Clothing

Clothing

Skiers should dress in layers of wool or synthetics; cotton is not appropriate. Cross country skiing is a highly aerobic sport, so winter gear like snow pants and heavy jackets, mittens, and hats is also not appropriate. Even fleece is generally too hot. There are many options for base layers across a range of price points. Note that skiers who are just beginning may not be moving very quickly and may need warmer layers. Talk to the coaches if you need help getting outfitted with proper clothing.

Where to Buy Clothes

In addition to local and online shops (REI, LLBean, Craft, Finn Sisu, Pioneer Midwest, Gear West, Backcountry.com, etc.), Sierra often has good deals on quality gear (e.g., long underwear, wool socks) and they have a store right in Roseville. Costco also sells affordable wool socks. Wirecutter.com has suggestions for base layers, including budget options. Como also has some extra gear (many synthetic “middle” top layers and buffs and hats), so talk to the Coaches if you need help acquiring proper clothing.

Priority Layers

Base layer - top and bottom (aka long underwear, thermal underwear in wool or synthetic; NO cotton)

Top for layering - second base layer, fleece shirt/jacket, or another layer to go over base layer when it’s cold (in wool or synthetic)

Windproof breathable jacket - Como will provide a team jacket that can serve as an outer wind-proof layer

Neck gaiter (“Buff”) - can double as a neck warmer, and even a headband in warmer weather. Avoid fleece gaiters, as they are too hot.

Medium-weight ski hat/beanie - a warm stocking cap will be too hot.

Medium-weight wool socks - Darn Tough, Smartwool, etc.

Ski gloves - Nordic ski gloves are insulated on top and not on the bottom (to allow better gripping of poles); one pair of lighter weight gloves and one pair of warmer “lobster” style mitts is ideal. Look for brands like Swix and Yoko.

Ski pants - Craft, Yoko, Salomon, Swix, Bjorn Daehlie, and others make “ski pants” that are windproof in the front but not in the back. They are available at the local ski shops (Finn Sisu, Joe’s, Gear West, REI, Pioneer Midwest) and online. Synthetic athletic-style pants can also work as ski pants. They should not be too baggy but should be roomy enough to layer over a base layer. Fleece-lined pants are not appropriate, as they will get too hot. Avoid cotton sweatpants and jeans.  A dual benefit of ski pants is that many come with zippers along the side that allow for easier removal right before getting into the line-up at a race. 

Warm running tights - these are useful for dryland training before the snow falls and for warmer days on snow.

Sunglasses - for bright days.

Wind briefs

Additional Layers

If athletes get serious about skiing, it’s good to invest in the following:

Additional base layers (to make laundering easier)

Additional neck gaiter(s) (again, to ease laundering)

Headband and/or lightweight hat for warmer weather

Ski mittens for very cold weather; mittens designed for Nordic skiing have insulation on the back of the mitten, but not on the front, to make them suitable for use with poles.

Tips for Dressing for Cold Weather Skiing

 **Skiers should dress in layers of wool or synthetics; cotton is not appropriate (when it gets wet it STAYS wet…no wicking action).

Start with 3 Layers on Top

1. Base layer top (aka long underwear, thermal underwear in wool or synthetic; NO cotton)

2. Second top for layering – fleece top/jacket, a second base layer, or some other wool or synthetic layer to go over base layer

3. Windproof breathable jacket (like your Como jacket)

• Option on very cold days when we ski easy to wear a lightweight down/”puffy” coat over layer #1/#2

Start with 3 Layers on Bottom

1. Wind briefs/boxers

2. Base layer bottom (aka long underwear, thermal underwear in wool or synthetic; NO cotton)

3. Ski pants - see details above. 

Hands

1.  Mittens or lobster mitts, instead of gloves (if you get really cold hands, stick to full mitts)

2. Handwarmers in mittens (Como will provide these)

 Feet

1. Wool socks

2. Hand/toe warmers for feet (slide toe warmers into your boot on the top of your foot, to warm the blood going to your toes; Como will provide these)

3. Boot covers if your feet run very cold (these have windblocking protection and some even have some fleece lining for those with really cold feet; Coach NB finds the latter which fit more loosely around the boots to be the warmest).  

Head

1. Hat, not headband

2. Buff/neck gaiter

3. Moleskin, face tape, Vaseline, or Dermatone to protect exposed skin from frostbite - nose, cheeks, earlobes

4. Sunglasses to protect eyes/contact lenses

5. No metal jewelry (earrings, etc.)

Additional Tips for Cold Weather Racing

1. Wear base layers and wind briefs/boxers under your race suit

2. Wear warm clothes over your race suit (top and bottom) prior to and after racing.

3. Bring extra dry mittens, buff, hat, and dry top for after races

4. Bring an extra warm jacket for after racing

5. Always start out at the race venue with new pair of wool socks (no moisture means less chance of chilled feet)

6. Keep your feet warm in warm boots while you are waiting to race! Wear snow boots before and after races (NOT running shoes)