Get kitted out for nordic skiing

Cross-country skis

There are two important things to take into consideration when picking your skis:

• the length: depending on your height
• the arch (or curve) of the skis: depending on your weight, in order to offer the best grip

 What’s the difference between classic and skating?

• Classic skis are curved, on average 30cm longer than the height of the skier and have an anti-slip grip system.
• Skating skis do not have an anti-slip grip system, are rounded in shape and around 20cm longer than the height of the skier. 

Boots

Boots must be picked out carefully. They should be:

• comfortable
• warm
• the right match for the binding norm: NNN or SNS

 What’s the difference between classic and skating? 

• Classic skiing boots generally only go up to your ankle.
• Skating bootsgo up to your calves in order to provide better ankle support.

You can get mixed boots which you can use for both types, thanks to a detachable upper section.

Poles

Your arms and legs play an almost equal role in pushing your forwards, so it’s important to choose the right poles, which are the right length.  

• Classic ski poles are 0.84 times the height of the skier  
• Skating ski poles are 0.89 times the height of the skier

This size may vary by around 5cm depending on what you are used to, your fitness and the terrain. 

Waxing

This is vital to make sure your skis are ready, whatever the weather.

• Classic skis have two areas which need waxing: one to help you slide more smoothly and one to give you better grip.
• Skating skis only require one type of waxin