Getting Started
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 ©SIA 2007-8
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Cross country skiing is a terrific way to enjoy the great outdoors in winter. The pleasures of cross country skiing can take your mind off the stresses of the daily grind, whether you seek the solitude of solo skiing or are spending some quality time with family and friends. It's also a great aerobic activity, enabling you to burn up hundreds of calories per hour without straining joints such as ankles and knees. You'll get a low-impact workout while enjoying the outdoors, and the scenery sure beats the view at your local health club.
But as with any new sport, cross country skiing can seem daunting to newcomers. Novices can be baffled by the variety of equipment choices and even the unfamiliar words. This guide is designed to put you at ease and give you basic information that will help you get started the right way.
Skip to:
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Gear Up — should you rent or purchase, types of skis, boots, bindings and poles
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Measure Up — what size do you need?
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Get Going — where you can take lessons
Gear Up
Before renting or purchasing equipment, ask yourself a few questions: Will you ski two times a year or more? Where do you plan to ski? The terrain and location helps determine your equipment choices. Cross country skiing allows you to choose from a variety of locations. Parks, golf courses, hiking trails or cross country ski areas are all good choices. Determining your projected commitment level will help you decide whether to rent, lease or buy equipment.
Your equipment options include:
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Renting equipment at your local ski shop or at the ski area. You can rent equipment by the day or week. This is often recommended for first-time skiers. (Note: Some ski shops will apply the price of rentals toward purchasing new equipment.)
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Leasing equipment for an entire season. This is a good option in areas where it might snow only a few times a year, because rental equipment can be scarce. Some ski shops offer this service and it can especially make sense for children who quickly out-grow gear.
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Buying used equipment at a local shop or ski swap. Be aware that at garage sales and some swaps, you may wind up with gear that is outdated and inappropriate.
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Buying new equipment. You might want to consider a package deal that offers a discount when you buy skis, boots, bindings and poles together.
Ultimately, owning your equipment allows you continuity, comfort and control as you progress through skiing's learning stages and can also save you time and money in the long run.
Measure up
Skis are measured in centimeters (cm). Your ski length will depend on your ability, height and weight along with the type of skiing you plan to do most often. A shop employee will help you decide on the appropriate length.
Cross country ski boots are sized in one of three ways — European sizes (numbers in the 30s and 40s), traditional American sizes (generally 6-12)and also "mondo point," which is simply the length of the boot in centimeters .Generally speaking, Nordic boots designed for skiing in tracks or light-duty trail breaking come in European sizing with American equivalents, while telemark and heavier-duty backcountry boots come in mondo sizing (some backcountry boots come in Euro sizes). Because of these various sizing methods, it's important to try on boots before buying them. When trying on boots, wear one pair of medium-weight or light-weight socks and a liner sock made of synthetic materials or silk. The fit should be snug and your heel should remain in place. You should be able to wiggle your toes.
Poles are measured in inches or in centimeters (cm).
Get going
Cross country skiing is relatively easy to learn, but first-timers should still take a lesson from a qualified instructor. Lessons can greatly enhance the experience.This is especially true if you don't have any experience ice skating, inline skating or exercising with a cross country skiing simulator.
Call ahead to the local area or destination resort to find out about beginner lessons and any special deals or packages that might be available. Make the ski school your first stop. Take a group or private lesson.