When choosing your first pair of cross-country skis, many factors need to be taken into account, such as where you plan to ski, which technique of skiing you wish to try, and how much time you are willing to invest in preparing your skis. Cost is also often a concern; many ski shops offer older models and used skis at a lower cost.
There are two cross-country skiing techniques: classical and skate. Classical, as the name implies, is the most common technique, in which the skis are parallel and the skier moves one foot forward at a time. According to the American Cross-Country Skiers website, XCSkiWorld.com, "Most beginners should start out with the classic motion," as skate-skiing is "the more advanced motion."
Step 1
Choose whether you want waxable or waxless skis, and whether you will use a touring-style or a back-country ski. Waxless skis require less preparation time, while waxable skis are typically faster but work best on groomed trails. If you plan to ski mostly on non-groomed trails, then a back-country ski will be more stable. Back-country skis are wider and sometimes have metal edges to help with turning on icy conditions.
Step 2
Find a pair of skis that are the appropriate length. When stood on the ground, the skis should approximately reach the height of your wrist when your arm is held straight overhead.
Step 3
Find a pair of skis that are appropriate for your weight. There should be a weight range written on each pair of ski. The weight range is determined by length and the stiffness--or "camber"--of the ski. You should be at the upper end of the weight range for a ski because, according to the New Hope Nordics Ski Club, "stiff skis are faster but more demanding of your technique." You want to make sure that you can get enough grip on the snow even while you are still learning to ski properly.
Tips and Warnings
- One way to make sure that the camber of your ski fits is to stand in your skis on a flat surface. According to the Nordic Skiing Magazine article "Do You Know Your Flex," when you stand with your weight equally distributed on both skis, the grip zone--or area beneath the foot--should not be touching the ground. When you transfer your weight onto the ball of one foot, however, the entire ski should press into the ground.
- Skis are typically sold separately from bindings. If the bindings come with the skis you purchase, be sure to find a boot that is comfortable and compatible with those bindings.
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