What To Look For
Cross country skis are slightly different from short-run downhill skis because they need the ability to glide easily over long distances without bogging down in often-unpacked snow. The lighter the ski, the better. Look for skis that offer technology to glide over the snow with minimal effort. Skis with camber technology that separates the slide from the kick stroke work best for cross country skiing. On REI.com the Black Diamond Havoc Telemark / Randonee Skis - '09/'10 have a 4 1/2-star user rating. These skis perform well on cross country and downhill runs. The website 3Luxe.com recommends the Equipe 10 Classic and the Fischer RCS CarbonLite Classic Ski Plus for cross country skiing due to price, performance and weight.
Common Pitfalls
The problem with some cross country skis is that they take too much power to push across the snow. This makes the wearer tire quickly and stops the skier from going long distances. The skis should glide easily across the top of the snow without digging into the ground much. Some people think they can get away with lower- priced cross country skis. This is not a good idea for long runs. You will waste energy and the skis will not perform well or last as long as a quality pair of cross country skis. Try to find the highest-quality of ski you can afford.
Where To Buy
Look for high-quality cross country skis at sporting supply stores. If you visit the store in person, mention to the sales person that you are planning to use the skis for cross country rather than downhill skiing. The technology and shaping for cross country skis is slightly different. Sporting goods stores such as REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Altrec.com and Academy offer high-quality brands of cross country skis at reasonable prices. The stores also have excellent customer service and return policies.
Cost
Expect to pay a large chunk of money for cross country skis. While it is possible to find cross country skis for around $100, it is not recommended. The best brands of cross country skis cost between $300 and $600 per pair as of late 2010. The Equipe 10 Classic runs about $400. The Fischer RCS CarbonLite Classic Ski Plus cost around $600. The Black Diamond Havoc Telemark / Randonee Skis - '09/'10 cost around $500. Try to buy skis in the offseason for reduced pricing.
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