●Cross Country Skiing ● Cross Country Ski Resorts ●Responsibility Code ●Ski Equipment ●Rent Vs Buying Skis ●Downhill Skiing ●Snow Tubing Tips ●Snowboarding ● Skiing ●XC- Ski Tips For a Fun Trip

●Stand on the skis on a hard surface.

●When balanced on both feet you should be able to slide a piece of paper underneath the arch.

●Stand on the skis on a hard surface.

●When on one foot the paper should not be able to move.

Selecting Cross Country Ski Boots...

Comfortable, warm boots are the most important component of your ski package. 

Cross country ski boots are sized in three different ways: European, American and Mondo Point. European sizes are numbers in the 30s and 40s.  Traditional American sizes are generally standard sizes for example 5 -12.  Mondo Point is the length of the boot in centimeters.

Bring the socks you'll be wearing on the slopes when you try on the boots.  A liner sock under a winter sock will provide extra warmth and comfort. The liner will help draw perspiration away from your feet, help prevent friction blisters and keep you warmer with an additional layer.

XC boots to be used on groomed trails should feel like running shoes.  They should be comfortable, flexible and lightweight. Classic touring boots that come up over the ankle might be a good choice for new skiers.  For off-track skiing you will need boots to handle the conditions so opt for a lightweight boot with more ankle support that is moderately rigid to resist twisting.   Boots should have some insulation between the inner lining and the outer shell.  Some boots have extra features such as lace covers and rings for attaching gaiters. These can be especially helpful for keeping snow out of the boots when you're skiing off track.

Do your homework, spend some time reading magazines and researching on the internet so that you have a good idea of what you are looking to purchase.  If possible go to a specialty ski shop.  They will have a better selection and knowledgeable salespeople.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Due to the different ways boots are sized you will need to try on a variety of styles to see which boots suit your foot best.  Always try on both boots, laced up at the store.  Walk, jump, run, move in the boots.  Pay attention to how they feel.  The fit should be snug and your heel should remain in place. You should be able to wiggle your toes.

What are Bindings?

The basic concept of bindings is to keep the toe and front of the boot locked in place and the hell and back part of the foot free to move up and down.  There are many different types of cross country ski bindings available.  Boots and bindings are normally sold together since they must work as a team.  So it is extremely important that the bindings are matched to the type of boots that you select.   It is important that bindings be set by a certified technician, because if they are set incorrectly, you could suffer a severe injury.

What Kind of XC Ski Poles Are Needed?

XC Skiers use their poles to push forward.   Any reasonably light pole will be fine for a beginner.  The height of the pole and the size of the basket are important features to consider when purchasing poles.

If you plan to ski on groomed, maintained trails then you will need strong, lightweight poles.  The pole should reach from the ground to under your armpit or slightly higher.  Try to avoid poles with overly large baskets.  The basket is the loop or plastic cup at the bottom of the pole and its function is to keep the pole from sinking too far into the snow. Since the snow on these trails typically involves packed, groomed snow your pole baskets should be relatively small.  Make sure the poles have a comfortable, adjustable strap assembly for a full range of poling motion. 

If you plan on off track skiing, touring outside of the groomed areas, you will need a slightly larger pole basket. The larger the basket, the better it is for use in deep snow.  You may also want to consider multiple-piece, telescoping poles that will allow you to shorten both poles to climb uphill comfortably, lengthen both poles for descents, or shorten one pole and lengthen the other for traversing slopes.

Tips for Buying Kids Equipment as Their Child's Skills Progress Through Lessons.

For a beginner, a pair of no-wax skis that should be approximately the same height as the skier. It is better for the child to outgrow their skis than to grow into them. Classic length poles are needed.  The height should reach the child’s armpit with the pole tip in the snow.  Select a binding that is not difficult to operate, but is not prone to releasing either. If you select strap-type bindings used in conjunction with snow boots, ensure that all the straps are integrated into the binding construction.
 
As your child progresses to the next level of skill development it is preferable to have waxable skis, even if it is the child's first pair. Skis can be dual purpose (classic skis that can also be used for skating), but poles must remain classic length.

When the child is ready to progress to skating techniques they will need classic, dual purpose skis, but they now require both skating length poles and classic length poles.

Eventually, as skill levels progress, parents may wish to provide the child with two sets of equipment (both skating and classic) if their ski skills and future involvement in the sport appear to warrant the investment.

Other Tips...

• Classic skis should reach just below the wrist of the skier's outstretched arm, with the camber suitable for classic skiing.

• Skating skis should be 3-4 cm above the head of the skier, with a camber suitable for skating.

• Dual purpose skis should be a length mid-way between the length for a classic ski and a skating ski, but the camber must be determined by what is suitable for classic skiing.

• Poles must have adjustable straps.

• Classic poles should reach under the arm when the skier is standing on the floor.

• Skating poles should be the same height as the chin