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cross-country skiing
Chart your own adventure!
Would you like to discover cross-country skiing or renew your pair of skis for this winter?
Whether classic or skating, Speck has been the Nordic ski sales specialist for over 50 years. Discover all our equipment for this season!
What type of cross-country skis should I choose?
If you're a beginner to Nordic skiing, you need to know that there are two disciplines: classic and skating.
Classic
Classic or alternating stride is the most traditional form of skiing, where the skis are parallel. Cross-country skis use various anti-reverse devices to prevent the skis from sliding backwards when ascending:
● In ski racing, a special retaining wax called Klister is applied. It is applied to a median surface of the ski's sole. The choice of wax is made at the last moment, depending on the snow temperature. ;
● In leisure or sports skiing, we use scales. Theoretically, this takes away a little of the glide but it's safer.
● Finally, in recent years, brands have developed an anti-backwards system based on synthetic skins, similar to the skins used in ski touring.
Skating
Skating is the sportier version of cross-country skiing. You progress by taking skating steps. Skating skis have no anti-reverse system. More physical than classic cross-country skiing, this way of skiing allows you to go much faster. Skating skis are also different: they are shorter and have rounded tips. Skating boots are also stiffer, with a much higher collar to support the foot and transmit impulses.
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Cross-country ski boots and bindings
There are two standards for cross-country ski bindings and boots: one developed by Salomon with a large central groove called the SNS Profile and the other by Rossignol, Fischer and Rottefella with two grooves, the NNN standard. The strong trend is towards convergence towards the standard with two grooves, known as NNN. Salomon now markets products with this standard under the name Prolink.
Choosing cross-country ski poles
Cross-country ski poles are chosen according to whether you are skating or alternating. For skating, the poles are larger to encourage the arms to push. In terms of material, the more carbon there is, the stiffer and lighter the poles will be. Aluminium poles are a little heavier, but very strong and less expensive.