Getting The Right Cross Country Ski Gear: Use A Nordic Center Shop
If your cross country gear is more than five years old, it will likely affect your skiing performance and your enjoyment of the sport. Modern ski design and manufacturing technology has greatly improved skis for fun and efficiency. What you need in ski size, flex, and ski base quality has likely changed as well. Cross-country skis are much lighter and have increased performance from just five years ago. The boots are more comfortable while providing more support and warmth.
It is the best time to upgrade your gear. Cross-country shops have spring sales as they transition to using space for summer activities. For the first time since the pandemic, Nordic Shops have surplus inventory. Additionally, the snow is still good for the next two months if you visit a high-altitude shop. The shops at a Nordic Center have the best opportunity for you to try suggested setups. You can’t do this at a city shop or online.
An important point is to find a shop at a Nordic Center that sells multiple brands of skis and boots. No one manufacturer has the best in every category. It’s about what is good for you, your ability, and your situation. As I looked at various shops, I felt it wise to have at least three ski choices and the same in boots.
One stellar place to get new gear with modern technology fitted to your specifics is the Breckenridge Nordic Center. And four choices within skis and boots. This is within easy travel distance of four Nordic centers and six alpine ski areas along the I-70 corridor in Colorado. The BNC is run by a local Nordic enthusiast family, so they are way more than sales clerks; they embody the Nordic experience. At the BNC, the shop is managed by Joshua Dayton, a former collegiate Nordic competitor, and guru in all things Nordic. He has an excellent knowledge of what is optimal for the recreational skier and fits many local Nordic athletes with their gear.
During the fitting selection process, I learned several facts about the gear affected by the selection process. Starting with skis, Josh noted, “Only a small percentage of recreational skiers should use a waxable classic ski. The temperature zones are too narrow considering how things can change on the trail.” While fish scales started the waxless trend, he stated that skins are much better for most skiers for performance, versatility, and ease of use. They now have several grip and snow profiles and can be easily replaced. That solved question one, I like the idea of only having to wax the tip and tail of my skis every so often, and the skin automatically adjusts to the snow and temperature. The second question was the type of tracks and my ability level. The width and length of the ski come into play in this respect.
Skate and classic track skis are not interchangeable. Classic skiing will use some skating motions uphill, which is an excellent start to this form of propulsion. Skate skiing is geared toward more balance and strength, and is a more vigorous workout. If you only go Nordic skiing every so often, classic skis will give you a better outdoor experience with less worry about your technique, fitness, and balance. If you want to get into the sport or try skate skiing, a Nordic ski lesson is the perfect place to start before jumping into a second set of gear.
No matter which style you go for, having the right flex of skis for your weight and ability is essential. Tools that used to be available only for World Cup Nordic skiers are available to you as better ski centers have flex testing machines to individualize ski selection. Generally, “one ski should reach the snow for the kick phase with 60-80% of your body weight,” noted Dayton. Several ski manufacturers now deliver skis with a weight range. However, I would like to see if that is accurate, so the flex machine is a validation of that factory number.
Checking current skis only takes a few minutes and will give some information about the life left in your current skis. Camber, or the bow shape of a ski, will break down from use, so knowing why it affects your current ski can be another factor in ski selection. The old test used to be paper under the skis’ center, and when standing on both, you wanted a bit of contact. Modern flex machines have made paper testing unnecessary.
The modern design of moveable bindings enables you to move the bindings/boots forward or back in small increments. Forward movement improves ease of kick and grip, and back from center increases glide for flatter tracks and slower snow. This system works with all NNN and Prolink bindings, the modern universal binding system on all new boots. Some old boots are not compatible with the contemporary system. You will only appreciate a moveable binding once you try them.
After years of consistent use, most cross-country ski boots will show signs of wear. Because they are designed to be as light as possible, the inner support and cushioning can deteriorate long before you blow holes in the upper. In this regard, they are very similar to running shoes. Dayton noted, “The time point when boots became much better in all respects was about seven years ago. If they are older than that, an upgrade will be more than noticeable.”
Modern classic ski boots should fit very similar to trail shoes- forefoot and heel grab with a bit of toe room. Toe room is essential for warmth and comfort, and a good heel hold is important for efficiency, stability, and control. As ski boot companies have different lasts or foot shapes as guides, a 43 medium will fit differently in three or four brands of boots. If you have foot issues such as bunions, high arches, etc., it is best to start with the boots that will fit, then go to skis and bindings. This is another reason to fit with a Nordic Center shop like the BNC; they have seen every kind of foot from both a rental and purchase-fitting perspective. A complete shop will have aftermarket footbeds that enhance balance and comfort and reduce fatigue that will drop right into the boot.
A Nordic Center shop will have demo skis for various skill levels, so getting on the track and trying the skis and setup will help you make the best choice. In my situation, the demo process was critical to selecting between two lengths of skis, two brands, and wax-less specifics. Five steps outside the door, and I was on the trail trying the gear.
Does it make a difference? Compared to my old setup, this is better in every respect. My feet are more secure and warmer, which is essential. The skis were faster in the glide portion. And the skin grip system is superior to my old fish scales both on flats and uphills.
On the first day of cross country skiing with the new gear, it was like a new sport.