ski and have a stiffer flex, which gives a more powerful push on flat, compacted snow. Have a look at Fischer for some skating ski options.
Another important consideration for both classic and skating skis will be the grip zone. This is the part of the ski directly below your foot that provides grip, so you can push and propel yourself forward, while the other leg is effortlessly gliding. Grip zones can be waxless or waxable, and both have benefits and disadvantages. Waxless skis, best for beginners, have either fish scales or skin grip zones, which give you traction. These require very little maintenance, making them a great option for beginners. In the case of waxable skis, this traction is provided by a wax applied to the grip zone. Some skiers prefer these as the wax applied can be altered based on the weather conditions, which allows cross-country skiers to customize the level of traction needed before each outing. Atomic features some great waxless skis for beginners, while more advanced skiers could have a look at the range of models offered by Salomon.
Don’t dress too warm for cross-country skiing as there is a real risk of overheating. Here, the multilayer system works best (read our article on what to wear for cross-country skiing). Don’t forget a thin hat, gloves, a headlamp for evening outings or sun protection for daytime ones, as well as a few snacks and a hydration belt for longer expeditions.
Once you’ve settled on whether to go for classic or skating, the terrain you’ll ski on and your grip zone preference, all that remains is to select the right length for your skis. This is done by using your weight, so head to a store for an exact fit.
To determine the right height for classic cross-country skiing poles, stand them next to you: the pole should reach the height of your shoulders. Skating poles, on the other hand, should be longer in order to help you push while you are in a forward-leaning position. Poles can be made using a range of materials, from sturdy aluminum for beginners to glass fibre or even carbon fibre for the more competitive athletes out there.
When it comes to bindings for cross-country skis, there is only one word to remember: compatibility. Each element of your entire skiing system, from skis to bindings to boots, must be compatible with one another, and the type of binding used often varies for each brand. Usually, skiers will select their skis and bindings, and have them installed in-store, which requires drilling into the skis. However, some newer skis now have binding plates installed already, which makes fitting the bindings much easier and quicker.
Your main selection criteria for choosing cross-country skiing boots? Comfort! Make sure you pick the right size, as too small or too big will cause blisters, cold feet and overall ruin your fun. Most boots are insulated, but do take a good warm pair of socks with you in-store to try them on and help you choose the right fit. Classic ski boots will be more flexible, while skating ski boots will feel much stiffer. “If you are giving skating a go, choose a fairly high boot, which will provide more ankle support,” says Éric. Rossignol has a great range to choose from, both for XC and skating.
Don’t dress too warm for cross-country skiing as there is a real risk of overheating. Here, the multilayer system works best (read our article on what to wear for cross-country skiing). Don’t forget a thin hat, gloves, a headlamp for evening outings or sun protection for daytime ones, as well as a few snacks and a hydration belt for longer expeditions.
Éric’s main tip? Let everything dry property before putting your equipment away. The grip zone on waxless skis (fish scales or skin) requires very little maintenance, but all skis still need to be waxed regularly to ensure a smooth glide. There are easy-to-apply products out there, but Éric is adamant: “You’ll get much better results by applying wax with a hot iron, as the product will stay on the ski for much longer.” If you don’t have an iron at home, take your skis in-store to be waxed regularly.
Share
