Essential Tips for Buying Cross Country Skis

Thank you for visiting our guide on purchasing cross country skis. Understanding the terminology associated with cross country skiing can be challenging, but fear not – we've distilled the essentials for your convenience. Our guide ensures that selecting the ideal cross country ski becomes straightforward for you.​​​​​​

When you're in the market for your initial or a brand-new pair of cross country skis, it's vital to consider some important aspects. Our cross country specialist, Christian, suggests pondering these three essential questions:

1. How would you categorise your skiing style? (Recreational or focused on performance)
2. Are your adventures mainly on the tracks or do you prefer off-track exploration?
3. What is both your weight and height? (Determining the appropriate nordic ski length)

If you have clarity regarding these queries, finding the right pair is straightforward by perusing our complete range of cross country skis, ensuring it complements the details provided in each model's size guide within our collection.

If you're keen on further exploring the basics of selecting cross country skis, allow us to guide you through these topics:

• Cross Country Ski Sizing
• Types of Cross Country Skis
• Understanding Cross Country Ski Camber

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Cross Country Ski Sizing – How to Determine the Correct Size

Determining the right size of cross country skis often leaves many skiers seeking advice. Apart from ski length, the weight of the skier is equally significant. For each ski we offer, we provide a size chart specific to the model, helping you to select a ski model that correlates with both your height and weight.

In these cross country ski size charts, we've outlined simple calculations to help you select the right size of cross country skis.

More guidelines regarding cross country skis in terms of height and weight:

• Skiers with experience generally prefer skis from the longer end of the spectrum
• Those new to skiing should opt for the shorter models
• If you weigh less than what is typical for your height, it's best to choose a ski from the shorter range
• Conversely, if you weigh more than the average for your height, choose from the higher end of the spectrum

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Cross Country Ski Variants – Classic Vs Skate Techniques

As you step into the realm of cross country skiing, one distinction you'll immediately face is between classic and skate skiing. These two primary ski types cater to distinct skiing styles and necessitate different ski designs. Let's dissect each type before delving into more specific features of cross country skis.

CLASSIC CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Classic skis are crafted for traditional skiing methods, where movement is achieved by pushing backwards and gliding forwards. A kick zone found underfoot aids grip on snow surfaces. This grip can be facilitated via fish-scales, kick wax, or cross country skins.

Often called waxless skis, skin skis don't necessitate kick wax but still require glide wax for the glide areas. Many favour waxless skis for their high performance coupled with the simplicity they provide. With waxless models, there's no need for the hassle of applying or removing kick wax, conserving both time and the cost of waxing products. On the other hand, waxable skis attract enthusiasts seeking to fine-tune the balance between grip and glide, ensuring their skis suit the anticipated skiing conditions perfectly.

Classic skis make an excellent starter choice for beginners, offering stability and ease of use on groomed routes. Whether you're new to the experience of skiing or just enjoying a relaxing excursion on trails, classic skis will meet your needs. For those skiers intent on speed and precision, performance-driven and competitive models are available, perfect for those wishing for enhanced agility and speed.

Discover our range of Classic Cross Country Skis.

SKATE SKIS

Skate skis cater to a skating technique that resembles the lateral motion found in ice or inline skating. Featuring a narrow, flat profile, these skis promote efficient gliding and powerful strides. Rather than relying on a kick zone, forward movement is achieved through angled side pushes. In essence: extended gliding with no kick zone.

Mostly performed on smooth, groomed paths, skate skiing offers more complex lateral movement than classic skiing, making it less beginner-friendly.

Browse our array of Cross Country Skating Skis.

BACKCOUNTRY CROSS COUNTRY SKIS

Backcountry cross country skis are versatile, designed for both short and long journeys in backcountry terrains. Their broader design allows efficiency in ungroomed areas, excelling in varying snow conditions, from fresh powder to icy tracks.

Their width aids in better flotation, spreading the skier's weight and minimising the risk of sinking into the snow. Designed with kick zones for uphill motion, they can come in waxed or waxless forms. Many backcountry skis also have metal edges, which provide traction on icy patches and improve overall control during descents.

Peruse our selection of Backcountry Cross Country Skis.

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Understanding Camber & Flex in Cross Country Skis

Camber is the curve along the ski's length when it's positioned flat. More camber decreases interference from the kick zone during skiing, facilitating longer, faster glides.

Skis with heightened camber respond better and move swiftly, albeit with reduced agility. Turning becomes challenging because contact is primarily at each ski end. Reducing camber shifts the pivot point, making turning easier by centralising the contact.

The camber profoundly affects a ski’s traits, where type of skiing and skill level determine the suitable camber degree.

Typically, classic skis best suited for beginners present a subtler camber. In contrast, those designed for advanced skiers with a focus on high performance possess a more pronounced camber.

Skate skis have a less distinct camber than classic skis but ensure weight is evenly spread across the ski. This alleviated camber enhances lateral thrust for skate skiing, lobbying for efficient manoeuvrability. As skate skis lack a grip zone, the relaxed camber doesn’t compromise speed.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI FLEX

Flex denotes the stiffness of a ski's camber, impacting both speed and manoeuvrability. Softer flex requires less effort for traction in softer snow, simplifying turns. On the contrary, stiffer flex is ideal in hard snow and faster speeds but poses challenges in soft conditions.

Diving into the complexities of camber and flex isn’t crucial for all. By selecting skis that fit your style, experience level, along with weight and height, you'll guarantee an enjoyable ski outing without getting lost in the technicalities.

If uncertainties linger about your ideal ski purchase, feel free to get in touch.