9 minutes reading
By Sports Experts and Atmosphere - January 15, 2025
In Quebec, cross-country skiing has always been an activity of choice for winter sports enthusiasts. Not only does it provide scenic pathways to explore wilderness areas, but it is also an excellent aerobic workout. Here are a few suggestions to help you buy the right equipment and get the most out of this great outdoor activity.
To choose the right equipment, first consider the type of cross-country skiing you intend to do.
1
Classic cross-country skiing
This is the most popular style, practised on groomed trails with parallel tracks. Cross-country skis for classic skiing are characterized by their two glide zones, front and rear, and by the grip zone located under the feet. This zone can grip the snow in one of three ways: with fish scale system, skins or wax.
2
Skating cross-country skiing
Also known as skating, this is a more aerobic style of skiing on wide, untracked groomed trails. Skating requires both good balance and good cardio. Skating cross-country skis are shorter than those for classic skiing and do not include a grip zone.
3
Touring cross-country skiing
This is a less supervised style of skiing that takes place on ungroomed and untracked trails and/or in more or less wild environments such as undergrowth, frozen lakes, snow-covered fields or plains... Off-piste cross-country skis are wider than classic and skate skis, to provide extra lift on powder snow. In some cases, they are also equipped with edges for extra grip on the snow. For enhanced performance, skins can be added over the grip zone of some fish scale/waxed skis.
The grip zone is located under the ski, at boot level. Under the weight of the skier, it enables the skis to grip the snow and give forward impulse on flat ground and uphill. There are three different types of grip on cross-country skis:
| Waxless skis | Waxed skis | Skis with skins |
|---|---|---|
| The fish scales form an integrated climbing system on the grip zone in the form of small inclined notches. Waxless skis are very robust, durable and generally economical. They require minimal waxing and offer effective snow grip for novice skiers. As with waxed skis or skis with skins, glide zones can be waxed both hot and cold, using either a universal glide wax or a specific temperature wax. In addition to moisturize the base of the ski, a waxed glide zone will offer better performances. | These cross-country skis require the application of glide wax and grip wax on the glide zone, according to the outside temperature. This ensures optimum grip and glide. However, waxing is a technical process that requires equipment, maintenance and time. That's the reason why these skis are generally used by more experienced skiers. | Considered to be more efficient than waxless skis, skis with skins, as their name suggests, are equipped with one or two synthetic/natural or mixed skins. These skins offer optimum grip while ensuring easy gliding. Ideal for beginners and experts alike, skins skis also need cold or hot waxing on the glide zones, using a universal or temperature-adapted wax. However, fragile by nature, skins require regular maintenance with appropriate products to provide lasting performance and extend their longevity. |
Generally made of plastic, the base can also contain graphite (high-end skis) which reduces static electricity and improves glide, especially on dry, dirty or particularly cold snow. The base may feature a standard groove to evacuate the moisture that builds up between the snow and the base, but some models can be custom grooved to adapt to specific needs or types of snow.
The sidecut is defined by the width of the ski at three points: tip, waist and tail. For a cross-country ski, it can be wasp-waisted (wide tip and tail, narrow waist), with parallel edges (classic cross-country skiing) or delta-shaped (tip slightly wider than the tail). Beginner skiers generally opt for wider-shaped skis, for enhanced stability, while experienced skiers choose slimmer skis, for greater control and performance.
The camber is the curved shape of a ski when viewed from the side. It refers to the flexibility of the ski, based on its ability to withstand the pressure of the skier's weight. It varies depending on the type of skiing and the skier's weight. The camber must offer a good compromise between glide and traction. With a balanced camber, the part of the base located under the boot (grip zone) must touch the snow during take-off but be lifted during gliding. Performance skiers will choose skis with a steeper camber to generate more spring to each impulse.
Please note that if you are an off-piste cross-country skier, you need to consider the extra weight you will be carrying in your backpack when choosing the camber that is right for you.
To determine the right length for your cross-country skis, it is important to first consider your weight, then your height, physical condition and technical level. To make the right choice, it is essential not to totally flatten the grip zones when distributing your weight between the two skis.
In general, it is recommended to buy skis that fit at least your height. Shorter skis are sometimes suggested to help you learn cross-country skiing quickly, while longer skis allow you to manage the flexibility of the camber.
If you are a touring skier, opt for longer skis if you plan to ski wide-open spaces (for flotation) or shorter skis if you plan to ski mainly in the woods (for manoeuvrability). Finally, shorter training skis perform better on packed snow, while longer skis are preferable in powdery snow.
The choice of cross-country ski boots depends essentially on the type of skiing you practise. Boots for classic and touring cross-country skiing are generally soft enough to allow the foot to flex smoothly. On the other hand, boots for skating cross-country skiing are stiffer which gives them additional kick.
Moreover, it is important to analyze the comfort and the warmth of the boots. When you try them in store, make sure to choose a model that is tight enough to ensure lateral and ankle support, yet loose enough not to block blood circulation, which could lead to frostbite on cold-weather outings.
Beginners are advised to choose well-insulated boots that are not too tight.
When choosing boots for touring cross-country skiing, look for a model with good insulation, durable fabric and gaiters to protect your feet from the powdery snow on ungroomed trails.
Whatever the material used, the poles must be stiff enough for your push to be effective and to adequately complete your forward motion.
Performance-oriented skiers will opt for carbon (the stiffest and lightest material, but also the most expensive), while recreational skiers can choose aluminum or composite poles (less expensive). The ski handle can be made of plastic, rubber or cork, depending on the skier's preferences. The baskets (the removable round part above the tip of the pole) will vary in size according to their use and the snow conditions. Meanwhile, straps can be basic, ergonomic or equipped with a quick-release system.
For touring cross-country skiing, choose adjustable poles, so you can adapt quickly to changing terrain conditions.
To choose the length of the poles, the use of tried-and-tested formulas is often recommended. For example, for classic skiing, multiply your height (in metres) by 0.83 - which generally corresponds to shoulder height - and by 0.89 for skating skiing.
There are many useful accessories to complement your cross-country skiing.
These include the cross-country ski bag which you can use to move around easily with your skis slung over your shoulder, or to store them once the season is over.
You may also use a hydration bag for your outdoor adventures. There are several models of insulated hydration belts available to keep your beverage frost-free when the temperature drops.
To optimize the lifespan of your cross-country skis, it is essential to take good care of them between each session and between seasons. Regular cleaning and waxing are essential to maintain and improve performances.
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