Cross-country ski gear

Welcome to your winter workout. Cross-country skiing may not have the adrenaline-pumping highs of downhill skiing but it’s still an amazing way to explore your local winter wonderland at a brisk pace and get a good amount of exercise. With the right gear for classic or skate skiing from MEC, you’ll be ready to glide through the snowy landscapes all season. Check out our wide variety of skis, boots, poles and more from brands like Rossignol, Salomon, MEC Label and more.

Cross-country skis

When it comes to choosing cross-country skis, you’ll need to know the difference between classic and skate skiing. Classic is the style of stride-and-glide skiing that most people associate with cross-country. Classic skis are narrow, making them ideal to fit into special classic tracks you’ll find in most Nordic ski areas. They also have a grippy section at the base right under your feet called the “wax pocket” or “kick zone” that stays put so you don’t slide backwards. Skate skiing is a highly aerobic style that relies on pushing hard with your poles and moving in an angled skating motion. Skate skis are shorter than classics and have gliding, waxable bases.

Cross-country ski boots

If you’re brand new to cross-country skiing, you might now realize just how much of a cardio workout it can be. And just like running or hiking, a pair of well-fitting boots is essential. Like the skis, cross-country ski boots can come in classic or skate style, depending on what skis you’ll be pairing them with. Your boots shouldn’t be too tight or too loose, so visit your local MEC or any other ski store to try on boots in person (while wearing thick socks) to get a good idea of how they’ll fit. If you’re looking for cross-country ski boots for kids with fluctuating sizes, check out gear swaps or secondhand cross-country set-ups to test out their comfort before investing in a brand new pair.

Cross-country ski clothing

Dressing for cross-country skiing can be a little trickier than it seems. While you will be outside in the middle of winter, and it will be cold, cross-country skiing can be an intense workout and get you overheated quickly. Breathable, water-resistant layers are perfect additions to your cross-country ski gear collection, keeping you warm but flexible enough to still work hard.