Nothing beats the feeling of gliding across snowy trails on a pair of cross-country skis.
But are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing the right cross-country skis? Stuck
between waxable and waxless? Can’t decide on the width, length or weight? We understand – it can be
an avalanche of information to absorb. Our guide will help you navigate the exciting world of cross-
country skiing and find the right equipment to fit your adventures.
What is cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skis are typically longer and wider than downhill skis, which means that they’re made for
the track – not for open slopes like downhill skis.
In cross-country skis, the binding system is designed such that your heel is always free and not
connected to the ski, unlike in downhill skiing. This design allows for a more natural forward and
backward motion similar to walking or running, which empowers skiers to use their muscles and gear to
move themselves forward. This heel design is one of the distinctive features of cross-country skiing
equipment.
When you’re trying out cross-country skiing, it’s important to get the right size skis. The best way to do
this is by measuring your height and weight. You can then use those measurements to select a pair of
skis that will be most comfortable for you.
How do I know what kind of cross-country skis to get?
The first thing to consider when buying cross-country skis is whether you want waxable or waxless cross-
country skis.
Waxable skis have a base that requires regular maintenance (waxing) in order for them to perform well
in snowy conditions; if you don’t keep up with this maintenance, your ski will become slower and less
effective at cutting through snow. This type of ski allows you to adjust your grip according to snow
conditions and can really help with performance when done properly. With better performance and a faster glide, they suit more experienced skiers or those willing to put in the time and effort.
On the other hand, waxless skis are incredibly user-friendly and a great choice for newbies. They feature
a textured pattern in the kick zone – the area underneath where your boot is fastened – eliminating the
need to apply kick wax. While waxless skis provide easy maintenance and good grip, be prepared for a
slightly slower glide.
Length, width, height: Important factors for choosing a cross-country ski
It’s important to make sure your cross-country skis are the right length for your height. Skis that are too
short may not provide enough grip, while those that are too long can be harder to control.
Here’s how to size your skis for the ultimate experience: Basic guidelines often suggest picking skis that
are 15 to 20 cm longer than your height. Although, if you’re new to cross-country skiing, you may want
to choose skis on the shorter side as they’re easier to learn on.
Your weight will also play into the choices you have, so it’s always good to consult the manufacturer’s
recommendations for specific guidelines.
Another crucial factor to consider is your ski’s camber, or the curved area beneath your skis when they
are unweighted. The camber varies across skis according to the skier’s weight and the type of snow
they’re skiing on. Having a ski with the right camber will make or break your skiing experience as it
impacts your grip, glide, and overall efficiency.
Ask an experienced salesperson to help you choose a ski with the proper camber. They will compress
your skis and measure the grip zone to see if the right compression is being applied based on your
weight.
The next thing is making sure the width of your boot matches up with the width of your ski. A good rule
of thumb here is that as long as there’s room between your toe and heel when standing on the ski on
flat ground without boots on, then they’re probably going to fit just fine.
Different skis for different snow conditions
Cross-country skiing conditions can vary greatly, from icy trails to fluffy powder snow. Although it’s
important to account for your personal preferences and requirements, be sure to select a type of ski
that best matches the snow conditions you’ll typically encounter.
For hard, packed snow and groomed trails, look for a ski that has a stiffer camber and is slightly
narrower. This will ensure better glide and edge control on firm snow.
If you find yourself skiing in fresh, soft snow or ungroomed terrain, you’ll need a ski that has a softer
camber and is slightly wider to provide better grip and float.
Typical weather patterns in your favourite ski spots will also affect whether waxed or waxless skis are a
better fit.
“I have both waxed and waxless skis, but I prefer waxless skis because we get so many chinooks here in
the South Canadian Rockies, that it’s nice not to have to spend time reapplying the wax too often,” says
Uplift Adventures Founder, Heather Davis. “Snow get really sticky at around 0 degrees, so I’d have to use
a super sticky wax and it just gets everywhere. I personally don’t love waxed skis for the South Canadian
Rockies, but in Canmore, everyone uses them. They tend to perform better and are faster.”
Find your adventures in the Rockies
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all option in the cross-country skiing world, so take your time
assessing your skills, preferences, and local snow conditions before making a purchase.
Not ready to strap on the skis yet? At Uplift Adventures, we have outdoor winter activities sans-ski,
from moonlight snowshoes with Indigenous storytelling to sciency ice walks .
Smooth gliding!