SkinnySkis.com has created a nordic skiing guide to help you select the proper gear that is right for you! We want you to enjoy leisure cross-country adventures, ski along groomed service roads or deep forest trails and find yourself experiencing the beautiful winter surroundings and wildlife in your area or where ever you may be touring.
If you are more of a thrill seeker, try telemark skiing, alpine touring, and backcountry skiing for a more adrenaline based sport where you can ski in the wilderness without fighting off a crowd to get some turns. (We recommend to never ski alone, and always ski with a partner who is well versed in backcountry skiing with proper equipment.)
Shop All Nordic Skiing
Cross Country Skiing is a great pass time to stay in shape during long cold winters. Depending on where you live, you can go cross-country skiing most likely in your back yard or a nearby golf course, or maybe right out your back door! Many people just need a little help to learn how to cross country ski and what equipment to use.
Depending on your level of ability and interest level for the nordic ski world, SkinnySkis.com has created this guide to help you understand each different type of cross-country skiing and find the gear you will need for which ever outdoor adventure you choose!
Nordic Skiing
Cross-country skiing, otherwise known as Nordic touring, is done on groomed trails or service roads, and moderate terrain. Two different types of equipment are designed for skiing on groomed trails, either the classic style with the kick-and-glide technique, with skis running parallel to one another, or the skate ski style, with the skis angled in a V pattern for a dynamic push. Whichever style you prefer, SkinnySkis.com has a variety of Nordic skis to choose from along with helpful videos and resources to assist you on your way to becoming more knowledgeable about your sport and your purchase.
Backcountry touring is for skiers who would rather break their own trail and create their own path rather than follow in the tracks of others. Backcountry skiing uses the same kick-and-glide motion as cross-country skiing, but on unmarked trails and varying terrain.
Nordic Skis: Differences by Style
Skate Classic BC Touring Junior
Each style of ski is constructed differently to meet the needs of the specific skiing style you choose. Below we have listed the features of each different ski style. It is important to note that each ski has a different size chart to match that specific ski, so please make sure to check the size chart on each individual product page to determine which fit is best for you. Factors that go into choosing the correct ski size are weight, ability and terrain that you will be skiing.
Classic Track Skis
• Stiff, narrow and light
• Best skis for machine-groomed tracks at Nordic ski trails
• Longer lengths for efficient glide
Count on SkinnySkis.com for the best selection of Classic skis from Fischer, Madshus and Atomic. Whether you prefer waxable skis or waxless skis, Skinny Skis makes sure to stock the variety, with something for every Nordic enthusiast. Looking to upgrade your entire setup? Skinny Skis carries cross country ski packages, so you can spend less time trying to find gear, and more time enjoying it!
Classic track skis are designed primarily for fast, efficient performance on smooth or groomed snow found at Nordic skiing centers. These skis are some of the stiffest and have the narrowest shape of all Nordic skis. This makes them very fast in groomed tracks, and skiers ranging from novices to experts can immediately appreciate the benefits of these skis. If you plan to ski primarily at a Nordic center, classic track skis are undoubtedly the most fun to use. Nearly all skis in this class have waxable bases. New for 2012 Atomic created a classic ski designed to perform in all temperatures and conditions without using grip wax and gives you essentially an insert in the kick zone for a skin-like base. Check out Atomic’s New Classic Skintec Ski!
Skate Skis
• Fastest form of Nordic skiing
• Requires groomed Nordic skate-ski trails
• Easy-to-learn technique
Skate skis look very similar to classic track skis, however, they are generally about 10 centimeters shorter. Those who are avid runners in the summer, love skate skiing in the winter! The anaerobic exercise of skate skiing is a great way to keep in shape during the cold winter months. The narrower a ski is, generally, the faster it moves.
If you can’t wait to get started on the Nordic trails, make sure to check out Skinny Skis’ selection of skate skis! With the latest selection of skis from names like Atomic, Fischer, Madshus, and Rossignol, you’ll be geared up in no time. Don’t miss out on our selection of skate skiing gear, including boots, poles and bindings. If you’re interested in upgrading your entire set-up this season, make sure to check out our skate packages from your favorite brands.
Light Touring Skis
• Wider underfoot and tip dimensions
• Works well both in and out of groomed Nordic tracks
• Extra stability thanks to wider dimensions
• Wider tips mean better flotation in soft snow
• Extra width provides extra flotation and stability for venturing into ungroomed terrain
Count on Skinny Skis for the best selection of Nordic touring skis from Fischer, Madshus and Rossignol. Whether you prefer waxable skis or waxless skis, Skinny Skis makes sure to stock the variety, with something for every Nordic enthusiast. Make sure to check out our selection of Climbing Skins as well as backcountry ski boots, backcountry bindings and backcountry ski poles. Looking to upgrade your entire setup? Skinny Skis carries cross country ski packages, so you can spend less time trying to find gear, and more time enjoying it!
Light touring skis are ideal for anyone interested in skiing places without machine-groomed snow. Light touring skis have more width underfoot for more stability on descents and over uneven terrain. They have wider ski tips that keep the ski floating on top of snow in order to efficiently break through and create the trail yourself. Light touring skis are sized in slightly shorter lengths for more maneuverability. In addition, they also perform well at Nordic ski areas since they fit in the tracks (just not as well as classic track or skate skis).
Backcountry Skis (Rugged Touring Skis)
• Widest and heaviest of the Nordic skis offered by a given company
• Designed for breaking your own trail, often in deep snow
• Very stable on downhills
• Most have metal edges to bite into hard snow
• Maneuverable in very tight quarters and easy to turn
Backcountry skis are specifically designed for maximum performance in rugged backcountry terrain where conditions are ungroomed and unpredictable. Skis in the backcountry category are significantly wider and heavier than the previous group. Backcountry skis almost always have metal edges to break through hard snow and offer greater control.
At SkinnySkis.com, we promise that when it comes to Backcountry Nordic ski gear, we’ve got you covered, which is why we stock the best and widest selection of nordic touring skis from the brands we know you trust. We carry Nordic touring skis from Fischer, Madshus and Rossignol, as well as a variety of backcountry ski boots, backcountry bindings and backcountry ski poles. This winter simply your life even more with a cross country ski touring package, choose between cross country waxless skis and cross country waxable skis!
Climbing Skins
• Attach to bottom of skis
• Add grip and traction when climbing or traversing
• Attach to ski base with grip, buckles and straps or some combination of all
For climbing up steep slopes, skins, also known as climbing skins (synthetic, carpet-like strips running the length of the skis) can be attached to the base of the ski. Skins give skis the traction necessary for skiing/climbing uphill. When it’s time to start skiing downhill, the skins are removed. SkinnySkis.com offers a variety of sizes in width to fit most skis. Check out skins from Black Diamond and G3
Nordic Skis: Primary Characteristics and Vocabulary
Sidecut
While all Nordic skis have a sidecut (the visible width difference between the ski tip, waist and tail), the cut depth varies. Cross-country skis have a minimal sidecut because they aren’t used to carve tight turns, while backcountry skis have a moderate sidecut between 10-20 mm to facilitate turning in varying snow conditions. Tele and AT skis have pronounced sidecuts with broader tips and tails to facilitate carving without getting caught in the snow.
Camber
Cross-country and backcountry skis have a pronounced arch (camber) that holds the skis away from the surface of the snow and rely on a skier’s weight to flatten their profile for traction. This high camber acts like a spring, producing forward momentum for the classic kick-and-glide movement. Like alpine skis, tele and AT skis have very little arch for more contact and better control on descents.
Flex
Cross-country skis are rigid for efficient gliding while backcountry skis have more flex for control while turning. Both tele and AT skis have more flex than other Nordic skis to help you navigate deep powder.
Metal Edges
Like alpine skis, Nordic skis usually have metal edges that can cut into icy or steep snow to make maneuvering on a slope easier and offer greater control. One exception would be high-end Nordic race skis, which forgo metal edges for less weight.
Nordic Bindings
Cross-Country Bindings
For most all-around cross-country skis, there are two bindings that are typically used: New Nordic Norm (NNN) and Salomon Nordic System (SNS). These binding systems are perfect for gliding in groomed tracks because they’re narrow and lightweight.
New Nordic Norm (NNN) Systems use a metal rod mounted into the toe of the ski boot, which then clips into a matching ski binding. NNN bindings feature two ridges on the surface of the ski that fit into matching grooves in the sole of compatible boots.
Salomon Nordic System (SNS) uses a boot and binding connection like the NNN system, but instead of having two binding ridges with matching sole grooves, SNS features one binding ridge and a single sole groove.
At Skinny Skis, we want the best for our fellow Nordic enthusiasts, so we make sure to stock a wide variety of ski touring bindings from names like Rossignol, Fischer and Salomon. Check out our selection of cross country touring skis, touring ski boots, touring ski poles and Nordic ski touring packages that work with the bindings you are looking for.
Backcountry Bindings
Because backcountry skiing is inherently risky, you want to invest in bindings that are durable, secure, and easy to repair in the field.
Both NNN and SNS bindings come in beefier versions for the backcountry referred to as NNN-BC and SNS-BC, respectively. These bindings, with a thicker toe bale, are meant to provide a stronger attachment point and transfer more power for backcountry applications.
BC XC Downhill Bindings
Backcountry Cross Country Downhill or Tele bindings are heavier and larger than other Nordic ski bindings to keep the boots and skis securely connected while withstanding the stress of continuous carving.
Most backcountry bindings use traditional three-pin, 75 mm-wide extensions. Cable and plate bindings are popular for tele skiing and backcountry downhill, which feature toe-in entry, quick-clip heel cables and release plates that reduce the risk of injuries. Tele bindings sometimes have heel elevators that help relieve the strain on your calves.
Skate or Classic Boots
As with every other ski boot, comfort is your first priority when buying a Nordic ski boot. Your ski boots should hold your feet in place and – most importantly – should match your bindings! If you have NNN or SNS bindings, make sure you purchase NNN or SNS boots to match. Check out our boot size chart to determine your size in UK or EU, which is how most boots are sized.
Cross-Country Touring Boots
As a general rule, leather boots are more flexible and warmer for touring while composite boots offer more control, support and moisture protection. Composite/leather combination boots offer the rigidity of a composite and the flex and warmth of leather.
Telemark and Backcountry Boots
Telemark and backcountry boots must support your ankles while turning and descending. Look for robust, aggressively constructed boots that also provide enough flexibility for forward motion. Tele boots may have “power straps” for more control.
Poles
Proper sizing for poles differs between skate, classic and touring. Pole length is based primarily on your height. Check out our sizing chart for the right fit for you. Most poles have an option to be cut down to your specific length, so if your size is out of stock, purchase the next size up and make a note to cut the poles to a certain size specific for you. For all off-trail Nordic skiing, look for telescoping poles with medium to large baskets for use in deep snow.
