Cross country, or nordic, skiing is a popular winter recreational activity for all ages. The sport improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and can take the skier through beautiful outdoor scenery. Renting cross country skis is a common method of equipping yourself for the trip and only requires a few key points to remember when selecting correct cross country ski to match your style and the snow conditions.
Step 1
Match your skiing technique, classical or skate, with the type of ski you select. Skate technique requires the use of a groomed snow track and involves movement that mimics the side-to-side leg movement of ice skating. It is more difficult to learn for beginners due to the coordination involved. Skate skis are shorter and slightly wider than classic skis.
Classical technique is the front-to-back gliding motion that is similar to that of an elliptical machine at the gym. It is the technique associated with traditional cross country skiing and is often easier to learn for novice skiers. Classical skis are longer and slightly narrower than skate skis to provide a larger surface area for gliding.
Step 2
Measure your height and match it to the proper ski height by consulting the manufacturer's chart or allowing the rental shop staff to fit you. This chart takes the skier's height, in feet and inches, and matches it with the correct ski length, in centimeters.
Another option is to use a mathematical formula. For skate skis, multiply 2.5 by the skier's height, in inches, and add 15 to that number. That will provide the approximate ski length. For example, if the skier is 70 inches tall, the ski height would be 190 centimeters.
For classical skis, multiple the skier's height, in inches, by 2.6 and add 25 inches. A skier 70 inches tall would use a 200-centimeter ski.
Step 3
Consult with the ski shop staff to determine the appropriate wax to match the ski type and snow conditions. Classical and skate skiers can use a kick wax and a glide wax, or no wax if the ski is waxless. Kick wax is a sticky wax that is applied to center of the ski, underneath the foot, and allows the skier to gain traction on the snow during the kick portion of the stroke. Glide wax is applied to the remainder of the ski to reduce friction. Both waxes are matched to temperature conditions.
Most rental shops will provide their customers with waxless skis. If your rental skis require wax, allow the ski shop to do this for you to best match the local conditions.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are new to cross country skiing, sign up for a group class or private lesson to learn the technique basics. Most rental shops will information and a schedule for local classes.
- The ski's bottom surface can be easily damaged by running over gravel and other hard surfaces. Always make sure to ski on snow. If you have to traverse a large area where there is no snow, remove the skis, walk across the barren area, then put the skis back on once you are on snow again.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
References
- Ski Post: Getting Started
- "Cross-Country Skiing for Everyone"; Jules Older; 1998
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