Guide to Buying Cross Country Skis

Welcome to our cross country skis buying guide. Navigating the terminology surrounding cross country skis can be difficult, but don’t worry – we've simplified the basics for you. With our guide, choosing the perfect cross country ski is easy.​​​​​​

When purchasing your first or a new set of cross country skis, it's essential to consider a few key factors. First off, our cross country expert, Christian, recommends asking yourself these three questions:

1. What kind of skier are you? (Recreational or performance-oriented)
2. Where do you want to go? (On the tracks or off the tracks)
3. What is your weight and height? (Choosing nordic ski length)

If you already know the answer to these questions, you can easily find a suitable pair by browsing our complete selection of cross country skis – just be sure to align your choice with the information found in the size guide that we provide for each specific model in our selection.

If you want to dive a little deeper into the basics of choosing cross country skis, we'll guide you through the following topics:

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

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Cross Country Ski Sizing – What Size Cross Country Skis Do I Need?

A lot of skiers ask for help to find the correct length (or size) of cross country skis. However, the weight of the user is at least as important as the length of the cross country ski. For every ski that we sell, we provide a model-specific size chart that enables you to find the ski model that matches your height and weight.

In the following cross-country ski size charts, you'll find straightforward calculations to help determine which size of cross country skis to choose.

Further guidelines for cross country skis length and weight:

• Experienced skiers tend to prefer the longer end of the range
• Beginners are advised to choose models from the shorter end of the range
• If you are lighter than most people of your height, select a ski within the shorter end of the range
• If you are heavier than most people of your height, select a ski within the higher end of the range

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Cross Country Ski Types – Classic vs Skate Skiing

When venturing into the world of cross country skiing, one of the first distinctions you'll encounter is between classic and skate skis. These two main types of cross country skis cater to different styles of skiing and require different types of skis. Let’s explore each type of ski, before we go into further detail about the properties of cross country skis.

CLASSIC CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Classic cross country skis are designed for traditional skiing techniques, where skiers move in a forward motion by kicking backwards and gliding. These skis feature a kick zone underfoot which provides traction on the snow. The kick zone's traction can be achieved through either fish-scales, kick wax, or cross country skins.

Skin skis are sometimes referred to as waxless skis because they don't require wax in the kick zones. This term can seem misleading, as skin skis still require glide wax in the glide zones. Waxless skis are a popular choice, due to their excellent performance and the convenience they offer. With waxless skis, there's no need to hassle with removing and applying kick wax. This means that you save time and the additional expense of waxing tools. Waxable skis are favored by enthusiasts who value the ability to meticulously adjust their skis' grip and glide zones. These skiers take the time to ensure that their skis are perfectly matched to the specific conditions they'll encounter while skiing.

Classic skis are recommended for beginners due to their stability and ease of use on groomed trails. Whether you're taking your first strides into the world of cross country skiing or enjoying a leisurely trip on the tracks, classic skis are what you will be looking for. Classic skis are also available in performance-oriented and competitive models, catering to skiers seeking enhanced speed, agility, and precision on the trails.

Browse our selection of Classic Cross Country Skis.

SKATE SKIS

Skate skis are designed for the skate technique, characterized by a side-to-side motion similar to ice skating or inline skating. Skate skis feature a flat and narrow profile, allowing for efficient gliding and powerful strides. Unlike classic skis, skate skis do not have a kick zone underfoot; instead, skiers generate forward motion by pushing off at an angle in a sideways motion. In short: long glide and no kick zone.

Skate skiing is typically done on smooth, groomed trails rather than classic tracks. Compared to classic skiing, the lateral movements in skate skiing are more intricate, making skate skiing less suitable for beginners.

Browse our selection of Cross Country Skating Skis.

BACKCOUNTRY CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Backcountry cross country skis are designed for covering longer or shorter distances in the backcountry, and generally, they have a wider ski design, making them suitable for skiing outside groomed tracks. This type of ski is designed to perform well in alternating terrain and various snow conditions, from soft powder to hard or icy surfaces.

The wider ski design ensures better flotation, distributing your body weight over a larger surface area and reducing the risk of sinking into the snow. Backcountry skis have kick zones for climbing uphill, and they come in both waxed and waxless kinds. Many backcountry skis come equipped with steel edges that provide grip on icy snow and enhance overall control and stability during descents.

Explore our selection of Backcountry Cross Country Skis.

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Cross Country Ski Camber & Flex

Camber refers to the upward bow along the length of the ski when it's placed on a flat surface. The more camber a ski has, the less kick zone will interfere with the glide of the skis, giving a longer glide and more speed.

Skis with a high camber are more responsive and suited to go fast, but it comes at the cost of maneuverability. A ski with a high camber is more difficult to turn, since you have a point of contact with the snow in each end of the ski. Reducing the camber makes turning easier, as it positions the pivot point within the middle section of the ski.

The level of camber significantly influences the ski's characteristics, and as such, the appropriate camber level is dictated by both the type of skiing activity and your skill level.

Typically, classic skis recommended for beginners or recreational cross-country practitioners feature a less pronounced camber. Conversely, models designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and focused on performance often have a higher camber.

Skate skis possess a less pronounced camber compared to classic skis, yet they still maintain enough curvature to evenly distribute the skier's weight across the entire ski. This reduced camber facilitates sideways push-offs during skate skiing, enhancing maneuverability and performance on the snow. Due to the absence of a grip zone, the reduced camber in skate skis does not hinder their speed during gliding.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI FLEX

Flex refers to how stiff a ski's camber is, and flex plays a significant role in a ski’s speed and turning characteristics. Skis with a soft flex require less force to grip in soft snow and also offer easier turning capabilities. Conversely, a stiffer flex can be more challenging to maneuver in soft snow, making it more desirable for use on firm snow and at higher speeds.

For most skiers, delving deep into the nuances of camber and flex in cross-country skis isn't necessary. Selecting a ski tailored to your preferred style of cross-country skiing, your level of skill and experience, as well as your weight and height, will generally suffice. By doing so, you'll ensure a smooth and enjoyable skiing experience without needing to overthink the technical details.

If you are still in doubt about which cross country skis to buy, you are welcome to contact us.