How To Choose Your Cross-country Skis
Cross-country skiing is the perfect sport for enjoying snowy landscapes while staying in shape. At Sports Experts, we offer you a wide variety of cross-country skis for men, women or children from the biggest brands such as Rossignol, Atomic, Fischer, Salomon and McKinley, in stores and online.
You want to get cross-country skiing equipment but don't know where to start? Here is some basic information to guide you in making the right choice.
Types of Cross-country Skis
There are obviously several types of cross-country skis depending on your level of experience, your technique and the conditions in which you intend to ski. The first step is therefore to determine what type of cross-country skiing you will practise.
Classic Backcountry Skiing
Classic cross-country skiing, with its pushing and sliding movement, is often what comes to mind when we hear about cross-country skiing. Thanks to their long and narrow design, classic cross-country skis fit easily into marked trails.
Backcountry Cross-country Skiing
Backcountry cross-country skiing, as its name suggests, is practised on ungroomed trails. With a wide, sturdy design that helps stay on the snow surface, backcountry cross-country skis are perfect for those who want to go on an adventure and navigate varied terrain.
Waxing
Once you have determined what type of cross-country skiing you will be practising, you will need to decide whether you want cross-country skis with or without wax. Waxable cross-country skis are popular with athletes or performance enthusiasts. They require a certain amount of preparation before each outing: waxing, which consists of applying a grip wax so that your skis stick well to the snow. Waxing takes time and depends on snow conditions, temperature and the duration of your activity.
Waxless cross-country skis have a textured surface in the push zone that does not require grip wax. They are therefore practical for beginners or any cross-country skier who does not want to worry about waxing conditions before each outing.
Size
The last step is to choose the right size for your cross-country skis: this mainly depends on your weight. All skis come with a weight chart that you can consult to determine which size to choose. Ski camber stiffness increases in correlation with the weight of the skier, and length also tends to be proportional to your weight. The higher your weight, the longer the skis will be and the camber will be stiffer.
Cross-country Skis for Juniors
Cross-country skiing is a fun winter activity to do, regardless of age. In addition to helping your child adopt a healthy lifestyle, this sport will allow them to appreciate nature while developing their motor skills. Get the equipment and cross-country skis adapted to their level and go on a family adventure.
If you still don't know which cross-country skis to choose, consult the product sheets on our website, or visit us in store: an expert will be happy to help you.
