Equipment Basics

A Nordic skier needs equipment for Classic and for Skate skiing. These are skies, poles, and boots. The athlete's weight, height, and skill level inform the best equipment choice.

Poles: Poles differ in height, weight, and the design of the handle and strap. Most popular are poles made by Swix. The classic pole in height reaches roughly to the top of the shoulder, while skate poles reach between nose and chin for longest possible thrust. FIS limits the maximum height of a ski pole. For details: Swix Pole Length Chart 

Skies: The athlete needs a pair of classic and a pair of skate skies. Skate skies are a little forgiving in size matching, but for optimum performance the athlete's weight should fall within the suggest range of the ski. If the athlete is too light for the ski, the ski will not turn well as the pocket does not compress fully during the turn. If the athlete is too heavy for the skate ski, the ski will be slower and feel unstable. Classic skies are most sensitive to the athlete's weight, as we apply a special kick wax underneath the foot (the pocket or kick zone) from which the athlete launches forward. The ski is not flat but has an arch. The kick zone remains off the snow during gliding, and only pushes into the snow when the athlete pushes off from the foot. Skate skies are shorter than classic skies for a particular athlete. Some classic skies come "waxless" and don't require kick wax. Instead the kick zone uses a special pattern ("fish scales") carved into the bottom of the ski or a special material (skins) glued on the bottom of the ski to grip into the snow. While those skies work well for a beginner, the athlete will quickly outgrow them. We recommend using waxed classic skies if possible as they are faster and with the right wax can be tuned to any snow condition.

Boots: Rental places are most likely renting only one pair of "combi boots." Those are ok for both classic and skate skiing. For more ambitious athletes we recommend using the combi boots for classic skiing only, and to get the athlete a pair of skate boots for Christmas. 

Roller Skis: Excellent training during the off-season is performed on roller skis. Again both skate and classic versions of roller skis are avaialable. The classic roller ski has wider roles and the wheels incorporate a locking mechanism to avoid rolling backwards thus allowing for a kick. The unexperienced skier should avoid classic roller skis as they make it easy to practice a bad kick which is hard to correct on snow. To user roller skis, the poles need to be longer as the skier stands higher on roller skis. Also, the tip is typically replaced against a sharp carbon tip. Skiing is much easier on asphalt than on concrete. Finally, budget permitting, summer ski boots offer better breathability. Also, roller skis differ in pricing based on the material. Budget friendly roller skis are made out of aluminum; more expensive carbon version provide better shock absorption and a smoother ride. Some models allow for breaks, though most roller skiing is performed without any break and requires careful navigation or terrain. Please wear reflective gear and a always a helmet with roller skiing.

Purchasing used ski equipment: Ski swaps in our region

Purchasing new equipment or renting equipment: Equipment Stores & Rentals