Cross-country skiing involves traversing uphill, downhill and flat terrain on a long pair of skis, and unlike downhill skiing, you can cross-country ski nearly anywhere with enough snow. Although gravity does much of the work for you when downhill skiing, cross-country skiing requires endurance and cardiovascular strength. On average, 30 minutes of cross-country skiing burns nearly 300 calories. Purchasing or renting the right equipment is critical to your comfort and enjoyment on the snow.
Skis
Cross-country skis are longer, thinner and of more uniform width than the downhill version. Generally, the shorter the ski, the easier it is to use, especially on more rugged terrain, and the slower it is. Skis used to be sized based on height, but now most cross-country skis are sized by body weight. Skis also vary in their curvature, or camber, and their flexibility, both depending on skiing style and snow conditions. All cross-country skis fall into one of two categories, waxed or waxless. Waxless skis have a textured bottom to help grip against the snow. Although they require less work to maintain, they tend to be slower than waxed skis. The waxed versions require regular wax applications but glide more smoothly across the snow.
Boots
Cross-country ski boots are much smaller and lighter than downhill boots. Each has a specially designed toe that fits into a binding on the ski while allowing your heel to move up and down. Boots should feel snug enough that your feet don't move around inside but should remain comfortable. Wear the socks you plan to ski in when trying on boots to ensure a proper fit.
Bindings
The binding is what allows your boots to attach to your skis. There half a dozen types of bindings that all function slightly differently, so you must pick a binding to match your boot.
Poles
Ski poles help propel you across the snow when cross-country skiing. Look for poles with a strap that you can adjust to fit snugly around your wrist. A proper pole should reach your armpits when you're standing on the floor. If you plan to ski primarily on groomed ski tracks, your poles can be a bit longer with a small basket at the bottom. If you plan to ski off-track on more rugged terrain, choose slightly shorter poles with a larger basket.
Other Equipment
Skis, boots, bindings and poles are all you need to cross-country ski, but you'll probably want some additional gear to protect you from the cold weather. Dress in layers as if you were going to go running on a cold day. Choose a water-proof outer layer that's still breathable. Avoid bulky clothing that will impede your movement as you ski. Even on cloudy days, the sun's rays bounce off the snow and into your eyes, so always wear UV sunglasses or ski goggles.
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