Cross country skis

Choosing the right cross-country skis starts with understanding what kind of skiing you want to do, and what your level of experience is. You may be surprised at how much of a cardio workout Nordic skiing can be, so having a good pair of skis is essential to enjoy what this epic winter workout has to offer. MEC has all types of cross-country skis available in all sizes, built by epic brands like Rossignol, Salomon and more.

Classic cross-country skis

Classic cross-country is the traditional form of skiing, where you glide in set tracks, usually found at Nordic ski resorts. Classic skis are designed with a focus on traction and glide and feature a "kick zone" in the middle of the ski base that provides grip for pushing off and moving forward. Waxable bases on cross-country skis use rub-on grip wax, while waxless bases have a textured “fish scale” section or a fuzzy strip called a skin.

Skate skis

Skate skiing is a dynamic and aerobic style of Nordic skiing performed on groomed paths, often adjacent to track-set terrain. This form of skiing involves a powerful pole plant and an angled skating motion. Unlike classic skis, skate skis are shorter and narrower. Propulsion comes from pushing off the ski edges, rather than engaging a wax pocket like in classic skiing, so all skate skis feature smooth, waxable bases for optimal glide. With a single camber profile, similar to alpine skis, skate skis sit lower to the snow, allowing for effective edge pushing during each stride.

Touring cross-country skis

Touring cross-country skis are great for those who primarily ski on ungroomed trails. These skis range from slightly wider than classic skis to robust mountaineering models with metal edges. Designed for navigating hilly landscapes, touring skis are perfect for extended telemark-style descents. They are shorter, wider and generally more durable than your traditional Nordic skis, offering better control and stability. Many models feature full metal edges to aid with traversing and descending on challenging terrain, making them fantastic for off-track exploration.

How to choose your own cross-country skis

Choosing your own cross-country skis doesn’t need to be difficult. Helpful MEC staffers are always available in-store to give advice, and our website has plenty of articles with tips and tricks on becoming a seasoned cross-country skier. Think about the style you want to embark on, and let the MEC team help you gear up. Happy trails!