How to Purchase Your First Skate Skis
Maybe you’ve been to Sisu Ski Retreat in the past and had a great experience on Salomon Nordic equipment, or maybe you’ve only rented some well-worn equipment at your local Nordic center. Or, perhaps it’s time to finally upgrade those unwaxed skis that have been growing cobwebs in the corner of your garage for the past few seasons.
Whatever the reason–and whether you’re buying used or new–new gear day is always a good day.
This is one of our most asked questions. So, we tapped into the expertise of former World Cup skier and founder of Boulder Nordic & Cycle Sport, Nathan Schultz, to get his take on how to purchase your first set of skate skis, new or used. Together we answer the question, below.
Precursor for Success: Size Matters
No matter what you do, it’s crucial to your cross-country ski experience that you purchase equipment that fits your unique body. Having gear that fits will both be more comfortable and make you ski faster—which translates to having more fun.
Your skis need to be a certain length according to your height, as well as a certain camber for your body weight. The camber (which is the curvature of the ski) affects how they push off the snow. Skis that have too little camber for your weight will feel “sticky,” while if they are rated for a person twice your body mass, you won’t have any glide. Lastly, your poles also need to be the right height for you to maximize efficiency during your push.
There are plenty of guides online, but this is a good place to start:
In general, beginners should stick with equipment that is on the shorter range for their height and weight, while more advanced skaters can dabble at the top range. (Note that this chart does not include camber information!) As Schultz elaborates, “fitting skis requires an additional step beyond looking at the size chart to choose the model/size combination. You have to dive in further to get the correct ski flex for the person.”
Here’s a great article from Salomon Nordic with more information on finding the right size for you.
The Big Decision: New or Used?
Many beginner cross-country skiers choose to buy used equipment. It’s less expensive, and that way if you don’t stick with the sport for more than a few seasons, you won’t have wasted much money. We get that. If you go this route, there are a few things you want to make sure to be aware of so that you purchase equipment that has a lot of life left in it.
The Used Option: Look for Size, and Wear and Tear
Once you’ve made sure the skis fit, how do they look? What’s the base like? Are the bindings loose? Here, Schultz jumps in to lend us some expertise. “It's important that obvious things like the bases are not severely scratched and the edges and sidewalls are intact, etc. Also flex the ski completely to check that the ski is not broken and that it flexes smoothly all the way through. A damaged or broken core will become obvious if you put the skis together and squeeze them.”
The next thing to check is the base. Schultz continues, “the base material should not be severely scratched and you want to see a consistent black color. A ski that has been waxed regularly and cared for will not have white patches and will be shiny with a consistent color across the base.”
Once you get the skis home, there are a few things you can do to ensure they perform their best. “If you are racing and the skis have not been recently stone ground, then that is probably a good place to start. If you are not getting them ground, start with a metal brush like a fine steel or bronze brush and give them a good brushing, then follow that with waxing. If the skis will not be skied on soon, leave a layer of wax on to protect them and keep the bases from drying out.” Find our guide to waxing your skis, here.
☝🏼 Tip: Looking for sizing information on used skate skis? Each brand should include the length and camber information somewhere on the ski, so take your time to find out before handing over your credit card.
Where to Find Used Cross-Country Ski Equipment
The chances of finding your exact sizing on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are slim. Instead, plan to attend a community ski swap where skiers collectively bring their equipment for an epic, slightly stinky evening of rehoming used equipment. You never know what gems you might find. In Colorado, Boulder Nordic and Grand Nordic both host their annual event in the fall. In Washington, Snoqualmie Nordic Club and Methow Valley Nordic are great resources.
The New Option: Choosing the Right Ski for You
If you’ve decided to buy new, the fit is the key aspect to hone in on. As Schultz describes, “sizing and fit are the vitally important aspects of getting a new ski. Getting a high-quality ski that fits you well will make skiing a joy; having a ski that does not fit or is not right for the kind of skiing you're doing makes the sport miserable. At the highest level, we can get pretty specific to dial in a ski for certain conditions, but the correct fit is the number one priority for all skis, from entry-level to the top racing skis. Find a reputable shop that knows what they are doing, and you should get a great fit.”
Boots: The Best Part
First-time Nordic skiers are always amazed as to how comfortable skate ski boots are. And it’s true—compared to Alpine boots, they are basically like slipping on a pair of Uggs! There are only a few things to consider when it comes to boots. First, be aware that classic boots are very different from skate boots, even if they don’t look it to the untrained eye. Next, make sure that your new boots fit snugly and your heel isn’t lifting while you walk around the shop. And finally, you need to make sure the boot matches the bindings on your skis: either SNS or NNN. Here is our guide on bindings.
☝🏼 Tip: Never, ever buy boots that are too big and use two pairs of socks to “fill the void.” This is a recipe for a blister, or five.Don’t Skimp on Poles
The last thing you need are poles. As with the skis, there are poles for every budget. The top-of-the-line will be made of carbon and feature new technology like the Salomon Ergoclick system, which allows you to click-in and click-out with a single finger so that you can take a drink or remove your skis at a moment’s notice. If you opt for a less expensive composite pole, look for cork grips and proper straps that are specific to each hand. You can also consider the basket, which may be small for hard-packed snow, or a larger one if the conditions you normally ski in are softer or more powdery.
☝🏼 Tip: Remember that you want your poles to come up right beneath your nose for the most efficient skate ski technique.
Ready to invest in your own Nordic ski equipment, or want to learn more about waxing your new pair of used skis? Check out Boulder Nordic Sport on YouTube, or discover their extensive annual magazine, here.
