At its best, cross-country skiing is like a graceful dance on snow. At its worst, it can be one big flailing mess. A lot depends on snow conditions, whether the ski is appropriate for the conditions, and the skier’s ability. But other important variables shouldn’t be overlooked: the fit, comfort, and support of a boot, poles that are simultaneously strong and light, and clothing that wicks sweat but still keeps the wind and cold at bay.

This year, seven skiers put more than 60 boots, poles, and accessories through rigorous tests that ranged from striding on a quickly melting base near Flagstaff to skate skiing a shortened American Birkebeiner course in Wisconsin due to lack of snow. Even in less-than-ideal conditions, we found gear that made this sport even more fun.

Check out the best cross-country skis of the year here.

At A Glance

• Salomon Race Skate Boot ($530)
• Salomon S-Lab Carbon Click Poles ($300)
• Julbo Density sunglasses ($250)
• LĂ© Bent Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer ($105)
• CEP Ski Ultralight Tall Compression Socks ($60)
• Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Hooded Jacket ($180)
• Gordini XC Split Mitt ($50)
• Craft ADV Nordic Training Pants ($130)
• Buff Thermonet POW Neck Gater ($27)
• CEP Merino Wool Baselayer Tights ($100)
• Skida Snow Tour Neck Gaiter ($26) with Alpine Headband ($26)
• One Way Storm 2 GTX Mag Poles ($199)
• How to Choose Nordic Accessories
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

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Salomon S/Race Skate Boot

Weight: 900 g/pair (size 8 UK)
Sizing: 3.5-13 UK (unisex)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Very light
⊕ Cheap for a race boot
⊗ Finicky BOA system

The happiest skiers tend to be the ones with the toastiest, best-fitting boots. And unsurprisingly, our happiest skiers this year were wearing Salomon’s new S/Race boot, which offers an impressive trifecta of warmth, comfort, and control.

Many elite-level ski boots still have a lacing system that can loosen up over the course of a few kilometers. With just a turn of the knob, Salomon’s new integrated Boa system offers more fine-tuning of the fit when you put the boot on. It’s also easier to adjust while skiing. I loved the ease of this system but found it not entirely dialed (pun intended), needing to stop after every 5k or so to re-tighten the boot on a course with a lot of twists and turns and elevation changes.

The boot comes in two pieces: A carbon shell with an attached cuff and a lightweight interior foam liner that sits inside the shell. The former makes the boot light, precise, and stiff enough to transfer energy from ski to ski. The latter slips inside the shell, with one loop at the heel and one loop at the front of the ankle to easily slip into and out of—a favorite feature for our testers who needed to quickly dry out the liner between sessions.

I have a narrow foot with a high arch, and found the S-Race boot to be the most comfortable option I tested. Often World Cup-level race boots, which tend to be stiffer and less insulated, make my feet numb and my toes freeze. I tested the S/Race in 15-degree weather, and my feet stayed blissfully warm and comfortable, making the boot’s lower price compared to World Cup-level boots, all that much sweeter.

Salomon S-Lab Carbon Click Poles

Weight: 165 grams

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Strong
⊕ Adjustable hand strap
⊗ Pricey

Three hundred may seem like a lot to lay down for ski poles (and it is) but think about how much abuse this piece of equipment takes over a full season.

The carbon-shafted S-Lab Carbon Click is, first and foremost, strong and light. It even survived a messy yard sale of a crash on bulletproof hardpack. But it also offers a few handy extra features that make skiing more efficient. The hand strap clicks in and out with a single push of a button on the grip, so you can drink, remove your skis, or fiddle with your phone easily during your ski sessions. Another plus: the velcro hand strap has a generous tab that makes it easy to tighten while wearing gloves. Having that tight fit makes for a more explosive power transformation when pushing off.

Julbo Density Sunglasses

Weight: 20 grams

Pros and Cons
⊕ Photochromic lens
⊕ Wide field of vision
⊗ Tint too light for bright days

These are the ideal protective sunnies, especially for flat-light days. Designed for bike racing, the Density is just as ideal for nordic skiing, thanks to its huge field of vision, arms made from soft-gripping rubber derived from castor beans that can be bent in multiple ways for a custom fit, and photochromic lenses that adjust to whatever light is on the trail. Plus, at 20 grams, I barely felt them on my face during testing. Ventilation above the bridge prevents fogging.

LĂ© Bent Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer

Sizing: XS-L (women’s); S-XL (men’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely soft and comfortable
⊕ Stretchy neck
⊗ Almost feels wrong to use for exercise
⊗ Too lightweight for ten-degrees and below

The crew-necked Core is so soft that on first touch it feels like it’s made from organic cotton. But the lightweight, 200-gram base-layer is really a blend of non-mulesed merino wool and rayon sourced from bamboo.

This crewneck was a favorite with testers thanks to its breathability, soft material, and perfect fit, especially around the neck, which felt tight enough to trap heat, but not so restrictive as to feel like a choker. As tester Janine Sieja told us after a 15k ski in Minneapolis, “It’s hard to get excited about a plain black base layer.” But, she added, this one is “an ideal weight, has a fit that isn’t too loose or too tight and is very soft against the skin.” Most importantly, it wicked sweat for all testers in temperatures from 15 to 28 degrees.

CEP Ski Ultralight Tall Compression Socks

Sizing: II, III, IV, V (size coordinates with calf circumference)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Durable
⊕ Helps fight fatigue
⊗ Knee-length is a bit overkill
⊗ A tad constrictive

I have tested a lot of socks in my time, but for the last three years, CEP’s compression socks—designed for alpine skiing—have been the ones to beat. This year was no exception with the brand’s Ski Ultralight Tall sock, which sits right below the knee and is made from a durable blend of 64 percent polyamide, 22 percent merino wool, and 14 percent spandex. Some testers found the length to be slightly too tall for nordic skiing, but I’m 5’9” and appreciated the soothing, full-length compression from just below my knee to my toes.

This is a sock that got my feet, ankles, shins, and calves through multiple days of skiing up to 20 miles without succumbing to fatigue. On the compression scale, it provides 22 to 24 mmHG (millimeters of Mercury), a measurement of pressure that ranges from eight to 30. Yes, the sock is on the constrictive side, but it cuts way down on fatigue and is so well constructed that mine still looked brand new after 20-plus consecutive washes.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY SEIRUS
Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire Magne Mitt ($599.99)

If you want the warmth of mitts with the versatility of gloves, the Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire Magne Mitt is the blend of comfort and functionality you’ve been looking for. Enjoy up to 12 hours of warmth at the push of a button, thanks to advanced heated technology and rechargeable battery packs. Need to adjust gear or take a call? The magnetic closure provides quick finger access and easily seals back to lock in heat. Plus, never be left in the cold—the viewable battery life indicators make it easy to check how much power you have left.

Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket

Sizing: XXS-XXL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ No restrictive points
⊕ Wicks sweat effectively
⊗ Hood adds extra bulk

I tried a number of nordic-skiing-specific jackets, but in mild temperatures ranging in the high teens to the mid-20s, I found myself gravitating toward the Capa Hybrid, a jacket made from 100 percent recycled 20-denier ripstop nylon with PFC-free DWR finish designed for hikers and runners, because it felt the least restrictive thanks to the polyester side knit panels and sleeves. nordic-ski jackets need to accommodate vigorous upper-body movement, but they also can’t be too baggy. The Capa managed that balance perfectly.

Beyond the jacket’s ease of movement, we loved the jacket’s thin layer of Primaloft synthetic insulation in the back and front panels, which kept the Minnesota wind from blowing straight through us, while the panels and sleeves shed heat. The form-fitting scuba-style hood was a welcome addition on days when the wind kicked up, and two zippered hand pockets kept a phone close by.

Gordini XC Split Mitt

Sizing: S-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Dexterous
⊕ Leather palm grips well
⊗ Shows dirt easily
⊗ Not warm enough for frigid days

When Gordini came out with a new ski mitt last year, we passed on reviewing it, giving the company more time to iron out a few glitches, namely with fit and warmth. This year, the company came back with an almost perfect nordic-ski mitt that kept our hands warm in temps in the high teens and above thanks to a shell made from four-way stretch softshell and Primaloft insulation that’s especially beefy in the back of the hand. (Much colder, though, and these gloves felt out-gunned.) The split mitt style adds dexterity, the synthetic leather palm nicely grips the pole, and a handy oversized loop at the cuff makes it easy to yank off after a sweaty workout.

Craft ADV Nordic Training Pants

Sizing: XS-XL (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great for cold temps
⊕ Easy on/off
⊗ Small sizing

You’d be hard-pressed to find a serious nordic skier who doesn’t have a pair of Swedish-designed Craft pants or tights in their closet. Protective from the wind and cold, yet still designed to move, the polyester ADV Nordic Training pants have a stretchy windproof panel along the entire front that opens below the knee to allow for maximum range of motion. The interior, meanwhile, is a warm, plush polyester fleece. These pants are so durable, breathable, and comfortable that I use them for every ski outing unless I’m testing other pants. When temps dip below 20 degrees, I simply add a baselayer.

A drawcord waistband feels non-binding, and a calf zip makes the tights easy to quickly get into and out of. Reflective piping on the side of the leg offers increased visibility on after-dark skis.

Overall, this is a cozy, comfortable must-have tight for skiing in any climate.

Buff ThermoNet Neckwear

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly breathable
⊕ Great for cold, windy days
⊗ Overheats in temps above freezing

Who doesn’t love a buff? But also, who can really pick one out of the dizzying market? For nordic skiing, tester Ellie Hoffman found the sweet spot with the ThermoNet Neckwear, which is made from 96 percent polyester and four percent elastane Primaloft yarn. It was highly breathable, but provided ideal warmth for cold winter days.

“My face was warm skiing in the wind,” Hoffman told us. “The material is very soft and feels nice against my face as I’m breathing heavily.” That said, it’s best used when temperatures are below freezing: Hoffman reported that the material felt too stifling during warmer days.

CEP Ski Merino Ÿ Base Tights

Sizing: XS-L (women’s), S-XL (men’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Very soft
⊕ Protective padding
⊗ Needs more compression

At first glance, these tights, made primarily from a soft, bio-based modal and merino wool (with six percent spandex for added stretchiness) look entirely unremarkable. In reality, they have four different knit structures throughout to provide more warmth and support where the body needs it most. Think of these as compression lite: they aren’t medical-grade like their running-tight counterparts, but they do give the legs and butt enough support to make you want to take another lap on the trail.

There’s also added padding on the legs to protect from crashes, which came in handy when I fell on a wicked-fast nordic downhill in Duluth, Minnesota. Overall, these are tights that may look deceptively simple, but their fabric and design make them high-tech and extremely functional.

Skida Snow Tour Neck Gaiter with Alpine Headband

Snow Tour Neck Gaiter Weight: 2 oz
Alpine Headband Weight: .8 oz

Pros and Cons
⊕ Colorful, bright patterns
⊕ Soft and lightweight
⊗ Might replace all your other gaiters

When a frigid winter comes around, thinner hats, headbands, and neck gators specifically designed for nordic skiing go out the window. They just didn’t keep our testers warm enough, no matter how hard they were pushing. What did, however, was Skida’s Snow Tour neck gaiter, made from soft, lightweight brushed fleece that breathes well (even when snot is frozen to it), and their Alpine headband, made from a polyester-spandex jersey fabric with a Polartec microfleece lining that’s the perfect width to keep ears warm. Plus, we loved Skida’s fun new patterns and colors, like Penny Lane and Flow State, dropping in the fall of 2024.

One Way Storm 2 Mag Poles

Weight: 75 grams/meter
Lengths: 135-180 cm

Pros and Cons
⊕ Exceptional strength and lightweight
⊕ Easy-off grip
⊗ Baskets are interchangeable, an awesome feature unless you forget to change the basket and your pole sinks in two feet of snow like ours did

The One Way Storm 2 got a thumbs up from all testers for its strength, weight, performance, and especially its easy-off grip. The 100 percent carbon shaft of the Storm 2 is strong enough to withstand freakish plants that would normally end in snapping, light enough (at 75 grams per meter) to prevent fatigue after repetitive motion, and stiff enough to propel us forward. The new Velcro-closure grip is strong and secure, but because it attaches to the pole via a magnetic ball socket that easily clicks in and out, last-minute adjustments can be made without having to painstakingly wiggle the hand out.

One handy feature: The top of the pole shaft has tape marks showing where to cut for a desired length, taking the guesswork out of this process whether you use it for skating or classic.

How to Choose Nordic Accessories

For first-time buyers, we always recommend going to a shop devoted to nordic skiing or one that has a devoted nordic sales person. It really takes a professional to help you fit boots and poles and determine what kind of clothing you might need depending on the kind of skiing you’ll be doing.

Boots

Like any footwear required for an endurance sport, comfort comes first. No matter how well a stiff carbon boot can transfer power to the skis and propel you forward, it’s not much fun if you’re in pain. That said, like an alpine boot, your feet need to fit snug or else you lose control of the ski. If your foot is swimming around in the toe box, for example, it’s tough to efficiently push off and execute clean skating technique. Or if your heel slips in the back, you may end up with a big red blister at the end of the day. Almost always, classic boots are more comfortable than skate boots because they don’t require as much lateral stiffness to power the ski.

World Cup-level skate boots have a full-carbon outsole. That makes the boot much stiffer but also much more efficient in transferring power to the ski, so your body and ski work together in tandem. Carbon technology, however, also substantially increases the price of the boot. While there’s nothing more fun than executing powerful ski technique, a hybrid sole that combines carbon with plastic will probably work just fine for most skiers.

A well-insulated boot adds comfort and keeps your feet warmer. But if you tend to ski in warmer climates and don’t need a lot of insulation, there is also the option, as in cycling, to add a boot cover for the rare cold day.

Poles

It’s incredible how complicated a seemingly simple piece of gear like a pole can be. When buying poles, you should consider four factors: swing weight, weight, stiffness, and strength. “Swing weight” refers to the pendulum motion of each pole stroke. Weight near the tip of the pole requires more energy from the skier than weight near the top of the pole. Considering the average ski racer makes about 30-45 pole plants per minute, swing weight, if poorly distributed, can fatigue arms over time. Most skiers, however, are not going to notice the swing weight while buying poles and will likely need to rely on a pole that provides the best weight-to-strength-to-stiffness ratio, which will almost always be a carbon pole.

Another important factor in a pole is the grip. Grip is essential because you need to be able to comfortably hold your pole over a long period of time. An awkward grip can make for a long day on skis and ultimately lead to issues like blisters or arthritis. The material of the grip matters: Cork decreases vibration and resists moisture, while the foam is soft.

Lastly, a lot of time and energy can be lost in both classic and skate skiing if you have a loose or sloppy strap. It’s important that the strap fits securely so that you can grip the pole while planting yet still allow enough range of motion to release the pole as you push off the ski and glide forward. But the more secure a pole is, the more difficult it can be to take it off to adjust a ski. That’s why it’s ideal to have a system where the strap clicks on and off the pole without having to unstrap and yank out your mitt.

Clothing

Just looking at nordic ski clothing sends shivers down our testers’ spines because it never appears warm enough, especially in Minnesota. But nordic skiing is one of the most sweat-inducing activities on the planet, so the less-is-more theory is important to consider.

Baselayers, jackets, and pants need to wick sweat away, be warm enough for the coldest winter, and allow enough range of motion to effortlessly kick, glide, and plant poles. Layering is essential: a next-to-skin baselayer, a warmer piece of insulation on the coldest days, plus a thin wind and water-resistant outer layer to buffer a breeze and keep snow out. If you stop, you’ll freeze. So the most important rule of thumb is to keep moving.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 7
• Number of products tested: 61
• Number of miles skied: 355
• Warmest day: 47 degrees Fahrenheit at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis
• Highest altitude: 8,000 feet at Arizona Nordic Village

Call it La Niña, climate change, a weird anomaly, or a combination of all three, but the upper Midwest, where most of our testers are located, had one of the worst snow years on record. The warmest day we skied—in a mix of snow and rain—was 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest day, on the other hand, barely hit the teens, an almost unheard of anomaly. As a result, we had to resort to creative testing, shipping skis across the country, timing our lives to the snowmaking and grooming schedule at local ski centers, and racing in shortened events.

Between our four main testers, we skied an American Birkebeiner that was abbreviated from 50 to 30 kilometers, completed a dizzying number of hot laps on the impeccably groomed manmade snow of the 3.3K SuperTour Finals and Spring Nationals course at Spirit Mountain Nordic Center in Duluth, Minnesota, road-tripped to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and sought out the last patches of spring snow in Jackson, Wyoming. The best snow of all? Arizona Nordic Village is a sweet oasis of 40 kilometers of trails starting at 8,000 feet about 20 minutes northwest of Flagstaff.

Our testers ranged from elite-level racers to club coaches to those who ski for the joy of it. In the end, the extra push to get on snow not only helped us test, it helped us happily get through a less-than-ideal winter.

Meet Our Testers

Adam Meyer

Adam grew up in Maine where he spent winters tubing and skiing in his backyard. His love for nordic skiing blossomed when he began racing in high school and went on to ski for Tufts University. Since college, Adam has coached nordic ski teams in Vermont, Colorado, and now Wyoming.

Jen Pearson

Jen Pearson is a physician and associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and BioBehavioral Health at the University of Minnesota. She’s raced the American Birkebeiner more than 20 times with multiple top 20 finishes.

Janine Sieja

Janine Sieja is a former șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű editor who learned to cross-country ski when she moved to Minnesota and has since completed five American Birkebeiners and Korteloppets, yet remains in awe of those with decades of Birkie finishes. She’s also among an army of volunteers who organized a wildly successful FIS World Cup race held in Minneapolis in February 2024.

Ellie Hoffman

Ellie is a PA student at The College of Saint Scholastica. She has been nordic skiing since she could walk and was a former racer for the Duluth East Nordic Team.

Doug Hoffman

Doug Hoffman is an MD who specializes in musculoskeletal ultrasound. He has raced 15 to 25 Birkies, but his first love is soccer. His final collegiate soccer game as a defender for Duke University ended in an eight-overtime loss in the 1982 NCAA final.

Brian Hayden

Brian Hayden is the founder of the Duluth Devo Mountain Bike Program. He’s a former collegiate nordic-ski racer and ski wax technician for the Duluth East High School Nordic Ski Team. His patience at the wax bench made this test possible.

Stephanie Pearson

Category manager Stephanie Pearson grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, cross-country skiing out her backyard. She is a contributing editor to șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű and a 2023 National Geographic Explorer.

The post The Best Cross-Country Boots and Accessories of 2025 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The year I moved from beachy San Diego to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, I decided to learn how to skate ski. All the endurance athletes around here are doing it, I thought, and I considered myself among that crew. I rented a pair of slightly banged up Fischer SCS demo skis from the local outdoor shop and headed to North Boulder Park, where, graciously, the Boulder Nordic Club grooms skate and classic tracks when enough snow falls in town. I had no idea what I was doing, but I hacked my way around.

I’d fall and I’d get back up. I’d watch all the much better skiers and try to mimic them, my arms and legs flailing about.

I kept at it on those beater skis and bought them for cheap at the end of that season. I skied on them for years. I got better, and eventually, I wasn’t the slowest person at North Boulder Park. The movement of skate skiing—and improving at it—became addicting. I had fallen in love with it and looked forward to winter when I could kick my own ass skating laps around the park (anyone who’s ever tried skate skiing knows it’s a remarkably efficient way to get in a full-body anaerobic workout).

Years later, I got myself a pair of fancy skis. My Madshus Redline 3.0 skate skis make me a little embarrassed when I take them into the shop to get waxed. I don’t feel worthy of them. I get the sense the skis feel the same way. I have a hard time controlling their lightness, their speed. I’m so used to my old setup from 21 years ago that even after a couple winters of owning the new, top-of-the-line pair, I have some living up to do.

I’ve asked a couple experts why I have a hard time with my new skis. I was taking a winter biathlon lesson at Colorado’s Devil’s Thumb Ranch, where a seasoned instructor named Jon taught me how to shoot a rifle at a target and eyed my fancy skis. I told him they felt a little unwieldy to me. He nodded, knowingly, and pointed to my boots.

The new skis had a new binding system, which I was upset about when I first got them as I had to buy new boots that were compatible. I didn’t want to spend a lot so I got an almost-entry-level pair. Big mistake. Lower-end boots on high-end skis is a bad combination, and I should know better. Energy transfer from foot and body to the ski needs to be as efficient as possible to control a fast, light ski. Lower-end boots tend to be more comfortable than high-end boots, but that also means that there’s more interior padding, which can absorb energy. As soon as Jon mentioned as much, I could not get the idea of my boots holding me back out of my head.

Once I invested in higher-end boots to match my higher-end skis, my skate technique got a little less sloppy. But after two years on my new kit, I still feel like I’m trying to catch up to my gear. And I still, sometimes, reach for my old skis and old boots.

I’m not alone, it turns out. Ex-professional Nordic ski racer David Norris is sponsored by Rossignol and coaches at Steamboat’s esteemed Winter Sports Club, which regularly turns out Olympians. “All through high school and college I trained on ten-year-old beaters,” he says.

And now, despite owning a fleet of top-of-the-line race skis, he reaches for his older skis regularly, though he admits that’s mostly about what he’s willing to ding up in non-ideal conditions. “My fleet of skis are sort of organized like this: ‘rock-rock skis,’ ‘rock skis’, training skis, and race skis.”

I’m not a pro, so my personal fleet of skis are organized like this: ‘skis I aim to grow into,’ and ‘skis I’m comfortable on.’ I don’t want to ding up my old Fishers. I love them. (And according to Jon at Devil’s Thumb, those Fisher SCS skis were perhaps ahead of their time.)

If I entered a race, I suppose I’d reach for my new, fast skis, and hope I could manage my body well-enough to match them. Although, my old skis did carry me through a race in which I was over-my-head years ago. Fun and somewhat ridiculous story: In 2006, I found myself racing in the Winter Triathlon World Championships—running on snow, riding a mountain bike on snow, and skate skiing (on my old demo skis)—in Sjusjþen, Norway, and I wasn’t last.

My point is this: If you want to get into Nordic skiing, any old skis will do—at least initially. You don’t need to shell out big bucks to try skate or classic skiing. I don’t regret buying my initial pair of demo skis. Those beater skis were my gateway to a sport I now love. But when the time comes to upgrade to better gear, prepare yourself for a learning curve.

Nordic Gear Shopping Tips from a Pro

Winter Sports Club coach and ex-pro Norris emphasizes that, “older skis or a level below top-of-the line are still quite good,” and that, “old gear won’t negatively impact a skier’s experience.” (I am a personal testament to that.) He offers these pointers for those considering getting into skate or classic cross-country skiing this season:

Attend your town’s local ski swap.

“Most every ski town has a ski swap,” he says. “The swaps generally have good deals and often serve as a fundraiser for something such as the local high school team. A few hundred bucks at the right swap could get you a full skate set up.”

Find boots that you’re happy with and double-check that the boots match up with the bindings of the skis you buy.

Older skis often have outdated bindings (SNS Pilot) that aren’t compatible with today’s boots, which are mostly made for the NNN (New Nordic Norm) system. Make sure your boots and skis match up, “especially if you’re getting a Frankenstein set-up at a ski swap or on Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist,” notes Norris.

Don’t worry about great poles.

The difference in higher-end poles is mostly in weight and stiffness to maximize power transfer. “Every skier would be very happy with the level of pole one or two steps below top-of-the-line,” says Norris. “You get massive price savings and, functionally, they work well.”

Lastly, know that a Nordic ski pass tends to be much more reasonable than an alpine ski pass. “Once you get your ski gear,” says Norris, “you should have years of fairly low-cost fun and awesome exercise.”

The post I Own Expensive Skate Skis. Here’s Why I Still Reach for My Old Beaters. appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Cross-training cyclists, alpine skiers, and the backcountry crowd already get it: skate skiing boosts your fitness while offering a reparative full-body workout that delivers a physique like Kikkan Randall’s. With a few lessons or the diligence to watch online tutorials, the skills are easy to pick up. But to really excel, you need light and powerful skis, boots, and poles and apparel that lets you move at your anaerobic threshold on the climbs without freezing on the descents. The gear that follows is suited to racing or just skiing at the limit of your fitness and capacity for fun.

Rab Phantom Pull-On Shell ($200)

Skiing in a midlayer works only if you can also carry a superlight just-in-case shell that’s wind- and water-resistant enough to get you back to the car when the weather goes bad. Rab’s Phantom anorak features a deep half zip to save weight and pack space. We scrunch it up into the compartment of a hydration waist pack, but it’s so small that you could even ball it up and tuck it beneath a base layer—Tour de France style—if you’re starved for pockets. The two-layer, DWR-coated Pertex Shield fabric shed sleet just long enough for one tester to ski ten kilometers back to the truck.Ìę(S–XL)

Salomon S/Max Carbon Skate Prolink Boots ($410)

Comfort or performance? If you’re shopping for skate boots, you typically have to choose one. No longer. While the S/max Carbon Skate isn’t as feathery as a World Cup race boot, it’s plenty light for recreational racing. It also has padded uppers and a more anatomical exoskeleton. Now the energy transfer and edging power are top-notch, but the pressure points are gone.

Atomic Redster S9 Gen S Skis ($960)

The Redster S9 represents one of the first major developments in skate skiing in years. The most radical change is also the subtlest: a new sidecut that engages more actively at the shovel. This means that as you glide from one ski to the other, the tip tracks straighter longer, saving you time and energy. As with most nordic-gear upgrades (except for nailing the wax), you don’t notice that effect immediately. But we did feel more efficient—and faster, too, at the end of a three-hour session.Ìę

Beyond the ski’s tracking straighter, what you will notice immediately is the S9’s handling. Especially on hard, fast downhill corners, it edges and arcs so well that we found ourselves carving sections we’d typically step turn. That’s a function of both the new sidecut—the forebody wants to arc—and the steep and powerful sidewalls, which deliver a secure feel on edge.Ìę

We’re also huge fans of Atomic’s bold move to produce the S9 in just one midrange length (183 centimeters). Skiers merely have to choose between a stiffer and a softer flex, based on their height and weight, which simplifies the buying process. On paper, that size might seem short for some skiers and long for others. It works because the S9 is so deceptively stout and easy to handle. A versatile base material and a stone grind, which glides well in a huge range of snow conditions, means the S9 is truly a one-ski quiver. Bindings come pre-mounted.

Swix Nybo Full-Zip Hoodie ($160)

I’ve owned many expensive nordic soft-shell jackets over the years but ski most often in simple wind- and weather-resistant hoodies like the Nybo. A DWR-treated shell material up front offers just enough weatherproofing for highly aerobic skating in marginal weather (although you wouldn’t want to stand around in a storm). In spring snow mixed with rain, it kept us dry enough to reach the top of a long climb before pulling on a shell for the cold, windy descent. Stretch panels over the shoulder blades allow for maximal range of motion while double poling—and reflective panels add safety for biking and running. (women’s XS–XL / men’s S–XXL)

Hestra Infinium Momentum Gloves ($60)

We’ve seen pairs of Hestra cross-country ski gloves last for 12 years—and counting. But the new Infinium Momentum is a serious upgrade thanks to the highly breathable and water-resistant Gore-Tex Infinium that kept our hands dry in all manner of conditions. The backing is a stretchy soft-shell material that’s easy on the hands. And because Hestra is famously attentive to detail when it comes to stitching articulated fingers, the dexterity is best in class. Carry a simple over-mitt with you to push this spring-weight glove into winter temps.Ìę

Balingsta Custom Project Pants No. 1 ($580)

Cut from Polartec’s hyper-breathable waterproof pants offer more weather protection than the standard bottoms engineered for skiers who’ll be popping in and out of warming huts and lodges. It’s cut from Polartec’s hyper-breathable waterproof material, NeoShell. During a long, sunny jaunt on snowmobile trails, the No.1s kept us plenty cool. On a wet, snowy day with the wind and weather at our backs, they kept us warm and dry. Most other wind-resistant nordic pants can’t do both.ÌęThe brand makes every pair to order, which minimizes waste.

Bliz Breeze Sunglasses ($105)

The nordork code requires that sunglass temples be worn outside the touque. Bliz’s Breeze lets you one-up that fashion statement by swapping out the temples for an elastic strap that wraps around the back of your head, combining the stay-put fit of goggles with the fog resistance of shades. The lens hits a sweet spot: light enough to see well in dim forests, and tinted enough to preserve solid vision in full sun.

Swix Triac 4.0 Aero Poles ($500)

If, like me, you didn’t grow up racing nordic, it’s easy to assume that skating poles are like alpine poles: an afterthought unrelated to performance. In modern skate skiing, a significant amount of your forward propulsion comes from the upper body and core. You want poles that are lightweight, for a faster turnover, and stiff, for more energy transfer. The best nordic poles are lightweight, for faster turnover, and stiff, for more energy transfer. In pursuit of that sweet spot, the new Triac’s shaft is slightly pentagonal (rather than circular), diminishing drag and boosting rigidity. We’ve tested three generations of Swix Triacs, and each one has proven noticeably more rigid than the last. We tested the 4.0 head-to-head against a ten-year-old set of skate poles that were once top of their class. The improvement is instantly perceptible. Don’t need the mack daddy? Check out Swix’s range of Quantum carbon race poles for a range of prices.Ìę

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Nordic skiing comes in many forms. Sure, it’s fun to zip down corduroy on a well-waxed skate setup. But there’s something special about just clipping into your bindings and going—around the backyard, down an unplowed forest road, or through the woods on a hiking trail that doesn’t see a lot of traffic. Those days call for different gear: a fatter ski, a slightly beefier boot, and clothing and accessories to keep you warm even if you’re moving slow. Here’s our favorite kit this season.Ìę

Fischer OTX Trail Boots ($149)

Nordic touring boots can be clunky. Not these, which are stiff and supportive enough for off-track endeavors in a surprisingly light (1.3-pound), svelte package, with a secure speed-lace system that locks the foot in place. The rubber outsole is more flexible and deeply lugged than typical nordic boots to keep you surefooted in icy parking lots.Ìę

Ortovox ­Berrino Jacket ($240)

The Berrino has fleecy merino on the inside and durable synthetic polyamide on the outside. It’s light, breathable, soft enough to wear over a T-shirt, and wards off flurries. (women’s XS–XL / men’s S–XXL)

Atomic Savor XC Skintec Skis ($335)

When it comes to off-track nordic adventures, skin skis, which use built-in alpine-style climbing skins under the foot to produce grip, are the way to go. They require minimal maintenance, so you can pretty much just slap them on at your back door and head off into the woods. Atomic’s Savor boasts a new silhouette designed with maneuverability in mind: it’s wider and shorter, with a gradual sidecut for a stable yet nimble ride that skiers of all abilities will enjoy,. At 46 millimeters underfoot, they’re also skinny enough to fit into groomed tracks.Ìę

One Way BC Vario Poles ($119)

Any old beater poles will do the trick for low-key woodland adventures, but touring-specific ones with adjustable shafts and powder baskets sure are nice. One Way’s aluminum BC Vario is adjustable from 95 to 160 centimeters, with a long cork-and-foam grip that comes in handy on angled traverses.Ìę

Mystery Ranch D Route Pack ($99)

The D Route has been one of our favorite resort-ski packs for years due to its low-profile design. Turns out it rocks for nordic touring too—it’s just big enough to hold water, snacks, and an extra layer or two, without getting in the way of an efficient stride. This year it got an upgrade: a waterproof front panel, 1.2 extra liters of storage capacity, and a two-ounce weight reduction.Ìę

Goodr VRG Sunglasses ($35)

Shield frames offer refuge from both sun and wind but look undeniably dorky. The VRG has those benefits (sans lateral protection) in a stylish silhouette.

Hestra Windstopper Wool Terry Split Mitts ($70)

Unfortunately for those of us with cold hands, mittens are a no-go for nordic skiing. You need full finger dexterity to grip and release the pole with each stride. The solution: hybrid gloves, which group your fingers into three slots instead of five individual ones. This pair uses a terry lining made of looped wool yarn, which generates a shocking amount of warmth with relatively little bulk (a windproof shell helps). That lining is almost as soft as fleece, minus the fuzz.Ìę

Daehlie Sportswear Conscious Pants ($200)

Daehlie’s latest uses a Tencel-wool blend—soft shell on the front of the legs and airy elastic mesh on the back—so you can stay warm on blustery days without getting sweaty, even when you’re working hard. We especially like the pants’ wide, flat waistband, which is covered in the same stretchy fabric found on the back of the legs—they’re almost as comfortable as yoga pants. (­women’s XS–XL / men’s S–XL)

CamelBak Podium Flow Belt ($45)

If you’re just going out for a few hours, CamelBak’s Podium Flow belt is all you need. Its rectangular zippered storage pocket is just a bit bigger than what you’d find on typical hydration belts—enough to fit a phone, gloves, and snacks. The water-bottle sleeve holds a standard 21-ounce vessel (included).

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As the darkness of a COVID winter looms, I plan on cross-country skiing my face off. It’s the perfect socially distant winter activity:Ìęglide off into solitary oblivion without a chairlift in sight, while getting a kick-ass, gym-free workout. I won’t be the only one out there.

“Many people are turning to nordic, especially if they don’t live near a resort,” says Nick Sargent, president of the industry organizationÌę. Whether travel or general safetyÌęis your concern, cross-country skis afford beautiful independence.

“No matter what the situation is—pandemic, weather, holiday, with kids or without—we can go nordic skiing,” says Sargent, who grew up skiing two miles to school and back in Vermont. That ease of access is appealing.ÌęShops across the country are Ìęthan in past years; in Colorado,ÌęÌęreportsÌęseeing shortages from many manufacturers. This means now is the time to buy.

But cross-country ski gear is undeniably confusing. There are several different types of boots and skis—and different ways to ski them—plus a complex matrix of boot-binding compatibility. Here’s our primer on how to become the nordie you’ve always wanted to be.

Use a Shop

Possibly more so than any other sport, there is massive value in working with a shop to get set up with proper skis, boots, bindings, and poles. (And many shops can help customers over the phone instead of in person, ideal in our COVID world.)

The first question will be: Do you want to ski in tracks at a nordic center or out of tracks in the backcountry? They’ll also ask what other sports you do, and what kind of experience you’re looking to have.

Skate Skis

Skate skiing is exactly what it sounds like: each ski glides forward diagonally, similar toÌęwhat happensÌęice skating, everyÌęstride starting with a push-off on the inside edge of the opposite ski. Anyone who likes to go fast off the bat, and who plans on skiing exclusively at groomed nordic centers, will likely gravitate toward this discipline. (Though the best way to decide whether you prefer skate or classic skiing is to rent equipment and try them both.) Skate skis have a base that’s smooth from tip to tail.

Nathan Schultz, the owner of Boulder Nordic Sport,Ìęsuggests investing in at least , which cost anywhere from $300 to $500.Ìę“It’s way more fun to have high-quality stuff,” he says. “It’s less work.” Why? Higher-end base materials glide and hold wax better, and well-engineered foam or corrugated composite cores make skis lighter and livelier, moving your energy down the trail instead of absorbing it. “Inexpensive skis feel more dead and wooden,” he says.

Classic Skis

Classic skiing is what you probably think of when you picture cross-country athletes: you move your skis forward in a parallel motion, like you’re running on skis. This discipline can produce just as good of a workout as skate skiing, but it’s typically a little slowerÌęand requires more technique to unlock higher speeds. (Most beginners simply walk on skis. The trueÌękick-and-glide motion takes awhile to learn.) Classic skiing is also more versatile. You can go fastÌęin tracks at nordic centersÌęor cruise around off-trail in the woods. The skis look similar to skate models in every way, except they’re usually longer and the tips curve up more. They also have a grippy kick zone under the foot.

Classic skis come in several variations. require you to apply a temperature-specific, sticky Ìęto this section of the base, while have a fish-scale pattern underfoot that generates kick. In the past few years, have started embeddingÌęmohair skins, like those used for alpine touring, into the bottom of classic skis, instead of grinding in a fish-scale pattern.Ìę(No matter which type of ski you pick, you should still apply glide wax to the tips and tails. More on that below.)

For high-performance classic skiing, to waxable skis (and a good wax application) will have you kicking and gliding the fastest. However,ÌęSchultz says thatÌę meant for in-track skiing work well and “remove one layer of confusion and complexity from an already technical sport.” There’s also a versatile category of that work both in tracks and off-trail.

Backcountry Skis

If you want to ski a wide range of off-trail terrain, you’ll need skis that are fatter, shorter, and have metal edges for stability and turning. Otherwise, the underfoot grip zone and the kick-and-glide forward motion areÌęthe same as they areÌęon classic skis. “We have a lot of people come to usÌęwanting toÌęshuffle around the lakes and forests of Minnesota and Wisconsin,” says Jenny Beckman, general manager of the MinnesotaÌęshopÌę. “They’re looking for a classic-style setup with very little maintenance. We direct them to waxless skis in tracks and out.” There are also burlierÌęÌęare 60 millimeters (or even fatter) underfoot and can handleÌęlow-angle trails from New Hampshire to Montana. AÌędedicated will keep your feet warm while offering higher levels of support for rugged terrain. ThisÌętype of boot works only with a dedicated backcountry, or .

Boots andÌęBindings

have a stiff soleÌęand a high, supportive ankle cuff,Ìęand they should fit snugly, like a cycling shoe, but not as tight as an alpine boot. AÌęÌęisÌęcut lower, and itsÌęsole andÌęankle are able toÌęflex as you kick and glide. For fit, allowÌęabout a thumb’s width of room atÌęthe toe, like a running shoe. The same rule applies for both: AÌęÌęboot, often made , will be lighter and stiffer, yielding better power transfer. It will also pack out less over time. If you’re interested in both skate and classic skiing, you can get away with , which have a structural cuff for skating and a soft enough sole to flex for classic—adequate for both, though optimal for neither.

To a certain degree, the boot you buy will determine what kind of binding you need. (OrÌęvice versa:Ìęif you particularly like a certain binding platform, that will limit your boot options.) Nordic boot-binding compatibility can lead you down a path of confusing acronyms. Most boots these days from brands like Alpina, Fischer, Madshus, Rossignol, and Salomon are on an NNN platform, with three NNN-compatible binding platforms—NIS, , andÌę. Ultimately, it’s best to ask a shop employee or a very knowledgeable friend to make sure your gear is copacetic. Skate and classic bindings systems bear the same acronyms. The main difference is thatÌęclassic bindingsÌęhave a softer toe bumper than a skate binding to allow more of a kick-and-glide movement.ÌęA Ìęof classic bindingÌęshifts up to three centimeters forward or backward. “You can shift the binding forward for extra kickÌęor back for extra glide,” depending on the conditions, says Beckman.

Poles

Skate and classic skiing useÌęthe same poles, just cut to different lengths. Skate poles should arriveÌębetween your upper lip and your nose when you rest the tip on the ground while wearing boots or street shoes; classic polesÌęshould reach the top of your shoulder while you’re wearing boots. Zach Caldwell of Vermont’s and Ìęrecommends lightweight Ìęinstead of a carbon-fiber glass blend, so you’re not swinging a heavy pendulum with every pole plant.ÌęMake sure the grips and straps fit your hands and wrists properly. “That’s where the power transfer happens,” Caldwell says.

How Much Money Are We Talking?

in any cross-country discipline will cost you between $700 to $1,000, but you can get a package of boots, bindings, and waxless touring skis for $350. Compare that amount to even an entry-level bike and exhale.

Taking Care of Your Gear

Caldwell advisesÌę your ski bases at regular intervalsÌęand then using every time you ski—even the tips and tails of classic skis, no matter what kind of classic ski you have. This helps the skis glide and keeps the bases from drying out. Skipping the hot wax and just using liquids works fine,Ìęhe says, but regular hot-wax applications will help the overall performance and life spanÌęof your new skis.

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Salomon Escape 64 OutPath Skis ($320)

Combine full metal edges with a ­64-millimeter width and grippy ­fish-­scale bases, and you get boards that can handle meadow powder, forest mank, ­low-elevation climbs, and frozen crust. They even have enough sidecut to make turns on mellow spring corn.

Start Nordic Ranger Poles ($65)

Off-trail skiing demands poles with big, powder-ready baskets and shafts that will hold up to bushwhacking. We love the Nordic Rangers, made from burly yet flexible carbon and glass with comfy cork grips.

Salomon Escape OutPath Boots ($230)

In the backcountry, your primary goal is to control your skis while staying warm and comfortable. To that end, the insulated Escape OutPath features a snug cuff and a wide last that accommodates thick socks. It’s also flexible enough for walking—key for crossing creeks and mud patches.

Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 Pack ($169)

Long days on skis require a backpack that can keep your load balanced. The Coulee 25 offers that, plus a few smart features. Carry water bottles in external sleeves or stash a bladder inside. The tri-zip front panel opens up wide for fast access.

Ìę

Swix Pro Marathon Glide Wax ($80)

Swix’s new wax protects your skis and offers plenty of glide. And, since it’s fluorocarbon-free, it carries fewer health risks for you and the environment.Ìę

Amundsen 5Mila Pants ($379)

Like all good nordic pants, the ­5Mila is ­weather-resistant up front and stretchy in back. Even better, waxed-canvas bum and shin reinforcements ward off underbrush.

Bliz Fusion Nordic Light Sunglasses ($105)

Weighing just 1.3 ounces, with adjustable nose pads and temples, these shades are a dream. The oversize protective lenses are tuned to boost contrast in flat light.

Hestra Ergo Grip Active Gloves ($110)

Dexterity is key for efficient nordic technique. But off-piste, protection is, too. With supple goat leather, offset finger seams, and windproof Gore-Tex, these Hestras deliver both.

Gore Wear X7 Partial Gore-Tex Infinium Shirt ($200)

Water-resistant and impossibly breathable, with windproof chest and arms and a rear pocket, this outer layer is perfect for all nordic missions.

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Craft PrimaLoft Stow Light Jacket ($160)

With 60-gram synthetic fill, this lightweight puffy is loose and breathable enough to keep you warm without overheating. Stuff it into its pocket when the mercury rises.

Ìę

Fischer Twin Skin X-Lite EF Skis ($349)

If kick waxing gets you down, invest in these skis with wee climbing skins in the bases. The X-Lite EFs aren’t as fast or light as race sticks, but they’re great for a mellow tour.

Start Ultra Gel Wax ($28)

Unlike typical rub-on glide waxes, Start’s easy-to-apply Ultra Gel penetrates deep, lasts longer than a few miles, and won’t dry out your bases. It keeps you gliding when you don’t have time for a full hot wax.

Bliz Matrix Sunglasses ($75)

The Grilamid-nylon frames are featherlight, while wide, shatterproof lenses provide sharp optics, wind protection, and a huge field of vision without the dork factor.

Leki Nordic Tune Shark Boa Gloves and HRC Max Poles ($140 and $450)

Leki’s original glove and pole system gets an upgrade. Boa dials achieve an exceptionally snug fit when the gloves are clipped to the poles, for efficiency and power transfer.

Ìę

Craft Fuseknit Comfort Leggings ($40)

This seamless polyester piece offers all-day comfort, either as stand-alone leggings or as a base layer. Variations in weave density provide warmth or ventilation in key areas.

Ìę

Rottefella Dynamic Half-Zip Top ($169)

Rottefella’s half-knit top is ideal for nordic skiing, with a warm Polartec Power Wool front, a Power Dry back to dump heat, and close-fitting side panels that move with you.

Alpina CSK Skate Boots ($500)

No more deciding between a cold, tight race boot and a warm, casual one. Alpina’s insulated CSK offers control and stability while shielding toes from frostbite.

Rottefella Move System Bindings ($130)

Variable terrain and conditions calls for different pressure distributions across the ski—forward for better kick, back for better glide. Enter the Move​​​​​​​, which shifts 48 millimeters fore and aft for the best of both worlds.

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Cross-Country Skiing Essentials

“The first high-performance no-wax technology.” That’s the claim with this mohair-equipped classic ski, which trades the hassle of kick wax on the base for inserted strips of synthetic fibers to grip the snow. A Teflon-like coating prevents the mohair from icing up. The ski’s unique camber is made to engage the mohair when kicking, while also providing a fast glide. says that it began testing the Skintec technology at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Almost a decade later, they are ready for the mainstream skier looking to kick, glide, and literally throw their wax box full of nasty sticky stuff away forever.

Fischer RCS Carbonlite S-Track Ski

The skate ski is more than worthy of your boots. It was the ski of gold medalists at the Vancouver Olympics and named the most recognizable ski on the World Cup circuit. That’s according to Ben Popp, a veteran skier and coach at in Minnesota, who gives props to these skate skis’ light weight and overall speed. Fischer advertises “the best possible gliding and edging in soft and wet conditions” with this ski, though it can be used in a range of temps. And yes, that is a hole cut into the ski tip to save a few extra grams of weight.

Rossignol X-IUM WC Boot

This classic boot is made for professional racers but priced for regular joes. The weighs 400 grams per foot and provides the fit needed for full-force kicks. In a groomed track, sweating to get ahead, you’ll appreciate the Rossi tech—this boot locks your foot in place but also provides enough flex for something the company dubs maximum kick amplitude. That’s Nordic-speak for really fast.

Salomon S-Lab Carbon Pro Skate Boot

“Light, stiff, and seamless.” That’s how Jan Guenther, an expert skier and founder of the store in Long Lake, Minnesota, describes this bulldog of a skate boot. The S-Lab Carbon Pro Skate boasts an aggressive design (i.e., that race-ready checkered flag on the heel) matched with a stiff carbon plate in the sole offers support and provides power transmission as you skate.

Swenor Fibreglass Cap Rollerski

To become a better skier, you need to train even when the snow isn’t falling. Swenor’s Fibreglass Cap rollerski promises true “on-snow feel” and a build that can negotiate pavement on paths and residential streets around your home. Swenor builds the pseudo-ski with thin plies of lightweight wood—meant to absorb and dampen road vibrations—wrapped by layers of fiberglass. Epoxy and a factory mold give the rollers a slight Nordic camber. Clip in with your ski boots and skate away for a snow-free Nordic session.

SkiFast Ergometer

For serious skiers, coach Ben Popp recommends 15 minutes of pre- and post-workout time with a machine. “Skiing takes lots of core and upper body strength,” Popp says. “This machine fits in your basement and is a great way to work out your upper body and core.” The machine simulates ski-poling with a flywheel and adjustable resistance. An onboard digital console gives real-time power feedback and overall stats on your Nordic-minded workout.

Heat Factory Large Warmer

Heat Factory’s tag line is “Never be cold again.” Put the in your gloves, boots, or jacket. The air-activated pouches contain a mix of iron powder, charcoal, salt, and vermiculite. Tear one open and let the heat flow.

Craft Zero X Gunde Boxer

Men, when you skate ski your legs are spread far apart, wind enters, and, well, that’s enough said. For a better buffer, try , which have a GORE Windstopper panel to deflect cold air. Built with an ergonomic fit and constructed enirely from wicking polyester, they’re the ultimate skiing baselayer.

Swix Cera F Wax

It’s expensive white powder bought by the gram—yes, we’re talking about ski wax. The pricey are an “expensive speed powder,” says Jan Guenther of Gear West. Sold in 30 gram containers, skiers sprinkle this pixie dust— it’s actually fluorinated carbons, not traditional wax—and iron it into their ski base for maximum speed. Don’t sneeze when applying.

Swix T71 World Cup Digital Iron

If you’re spending all that money on ski wax you need a top-end iron to put it on right. The is pro-level, including a 25mm iron plate for stable heat output as well as temperature control regulated at 1°C deviation by an integrated microprocessor.

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Fischer RCS Carbonlite Skating Hole Skis

Awkward Euro nomenclature notwithstanding, Fischer’s RCS Carbonlite Skating Hole skis are the most powerful (but still crazy light) skis we’ve ever reviewed. The namesake hole in each tip reduces weight so you can boost your diagonal stride cadence—especially when climbing.

Fischer Racing Xcelerator Skate NIS Bindings

Pair Fischer’s RCS Carbonlite Skating Hole skis with their Racing Xcelerator Skate NIS bindings. The metal (not plastic) closure mechanism helps ramp up the power of your kick.

Alpina Elite Carbon Skate Boots

Complete the package with Alpina’s Elite Carbon Skate boots. The anatomical carbon-fiber struts that serve as the cuff pour leg power into the ski.

Start SD3 Poles

Since they’re wound in a 3-D process, Start’s SD3 poles are strong where most poles are weak—down by the aero baskets—and stiff where most poles are soft, in the midshaft.

Sugoi Piston 140 Base Layer

The jury may still be out on whether compression benefits performance, but it sure feels good, especially when it’s built into a fast-wicking base layer like Sugoi’s Piston 140.

Arc’teryx Trino Jersey

For outer layers, you can’t beat the versatility of Arc’teryx’s Trino jersey and the Gore Bike Wear ALP-X SO pants. Both are stretchy and block wind—and both can easily double as cold-weather running or biking layers.

Gore Bike Wear ALP-X SO Pants

For outer layers, you can’t beat the versatility of Arc’teryx’s Trino jersey and the Gore Bike Wear ALP-X SO pants. Both are stretchy and block wind—and both can easily double as cold-weather running or biking layers.

Hestra Windstopper Action Racing Gloves

A thin sheet of Gore’s Windstopper fabric in the Hestra Windstopper Action Racing gloves provides the perfect amount of protection and warmth.

SmartWool PhD Graduated Light Socks

Down low, pull on a pair of SmartWool PhD Graduated light socks.

Swix Earmuffs

Fully embrace your inner nordic dork with Swix’s earmuffs, which keep your ears warm and your body cool when you’re hammering away at the climbs.

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Nordic ski boots also come in many flavors: recreational touring, recreational skating, competitive classic skiing, and competitive skating. Your best bet is to go to a specialty store so they can match your feet to a specific boot, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

In the recreational touring category, try Fischer’s Comfort Cruiser (). Designed for nature-loving newcomers to cross-country skiing, this book has a soft sole flex, more insulation, and a lot of flexibility, which means that wide feet work well in it.

Rossignol’s X9FW ($229, ) is an entry-level race-quality skate boot, built with an internal lacing system and a thermo-adjustable fit, so you can customize to your size.

In the serious skate or classical race category, try Salomon’s Carbon Skate ($450, ) or Carbon Classic ($400). These two are World Cup worthy, and custom moldable to almost any foot size. But keep in mind, you’ll also need Salomon’s special Pilot binding system.

Since you live in Wisconsin, I’d recommend taking a drive to Hayward, home of the American Birkebeiner ski race and New Moon Ski & Bike shop (). The experts there will take one look at your foot and have you in the perfect boot in no time.

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