Guide to Purchasing Cross Country Skis

Welcome to our guide on acquiring cross country skis. Understanding the terminology can be daunting, but fear not – we've distilled the essentials for you. Our guide makes selecting the ideal cross country ski straightforward.​​​​​​

When you are in the market for your first or a new pair of cross country skis, there are key considerations to keep in mind. Our cross country specialist, Christian, advises reflecting on the following three queries:

1. What type of skier are you? (Casual or performance-focused)
2. Where do you intend to ski? (On designated tracks or off them)
3. What are your height and weight? (For selecting the correct nordic ski length)

If you already have these answers, you can easily find the right pair by perusing our complete range of cross country skis – just ensure your selection aligns with the size guide information provided for each specific model on offer.

If you wish to delve deeper into the fundamentals of choosing cross country skis, we cover the following topics:

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

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Cross Country Ski Sizing – Determining the Right Size

Many skiers seek assistance in finding the appropriate length (or size) of cross country skis. Nonetheless, a skier's weight is equally crucial as the length of the ski. For each ski we offer, a model-specific size chart is provided to help you find the ski model that corresponds with your height and weight.

In the subsequent cross-country ski size charts, you will find simple calculations to assist you in selecting the appropriate size of cross country skis.

Additional guidance regarding cross country skis length and weight:

• More seasoned skiers usually lean toward the longer skis in the range
• Newcomers should opt for skis from the shorter end of the range
• If your weight is below average for your height, choose a ski within the shorter end
• If your weight is above average for your height, select a ski from the higher end

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Cross Country Ski Types – Classic vs Skate

Upon entering the realm of cross country skiing, differentiating between classic and skate skis will be one of the initial distinctions encountered. These primary types of cross country skis cater to distinct skiing styles and necessitate different skis. Let's delve into each type before we explore further features of cross country skis.

CLASSIC CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Classic cross country skis are tailored for traditional skiing methods, where skiers propel forward by kicking backwards and gliding. These skis possess a kick zone underfoot, facilitating traction on the snow. The traction in the kick zone can be provided by fish-scales, kick wax, or cross country skins.

Skin skis sometimes go by the name waxless skis as they don’t necessitate wax in the kick zones, which can be misleading since skin skis still require glide wax on the glide zones. Waxless skis are favoured due to their superior performance and ease of use, eliminating the need for removing and applying kick wax, thereby saving time and money on waxing supplies. Waxable skis are preferred by those who appreciate precisely adjusting the skis' grip and glide sections, ensuring the skis suit the specific conditions encountered during skiing.

Owing to their stability and ease of use on prepared trails, classic skis are particularly suitable for novices. Whether taking first strides into cross country skiing or embarking on a leisurely tour on tracks, classic skis are essential. Performance-oriented and competitive models of classic skis are available for those skiers seeking increased speed, agility, and accuracy on trails.

Explore our collection of Classic Cross Country Skis.

SKATE SKIS

Skate skis, used for the skate technique, involve a side-to-side motion similar to ice or inline skating. They are characterised by a narrow, flat profile for effective gliding and powerful strides. In contrast to classic skis, skate skis lack a kick zone; instead, forward momentum is generated by skiers pushing off sideways. In brief: lengthy glides with no kick zone.

Skate skiing generally occurs on smooth, prepared trails rather than classical tracks. As skate skiing encompasses more intricate lateral movements, it is less suitable for novices compared to classic skiing.

View our selection of Cross Country Skating Skis.

BACKCOUNTRY CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Backcountry cross country skis cater to distances of varying lengths in the backcountry, typically boasting a broader ski design to facilitate skiing beyond prepared tracks. They are engineered to excel across diverse terrains and snow conditions, from soft powder to hard or icy surfaces.

The broader design enables superior flotation, distributing body weight over a wide surface area, minimising the chance of sinking into the snow. Kick zones for uphill movement are featured, and backcountry skis are available in both waxed and waxless variants. Many backcountry skis come with steel edges which offer grip on icy snow while enhancing control and stability during descent.

Browse through our range of Backcountry Cross Country Skis.

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Understanding Cross Country Ski Camber & Flex

Camber refers to the ski's upward curve along its length when laid flat. With more camber, the kick zone interferes less with the ski's glide, leading to a longer glide and increased speed.

Skis with elevated camber respond faster, suiting high speed, but at the cost of manoeuvrability. Higher camber makes turning tougher since contact points exist at each ski end. Reducing camber eases turns by moving the pivot point to the ski's centre section.

The camber level profoundly affects ski characteristics; thus, the appropriate level is dictated by the ski activity type and one's skill level.

Typically, for beginners or recreational users, classic skis feature a less pronounced camber. Meanwhile, performance-focused models for intermediate to advanced skiers tend to exhibit higher camber.

Skate skis display a subtler camber than classic skis while retaining enough curvature to distribute the skier’s weight uniformly. This reduced camber enables sideways push-offs during skate skiing, enhancing snow performance. The removal of a grip zone means the reduced camber of skate skis doesn't impede their speed.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI FLEX

Flex pertains to the stiffness of a ski’s camber, significantly affecting speed and turning traits. Skis with soft flex require less force for grip on soft snow and facilitate easy turning. Conversely, stiff flex hinders manoeuvrability in soft snow, favouring firm snow use and faster speeds.

For most skiers, an in-depth understanding of ski camber and flex nuances isn’t essential. Selecting a ski suited to your preferred cross-country skiing style, your skill and experience levels, and your height and weight generally suffices for a smooth experience without overcomplicating things.

If indecisive about which cross country skis to purchase, feel free to reach out to us.