How to Choose Cross-Country Ski Gear

There are two main ways to enjoy cross-country skiing (also known by the umbrella term "Nordic skiing"): You can either classic ski or skate ski. With each one, your heel is always "free" (not connected to the ski as with downhill skiing) and you use your muscles and gear to move yourself forward. But there are some key differences:

• Classic skiing uses a forward and back striding motion that resembles how you walk or run. The familiarity of the motion makes it a logical starting point for new cross-country skiers—many beginners, including families, can enjoy shuffling along on trails even if they've never had skis on before.
• Skate skiing technique resembles that of a speed skater on ice. As you push your skis out to the side, you use the edges of your skis to propel yourself forward. It's a fun and fast activity that many people can learn to enjoy, but it's not usually where beginners start.

The gear for classic skiing and skate skiing differs some, though not dramatically—to the untrained eye it can all appear the same. This article will help you understand the differences so you can get the type of skis, boots, bindings and poles you need to enjoy a day on the trails.

How to Choose Cross-Country Skis

To choose the right cross-country skis, first think about where you want to go and what type of skiing you're looking to do, then choose the type of skis that align with that. 

Classic Skis

• Cross-country touring skis are designed for skiing on groomed trails with a forward and back striding motion similar to how you walk or run. The skis are generally long, narrow and lightweight for fast and efficient skiing in groomed tracks. Some cross-country touring skis have a shorter design that makes them a bit easier to turn and control, making them a popular choice among beginners. Cross-country touring skis are a great option for people who want to have a fun time and get some exercise but aren't in it to get a major workout or set a course record.
• Race and performance classic skis are similar to touring skis in that you use them in the groomed tracks, but they're built for faster, more aggressive skiing. Race and performance skis generally have a stiffer flex than touring skis, making them less forgiving and requiring better technique. Even if you're not a racer, these skis are great for people who want to move quickly and get a workout on groomed trails.
• Metal-edge touring skis are made for skiing out-of-track or on steeper terrain. Compared to touring skis, they are typically shorter for better maneuverability and wider for more stability and flotation in deeper snow, and they have metal edges for better grip in icy conditions. Their greater sidecut enhances turning ability on steeper slopes. All these features make them heavier than touring skis but more suitable for out-of-track terrain.

Skate Skis

Skate skis are used on groomed trails to ski along similar to how a speed skater moves on ice. The skis are light, skinny and stiff, and they are generally about 10cm shorter than skis for classic skiing. It's worth pointing out that skate skis are not designed for striding as you do while classic skiing.

Getting the Right Cross-Country Ski Size

When your body weight is appropriately matched to the ski length, the skis will support your weight and deliver the optimum combination of grip and glide. If you get skis that are too short, you won't glide like you should. Get skis that are too long and you'll struggle to get good grip.

Because flex, materials and other design characteristics vary, each pair of skis has a specific recommended weight range for each available ski length (ski size). You can find this info in the "recommended weight range" spec on REI.com product pages or in manufacturer size charts. Be wary of using a generic size chart because ski sizing is not standardized between brands, and varies for different models of skis within the same brand.

Adjusting ski length based on skill level: Longer skis tend to be faster than shorter ones. So if you find yourself between sizes, think about your skiing ability. If you've never skied before, then choose the shorter ski size to give you better control and keep your speed down a bit. Experienced skiers usually prefer the longer, faster ski size.