Longer days, brighter skies, and cold weather are just some of the things we’ve been eagerly looking forward to this winter. But, the last few months have been rough, with some difficult weather conditions and sudden changes in scenery. The winter sport we all love so much isn’t as hassle-free as it used to be.
Whether you’re a seasoned cross country skier or you’re just discovering the sport, preparing for your first big trip this winter has been challenging. Some of the equipment required for cross country skiing can be pricey, so it’s important to know how to properly care for the stuff you already have.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered on this front. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials you need to know to get started clipping in cross country skis. So sit back, get comfy, and read on.
Table of Contents
Your Cross Country Skiing Gear
When you’re stepping into the world of cross country skiing, you’ll quickly realize how expensive this sport can be. Even the most basic equipment set can cost several hundred dollars. To keep things affordable, many skiers choose to DIY their gear as much as possible, sharing pictures of their homemade skis on social media. For those looking to keep their costs down, this is highly recommended since you’ll mostly likely need new gear every season anyway.
But, if you choose to splurge a little on the right equipment, you’ll be able to skate for miles without hassle. Here’s a list of the essentials you need to have before hitting the trails.
Backpack
You’ll need a backpack to carry all your gear. When choosing a backpack, make sure you get one that’s large enough to comfortably carry all your equipment and clothes. It should also be lightweight so you can easily move around during the day. When selecting a backpack, consider the style and color you want, as well as the load you plan on carrying. While most people choose black or brown for their backpacks to stay anonymous on the trails, you can choose any color you want as long as it’s not too flashy.
Ski Boots
Ski boots are imperative in keeping your feet warm and dry during those cold winter days on the slopes. Like with your backpack, you’ll want to invest in a pair of waterproof ski boots that are easy to clean and dry out after each use. Look for boots with a Gore-Tex liner which allows for better insulation and prevents your feet from freezing during the day. When selecting a pair of ski boots, make sure to buy a pair that fits snuggly around your ankles. The best fit is achieved by trying on a few pairs in your local store before making a purchase decision.
Ski Pants
Walking down the mountain in ski pants is a great feeling. As you near the top, your thighs and butt start to burn with each step, while the cold air makes the hair on your neck stand up. So if you’re looking for an inexpensive and fun way to enjoy some fresh air during the day, consider investing in some ski pants.
Although they’re not as essential as your ski boots, wearing proper ski pants is important for staying warm and dry. When selecting a pair of ski pants, look for those made of synthetic materials or merino wool to keep you warm in chilly temperatures, as well as moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry on the mountain.
Ski Gloves
Whether or not you wear them on the slopes, skiing gloves are a great way to keep your hands warm and dry. Many skiers choose to invest in a pair of ski gloves that fit snugly around their wrists. Like your other glove-related gear, you’ll want to choose a pair that’s large enough to fit snuggly around your wrists but not too large to interfere with your handlebars during the day’s ride. Choose synthetic materials or merino wool for the best warmth and dryness when it comes to your skiing gloves.
Ski Helmet
We all love a good ski helmet, and there’s a good reason why they’re so popular. Ski helmets protect our brains from injuries in case we fall from our snowboards or skis. Since getting a concussion is pretty much impossible to recover from, it’s vital that we make sure we wear adequate protection during our adventures on the slopes. There are numerous different types of ski helmets, so find one which fits your head comfortably but doesn’t hurt your ears when you’re skiing fast.
Like with your other protective gear, there are various different materials used for ski helmets, such as hard plastics, polymers, fiberglass, and composites. Depending on the materials used, the weight, and how fast you’re skiing, you’ll need a different helmet. For example, if you’re doing a deal with some friends to ride the mountain together, you might want to wear helmets made out of hard plastic to save on weight since you’re not going extremely fast.
Ski Shield
A ski shield is another great way to protect your face from frostbite and accidents from falling rocks and sticks. It’s important to note here that the type of shield you need will depend on the type of skiing you’re doing. If you’re skiing solo, you’ll want to invest in something that fits firmly around your face but won’t get in the way of your goggles during the day’s ski activities. For beginner skiers, your ski instructor might suggest a pair of ski goggles with a built-in shield as a good first purchase. These goggles will protect your eyes from frostbite, snow, and debris while still allowing you to see where you’re going.
Skiing Equipment Mat
Your equipment mat is an important part of staying prepared for your daily ski sessions. Since your equipment is your basic shelter and wind protection, a nice soft mat is a great place to rest your backpack or skis when you’re not using them. Select a pair that’s large enough to fit both your backpack and ski boots, as well as a pair that fits snuggly around your knees when you’re sitting on the floor. Don’t choose a mat made out of terry cloth or any other material which tends to wear out quickly.
Towel
Depending on where you are, the weather, and how long you’ll be there, you might need a towel more than once. Towels are great for drying your ski gear and yourself after your ski activities, as well as keeping you warm during those chilly evenings at the lodge. Choose a large and fluffy towel, preferably in an outdoor theme like orange, black, or brown, to make you stand out among the other towels at the lodge.
To keep your towel organized and easy to use, many people choose to put a small rod inside the big one. When drying your skis or gear with your towel, make sure to wrap it around the smaller rod first, then the larger one to avoid any mishaps.
Once you’ve prepared yourself with the right gear, it’s time to hit the slopes. Before doing so, however, it’s important to know how to properly put the pieces together. Here’s a summary of the step-by-step process:
How to Put On Your Ski Outfit
As we mentioned above, putting on your ski outfit is not as easy as it looks. This is especially true if you’re doing it for the first time. If you’ve never worn a ski outfit before, it can be pretty intimidating deciding which pieces to put on first, not to mention the fact that you’re about to go skiing for the first time in real life and aren’t really sure what’s going on.
Here’s a quick guide to help get you ready for your first ski ride:
Put On Your Backpack
First and foremost, you need to put on your backpack. The one you’ll be using will depend on the type of skiing you’re doing, as well as the weight limit for the lift you’re using. If you don’t have one already, your ski instructor will have provided you with one at the beginning of the season. When deciding where to put it, make sure that it’s comfortable on your back and allows you to move around easily. Once you’ve placed it on your back, take a few minutes to locate the shoulder straps and tighten them around your waist to secure the bag. Next, you’ll want to put on your ski boots. As we mentioned above, walking down the mountain in ski boots is one of the greatest feelings, but finding the right fit can be tricky. Your ski instructor will be able to help you find the right fit for your feet and give you tips on how to properly put the footwear on. Once you’ve got your ski boots on correctly, it’s time to move on to the next step.