Clothes for Cross-Country Skiing
Wear Layers and Select Fabrics That Breathe and Wick Moisture
Jan 18, 2008
Cross-Country Skiing is Easy to Learn
Cross-country skiing, aka Nordic or x-c skiing, is a fun sport that can be easy and inexpensive. Skiing cross-country can be anything from a gentle glide on a sunny winter day, to an all-out aerobic race, or a multi-day ski tour.
For a beginner going out for a few hours to try the sport, the clothing can be based on a running or hiking outfit. After a few times, it will be obvious what pieces of skiwear are going to be good investments.
Dress for Warmth and Ease of Movement
The key to staying warm is to wear layers of breathable clothing that will wick moisture away from the skin. Carry a backpack for lunch, necessary supplies, and extra clothing.
The principle of wearing layers is the same as in cold weather running and hiking. Cross-country skiing is more like walking or running than downhill skiing.
Wear clothing that is easy to move in. The joy of cross-country skiing includes the feeling of freedom when moving across the snow, and if the clothes are too bulky or tight, they get in the way.
A Good Cross-Country Ski Outfit for Beginners
Long underwear, synthetic or silk. Wear fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin.
Socks that also wick moisture away from the skin. Many people like two layers of socks, a thin layer to transport moisture and a thicker layer for warmth and cushioning.
Short-sleeved T-shirt under a loose long-sleeved sweater.
Avoid blue jeans and thick cotton sweat pants. Blue jeans are too tight and cold, and thick sweat pants soak up moisture from the snow as well as from your body. Better choices include synthetic track pants or full-figured work pants.
Optional, depending on the temperature - snow pants. These should be loose enough to move in and should not trap moisture near the skin.
A jacket to keep out the wind, insulated for warmth. A Gore-Tex or other breathable fabric is nice to have, but not necessary for the very first time.
A toque or other warm hat is absolutely necessary.
A scarf is an excellent piece of clothing, adding a surprising amount of warmth and preventing heat from escaping between the jacket and the hat.
Gloves or mitts should not feel tight. In mittens the fingers can heat each other. Wear proper ski mitts or gloves, as these repel water. Downhill ski wear is fine on the hands.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen are necessary. The winter sun has the same ultraviolet rays as the summer sun, intensified by reflecting off the snow.
The footwear will be cross-country ski boots, considered equipment rather than clothing.
Many experienced cross-country skiers wear gaiters to keep the snow from building up at the top of the ski boots. Gaiters may be available from an equipment rental shop. If not, a very long pair of thick socks can be pulled up over the pant legs to keep the snow out.
The Pre-Ski Test
To see if the clothing will be good for skiing, simply put it on and go for a walk or run with normal footwear, not ski boots. Use about the same energy level you think you will use when skiing. Can you move your arms and legs freely? Are you warm and dry, or cold and clammy?
The first time out on skis might feel awkward, but Nordic skiing is worth learning.
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