Classic

When you think of cross-country skiing, you most likely picture someone using classic technique.  It is also called diagonal stride. This style uses set tracks in the snow to help guide the skis along the path. Skiing in a walking or jogging form propels the person along.

Waxable or Waxless

Classic skis use some form of grip under the foot area of the ski to grab the snow and help the skier kick off.  Skiers can now choose from either grip wax or a mechanical base (waxless) to provide the grip.

Waxable skis use a sticky (grip) wax to grab the snow crystals. The wax must be selected based on the type of snow and the temperature, then applied to the mid-section of the ski in several layers. Waxable skis tend to glide better because you can adjust the size of your grip zone to suit your skiing style. The grip wax also tends to glide better that the rough sections on waxless skis. Waxable skis are preferred when experiencing temperatures below -3 degrees Celsius.

Waxless skis use a fish-scale or textured pattern on the mid-section of the ski that will grab the snow. The obvious benefit to waxless skis is that you can just hop on and ski. No figuring out what wax will work, or how much to put on. The only time waxless skis are hard to use is when conditions get icy. The plastic base is not hard enough to penetrate the hard icy surface. Waxless skis are preferential when conditions lean towards the warmer side, closer to 0 degrees Celsius.

Sizing

Classic skis should be fitted to the skiers height and weight.  The length of ski recommended has dropped in the last few years as technology has allowed stiffer camber in a shorter ski. Generally speaking, length should be in the 10 to 20cm above the top of the head. As far as stiffness goes, a camber that supports the skier with weight even on both skis, and flattens when weight is shifted to one ski is ideal. In order to determine this, a testing device of some sort is required.  At Skookum, we use the Fischer test table to accurately test skis to fit skiers, based on weight, ability, and purpose.

Styles

There are three main styles of cross-country classic skis: racing, light-touring, and back-country touring.  Racing skis are light and fast. They are usually narrow(45-50mm), and so, only usable in groomed conditions. Light-touring skis are slightly wider(50-60mm) than racing skis, to provide more stability to the recreational skier, and to help with float in off-track conditions.  Back-country touring skis are the widest of the bunch(65mm+), which helps provide float and stability in untracked snow. Some will also have metal edges to aid in climbing and descending.

Boots

Classic boot styles vary based on the type of use and amount of use.  Light-touring boots are usually light and flexible, with descent ankle support, to allow for proper technique and development.  Back-country touring boots are usually very supportive and stiff. This provides the needed support for off-track conditions, and occasional tele-style turns.  Racing boots are light and flexible, with flexible ankles to enhance speed and technique.

Poles

Classic poles are generally sized to fit up to the arm pit area when standing upright.  Poles come in a variety of materials, from fibreglass to aluminuim and carbon fibre.  Fibreglass poles are great for beginners, or those on a budget.  Aluminum works well for off-track skiers, or larger, stronger skiers. Carbon fibre is beneficial when you are trying to enhance your performace through lighter stiffer equipment.