Good news: Skinny skis are for everyone. Unlike alpine skiing that involves expensive lift tickets, pricey gear and mountain-specific geography, cross-country skiing is heaps more accessible. Sure, you still need some gear to glide through the forest, but it’s a lot less cost prohibitive. And that terrain? Point your ski tips toward the nearest golf course, city park, woodsy trail or snow-covered boardwalk because you can cross-country ski pretty much anywhere with snow. (It’s a great way to get around town in a blizzard.)
Here’s the thing about cross-country skiing: The learning curve is a lot smaller than it is for alpine or backcountry skiing. I’ve been Nordic skiing for at least 10 years, and I’ve never taken a lesson (which the experts below do not recommend). I’m no champion, but it doesn’t matter. If you have a little bit of balance and know how to walk, you’ll be able to grasp the basics in no time. Still, it can feel intimidating when you see those speedsters skate skiing past you with nary a hair out of place and you’re sucking wind like it’s your last breath. So, let’s make this easy and break down the basics: what cross-country skiing is, what gear you need and what to expect as you fall in love with those skinny skis.
What is cross-country skiing and how to get started
Despite skiing’s reputation, you don’t need craggy peaks or steep downhills to participate in all forms of the sport. Instead, cross-country skiing (often referred to as XC skiing or Nordic skiing) is an activity designed for travel over flat or hilly terrain. Interestingly, cross-country skiing is the original form of skiing. Nordic skiing comes from Norway, where it was originally used for winter exploration and hunting. But interest grew and it became a recreational activity around the end of the 19th century.
Now, you can cross-country ski anywhere there is snow. In the United States, this means everywhere from New England to the Pacific Northwest, including the midwest states that aren’t historically considered for skiing. While groomed trails may look different depending on where you live, that’s okay.
What is the difference between classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing?
If you’re on a groomed trail for longer than 10 minutes, you’ll likely see two types of skiers: those who are classic skiing and those who are skate skiing. What’s the difference?
Classic skiing may be what you initially think of as a beginner. In this style, skiers are moving forward with an exaggerated walking motion, gliding with an opposite arm and leg forward at the same time. Your skis are parallel while classic skiing, and you’ll often be skiing in a specific track set — side-by-side grooves that prevent your skis from sliding laterally — on the edge of a groomed run.
Skate skiing looks entirely different, with a movement that is similar to rollerblading. Skate skiers keep their skis in a V shape, pushing through a duck walk-type of glide. Unlike classic skiers, skate skiers don’t ski in track sets; instead, they use any groomed terrain. Skate skiing is also a lot newer than classic skiing; it didn’t take off until the 1980s.
While proper technique and endurance mean you go decently fast with either style of skiing, most enthusiasts agree that skate skiing is better for performance-related athletes who want to emphasize speed. The learning curve is a lot steeper with skate skiing, so it’s generally recommended to start with classic skiing as a beginner.
“Classic skiing is the best way to lock in those fundamentals,” Kara LaPoint, a former collegiate Nordic ski racer and longtime instructor and coach, says. “If you can find efficiency on classic skis, it translates really well over to skate skiing.”
Technique, technique, technique
Don’t be like me: Learn from the pros. While I’ve managed to fumble my way around the sport for longer than I care to remember, it’s much easier and more efficient to take a couple of lessons to get the basic technique sorted. Plus, cross-country skiing lessons are nowhere near as expensive as what you’ll find at alpine resorts. Amanda Stone, a former Nordic ski instructor and current Nordic ski patroller in Colorado, shares that “many Nordic centers and clubs even offer free group lesson days so take advantage of it.”
LaPoint agrees, noting that technique is essential when you’re first starting out. Bad habits are tough to break, and LaPoint says that’s especially true in cross-country skiing. “It’s so common for people to want to jump right in and immediately start trying to go as fast as possible, but that’s actually not very productive,” she says. “By investing the time and energy into really nailing down the basics, you’ll set yourself up with a strong, stable foundation of good and efficient technique.”
If you’re holding your Nordic poles in one hand and your skis in the other while standing at the trailhead and wondering what in the world to focus on, here are LaPoint’s four essentials: body position, balance, coordination and timing.
Your cross-country skiing checklist
Whitney James is an avid cross-country skier and founder of the Sisu Ski Retreat, a women’s Nordic ski and yoga retreat based in Colorado. According to James, Nordic skiers should follow a “be bold, start cold” mantra when layering up for their cross-country skiing adventures. She notes that downhill ski gear isn’t appropriate for Nordic skiing.
“It’s too warm, baggy and noisy for what you’ll be doing on the groomed trails,” James says. “Instead, dress as if you’re headed out for a winter run. Breathable layers are key, as is keeping sensitive areas warm like your toes, fingers, neck and ears.”
So, do you need to go on a major shopping spree to prepare for your first day on skinny skis? Absolutely not, but here are a few essentials.
Base layers
According to LaPoint, base layers are the most important piece of apparel on your body. Base layers are your next-to-skin layers that move moisture away from your body so that it doesn’t sit against your skin. In cold weather, this is especially important because it prevents conditions like hypothermia.
“Having reliable, high-performing base layers is the key to staying comfortable in the varying weather conditions that you can get while cross-country skiing,” she says. “They also help you stay dry, even while breaking a sweat.”
Typically, you have two options for base layers: natural or synthetic fibers. The most popular natural fiber used in base layers is merino wool due to its ability to manage moisture, keep you warm and neutralize body odor. It’s also a more sustainable option because it is not derived from fossil fuels.
Synthetic base layers are petroleum-based since they are often made of polyester. However, synthetic base layers are quick to dry, manage moisture well and are very durable. Plus, they are a lot more affordable than merino layers.
This top-and-bottom set by Kari Traa is made from 100% merino wool, so it does a great job of moisture management when you’re sweating from the tracks.
While the set’s performance highlights are noteworthy, it’s LaPoint’s favorite for a different reason: “The print and colors are fun to wear,” she says.
The Odlo Blackcomb is James’ favorite base layer for her long days on skis, thanks to the built-in face mask. “You don’t have to worry about a neck gaiter, since the additional fabric is easily pulled up to your chin to keep any breeze at bay,” she says.
Both the men’s and women’s styles of the Blackcomb are made with recycled polyester and finished with a special, bio-based treatment that helps eliminate odors so you won’t stink when you’re done.
Designed for cold weather, the Hannah top has become a favorite of mine, thanks to its Australian merino wool construction and longer length. It falls well below your waist, making it easy to tuck into ski pants. The slim fit makes it easy to layer beneath a jacket, and the foldable cuffs are great for someone like me who has slightly longer arms.
Though it’s listed under a different name, the Men’s Explorer has many of the same great qualities as the Hannah. A base layer that comes in three colors and up to 2XL sizing, it supplies plenty of warmth without restricting movement with unnecessary bulk.
Technical outerwear: jackets and pants
According to James, this is the star of the show. Technical jackets for cross-country skiing offer plenty of insulation to keep you warm, but they also include windproofing to protect you from your own high speeds. Unless you ski somewhere that is particularly rainy in the winter, James doesn’t recommend an outer hardshell since it only traps warmth and causes you to overheat. But it’s also important that your mid-layer breathes. “Leave those puffy jackets in the car,” James says.
As an aside, James also says that hoods on your mid-layer jacket often go unused since you’re typically wearing a beanie. If you already have a mid-layer with a hood, then great, no need to do anything. But if you’re shopping for a new one, don’t feel like you need to invest extra money for a feature that you may not use while skiing.
Cross-country ski pants have many of the same performance properties as the jacket but less insulation. Instead, emphasize wind resistance and breathability on your legs. It’s even possible to wear technical running or yoga pants, but make sure they aren’t made with cotton.
This technical piece has everything you need: three-layer softshell, wind and water repellency and strategically placed stretchy material under your arms and at your back so that you have full freedom of movement. “It’s just the right amount of warmth to keep up,” James says.
The synthetic insulation in the Challenge 2.0 comes from recycled plastic bottles, and it’s better in wet conditions. Unlike down, synthetic insulation stays warm even when wet.
If you’d rather invest in a jacket that’s less sport specific, consider the Intersect. This softshell has four-way stretch so there is plenty of give and mobility, no matter how fast you’re skiing.
The Artilect also has plenty of pockets, an adjustable hem and a helmet-compatible hood. While that won’t do you much good while cross-country skiing, it is a useful feature if you’re hoping to use your jacket during a variety of activities.
Stone calls these her “most used piece of Nordic clothing” for good reason: They’re winners. Made with a wind- and water-resistant microfiber on the front of the leg, you won’t feel any chilly breezes slashing at your quads as you ski. But the back of the leg is made of a stretchier, breathable material so overheating is less of an issue.
Baggy pants are a pain while cross-country skiing, so the slim fit and tapered ankle on the Adv Nordic Training Tights are perfect.
These pants have an elastic and windproof front panel that keeps you cozy while allowing for ample movement. A drawcord at the waist makes for a comfortable fit no matter your belly size.
Cross-country skiing accessories
Aside from your base layers and outer layers, there are a few other categories of gear that you’ll need. But good news: You may have them lying around at home. From beanies to gloves and sunglasses, it’s important to protect your extremities. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
“The sun is most intense in winter, but it’s easy to forget,” Stone says. “I use zinc-based products so I don’t have to worry about reapplying.” She also adds that you should remember to apply sunscreen to your lips since they can get burned too.
It’s also good to remember that technique will affect your warmth, especially in your fingers. If you’re lightly gripping your pole and opening your hand on the back swing, your fingers will stay warmer. “If you’re death-gripping the pole through the whole swing, you’re making more work for yourself and your hands will freeze,” Stone says.
Most traditional winter mittens will be too bulky for cross-country skiing; they may not even fit through the loops on your ski poles. Instead, snag a pair of Nordic-specific gloves like these XC Mitts by Hestra. They’re fully insulated with Primaloft for chilly days, but they have a durable polyester on the palm so they’ll last for a while — even if you’re working on the whole white-knuckling thing.
James explains that traditional cross-country skiing beanies are known for being minimal since they’re often designed for racing and barely cover your ears. But as a beginner, go with one that you like and that keeps you warm — like her favorite Escapade beanie. “It’s fleece lined and fashionable,” James says. Plus, it has a poof ball.
Snow blindness is very real, so sunglasses are critical when you’re playing in the winter. While you don’t have to invest in full-on glacier glasses, it’s a good idea to use a pair that have plenty of UV protection. I also like to use wraparound lenses like the Bobcat since they offer sun protection from the side, yet they can still be used for other activities like running or biking.
Cross-country ski packages
Without a doubt, your cross-country equipment will be your biggest purchase. It also may be the most confusing, depending on how you approach the process.
According to Stone, one of the biggest factors to consider is binding compatibility. These days, most Nordic ski gear has shifted to the New Nordic Norm binding (NNN). This style of binding uses a metal rod on the toe of the boot that clips into the binding. The system has two parts and two ridges to click the boots and bindings together.
However, the first binding system was the Salomon Nordic System (SNS). The way the SNS boots attach to the binding is similar. But unlike NNN, the SNS bindings only use one basic ridge.
Today, a large number of brands have moved their gear over to the NNN system, but there are still plenty of options with SNS bindings. If you buy a pair of SNS boots and NNN bindings, they will not be compatible. And according to Stone, SNS gear may be trickier to replace down the road as more brands move away from it.
It’s a lot to consider for beginners, so here’s our recommendation: search for packages. Many stores and online sites offer beginner packages that include cross-country skis, pre-mounted bindings, cross-country boots and poles. These packages will save you the hassle of trying to learn all the minutia before you’ve even stepped onto the snow. Sure, if you become invested in the sport, you will likely decide to upgrade your gear over time. But any of these beginner packages will give you practice and experience so you can learn more about what you like, what you don’t and what you want down the road when you’re ready to fully commit to cross-country skiing.
This is a screaming deal of a package built for beginners. The RC7 eSkin skis are perfect for recreational skiers who just want to enjoy their time outside without any speed or performance requirements. This setup offers a decent amount of stability as you find your balance and plenty of flexibility so you’ll be comfortable on the trail. Instead of waxing a fishscale-type of ski, the RC7 skis have small mohair strips on the bottom to grip in a number of snow conditions. Note: This is an affordable package, but boots aren’t included.
These beginner-friendly skis have a wooden core, which means they’re a bit heavier, but it’s nothing worth noticing when you’re first starting out. They also have a waxless base, which means they’ll automatically grip the snow without you needing to add any kick wax. An easy lace-up design on the boots and a stable base make the whole kit pretty approachable. Bonus: The boots are quite warm for the price.
Consider these the every-person skis. Like the Salomons above, the Twin Ski Cruisers use little strips of mohair underfoot to give you plenty of grip on the trails. But they still allow for lots of glide. This ski also has lots of flexibility, which is great for beginners who want something more forgiving. The XC Power Boots are wide and comfy with a fleece lining that keeps tootsies warm during unforgiving weather.