Guide to Buying Cross Country Skis

Welcome to our guide for purchasing cross country skis. The terminology associated with cross country skiing can be overwhelming, but you need not fret – we've broken down the essentials for you. Our guide makes selecting the perfect cross country ski easy.

When it comes to acquiring your first or a replacement set of cross country skis, several essential factors must be kept in mind. Initially, our cross country specialist, Christian, advises considering these three questions:

1. What type of skier are you? (Recreational or performance-focused)
2. Where do you plan to ski? (On groomed tracks or off piste)
3. What are your weight and height? (This affects the nordic ski length)

Once the answers to these questions are clear, you can effortlessly find a suitable pair by exploring our complete range of cross country skis. Just ensure your choice aligns with the size guide we provide for each model.

For a deeper understanding of the basics of selecting cross country skis, we will guide you through the following topics:

• Understanding Cross Country Ski Sizing
• Different Types of Cross Country Skis
• Camber and Flex in Cross Country Skis

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How to Determine the Right Size for Cross Country Skis?

Numerous skiers seek assistance to identify the proper length (or size) of cross country skis. The user's weight is equally crucial as the ski's length. With every ski we retail, a model-specific size chart is provided, which helps you ensure the ski matches your height and weight.

The cross-country ski size charts below offer straightforward calculations to determine the suitable size of cross country skis.

Additional considerations for cross country skis' length and weight:

• Experienced skiers often opt for the longer side of the range
• Beginners should favour models from the shorter side of the range
• If you're lighter than average for your height, select a ski at the range's shorter end
• If you're heavier than the average for your height, choose a ski toward the range's higher end

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Types of Cross Country Skis – Choosing Between Classic and Skate

As you delve into cross country skiing, the initial distinction you'll face is between classic and skate skis. These represent the primary types of cross country skis, catering to distinct skiing styles and necessitating different types of skis. Let us explore each ski type before delving further into the features of cross country skis.

CLASSIC CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Classic cross country skis cater to traditional skiing techniques, where skiers advance forward by pushing backwards and gliding. These skis include a kick zone underfoot, providing traction on the snow. Traction in the kick zone can be achieved through fish-scales, kick wax, or cross country skins.

Skin skis are sometimes known as waxless skis because they eliminate the need for wax in kick zones. This might be misleading, though, as skin skis still need glide wax in glide zones. Waxless skis are favoured for their outstanding performance and convenience. With waxless skis, there's no need to hassle with kicking wax removal and reapplication, which in turn saves time and the cost of waxing tools. Waxable skis find fans among enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to precisely adjust their skis' grip and glide zones, tailored to the conditions they anticipate encountering.

Classic skis are ideal for beginners given their stability and ease on groomed trails. Whether embarking on initial cross country skiing strides or enjoying leisurely track usage, classic skis will meet your needs. Moreover, classic skis are available in models for performance and competitive users, catering to skiers seeking increased speed, agility, and precision on the trails.

Explore our range of Classic Cross Country Skis.

SKATE SKIS

Skate skis are crafted for the skate technique, defined by a lateral movement akin to ice skating or inline skating. These skis showcase a flat and narrow profile, enhancing efficient gliding and powerful strides. Skate skis lack a kick zone, relying instead on skiers generating forward momentum by pushing off sideways. Essentially: a long glide and absence of a kick zone.

The skate technique is found primarily on smooth, groomed trails, differing from classic tracks. Due to more complex lateral motions, skate skiing is less suited for beginners.

Explore our collection of Cross Country Skating Skis.

BACKCOUNTRY CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Backcountry cross country skis are built for longer or shorter journeys beyond groomed trails, often displaying a wider design that makes them apt for varying terrains. This ski type excels across alternating snow conditions, from soft powder to compact or icy surfaces.

The wider design promotes better flotation, spreading weight evenly and minimizing sinking in snow. These skis feature kick zones for uphill climbs and come in both waxed and waxless variants. Many backcountry skis sport steel edges for better grip on icy snow and improved overall control and stability during descents.

Discover our selection of Backcountry Cross Country Skis.

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Exploring Camber and Flex in Cross Country Skis

Camber denotes the upward curve along the ski's length when resting on a flat surface. Higher camber results in minimal interference from the kick zone during gliding, ensuring a prolonged glide and increased speed.

Skis with elevated camber become more responsive and speed-friendly but at the expense of maneuverability. A highly cambered ski is harder to turn due to contact points at the ski ends. Reducing camber simplifies turning, repositioning the pivot point within the ski's middle.

Camber level greatly impacts a ski's traits, and thus, choosing the right camber depends on skiing purpose and proficiency.

Classic skis aimed at beginners or recreational users generally feature less pronounced camber. In contrast, intermediate to advanced skis, designed with performance in mind, tend to have a higher camber.

While skate skis exhibit less camber than classic ones, they maintain enough curvature to distribute a skier's weight evenly. This reduced camber boosts both sideways push-offs for skate skiing and snow performance. The lack of a grip zone ensures unhindered speedy gliding.

FLEX IN CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Flex determines the stiffness of a ski's camber, affecting speed and turning capabilities. Softer flex facilitates grip in soft snow and eases turning. In contrast, stiffer flex poses challenges in soft snow, making it better suited for firm conditions and higher speeds.

Exploring cross-country ski camber and flex in detail isn't necessary for most skiers. Opting for a ski tailored to preferred skiing styles, technical and personal specs generally ensures a pleasant skiing experience without overcomplicating technical details.

Should you remain unsure about the right cross country ski choice, feel free to reach out to us.