We share our top picks for cross country ski gear. We include a brief overview of each product and where to buy it online and why we love it.
I grew up as a young child flying over the hills at Nubs Nob. At the age of 3 I would fearlessly go up and down the hill with one of my parents while the other raced. I skied most of my life downhill so when we moved back to Michigan and we knew our time to hit the hills would be limited, Mike and I decided it would be fun to get some Nordic Cross-Country skis to enjoy on our land whenever the day allowed.
It now is our favorite way to get out and enjoy the day. We still have snow shoes and love them too but there is nothing to the rush of gliding over unmarked hills or the humiliation of catching your ski on a sumac branch and going for a tumble into the fresh powder. Though quite different then downhill, we opted to choose nordic skis that had edges so there is a small amount of carving and turning we can do while going downhill.
How We Decided Which Cross-Country Ski Gears To Use
Since many of you have asked what we use I wanted to share as I believe that the greatest way to enjoy the months of winter that can be long and tiring, far more exciting and bright. There is no better way to fight sickness, winter blues, and a general bad attitude in the winter then to strap on skis and wander a new trail with friends or on your own.
I have a list of items for both Mike and I. Currently Hayes hasn’t given it a go yet, but once we have more experience with him doing it I will let you know. We tried a lot of things last year to do it with him but found it hard when doing backcountry/Nordic style with a Thule or a pack on. I think with a small child it would be easier to simply wear them facing in while you skied on easy and calmer trails though. It is challenging though once they reach an age they are harder to tote around in a carrier. If you have experience with this please comment below.
Anways, I wanted to gather up what we love and enjoy.
Cross-Country Ski Gears SetUp – For Her
1. Jacket from Patagonia
Do you find yourself cold on the ropes? This jacket is perfect for your chilly belays and shoulder-season hikes.
2. Rossignol Step-in Bindings
A variety of Step-in Bindings to choose from Rossignol.
3. Alpina Poles
Multiple choices for you to choose from, check out the link to see which is your preference.
4. Rossignol BC Ski
Made from different types of materials from carbon to wax base!
5. Alpina Boots
Alpina Boots’ made to have a Comfortable Nordic ski boot for backcountry touring.
6. Athleta Prima Loft Leggings
This leggings’ fabric lends thermal insulation for your coldest training.
7. Athleta Base Layer
8. Patagonia Wind Blocking Retro Vest
There are many available options that may suit your preference, check out the link to view all of them.
9. Give’r Waxed Leather Gloves
These gloves feature’ Huckberry-exclusive brown leather and are also waterproof waxed leather.
10. United By Blue Hat
11. United by Blue Bison Wool Socks
Tips When Choosing Your Gear
A few tips here. I have these skis and I have them at the smaller height. If you have questions I would suggest going into a store in your town to purchase skis directly. A couple places in Traverse City area that are great are Don Ore and Brick Wheels. They both carry skis and work on them as well. You will need to attach your bindings at a ski shop anyways so it is best to know where to take them.
Tune ups are usually necessary every few years as well so best to get acquainted with a gear shop. I highly suggest smart layers when going out. You are working out afterall and will break a sweat depending on the day and what you are doing so you want to be smart. Have a base layer, another layer to keep your core warm — a vest is awesome for that and then a warm but low bulk coat.
This Down Sweater Coat from Patagonia cuts the wind and is warm but breathes when needed. I couldn’t recommend it more for outdoor activities. I also suggest skipping snow pants. You need to be able to move, but the tops of your legs will get cold and a good way to hurt a muscle is to be warm but cold at the same time, so make sure you find a tight that is designed for ourdoor activity in the cold. These fleece lined leggings are amazing from Athleta and I have two pairs for winter.
They are necessities. As for gloves, find something that is warm and cuts the wind. I tried tech gloves but have yet to find any that hold up to wind when out skiing. A good hat with bright colors so snow mobiliers or cars can spot you is also key. Warm socks that wick sweat are also important. These ones are bison and are currently on my wish list.
Cross-Country Ski Gears SetUp – For Him
12. Insulated Jacket from Arcteryx
Offers a Super-light insulated jacket for versatile warmth and protection.
13. Poles from Fischer
Choose which Pole is perfect for you by visiting the store here.
14. Backcountry Skis from Fischer
A variety of Skis made available check out the store for your preference.
15. Snow pants from Marmot
Shred-ready ski and snowboard pants that can handle bad weather.
16. Baselayer from Patagonia
Different variations of Baselayer are made available, check the link here to see whichever you prefer.
17. Boots from Alpina
Multiple style designs of boots are available for you to choose from. Check it here.
18. Bindings from Fischer
Simplify your Nordic experience with this easy to use binding.
19. Socks from Smartwool
Has Heavyweight performance for cold weather.
20. Hat from Carhart
This hat is stretchable rib-knit fabric and made from 100% Acrylic.
21. Gloves from Give’r
Ribbed cuff for fit and to keep out the cold.
My top recommend though is not to commit to gear until you are sure you want to do this for sure. You may take some lessons or rent gear first and give a test run. It can be a big investment. Also, our skis are for people who are doing more backcountry trails (aka carving their own through a lot of snow) so our skis are designed for that.
You want to make sure to have skin on the bottom that allows you not to slip back and your poles will be longer then downhill poles will be as well. If you want to get into skating style you will need to look for an alternative gear you can find at this Onewheel GT accessories catalog. You don’t skate in this type of ski.
So others who ski Cross Country, what do you use? Any tips you would add? How did you learn? How long have you been doing it?
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