Equipment and Gear

Looking for ski gear? (Clothing content courtesy of Gear West Ski and Run)

SLP/StA/Cent ski swap! Looking to buy or sell ski gear? click here to learn more about used equipment available for SLP/StA/Cent skiers.

What to Wear

Cross country skiing requires clothing that keeps the skiers warm and dry during periods of high activity. No cotton and no downhill ski coats. 

LONG UNDERWEAR TOP AND BOTTOM (base layer)
Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric of thermax, polypro or the like. Unlike cotton, these fabrics do not feel wet and clammy during exercise. Available in zip-t, turtleneck and crew for men and women.

WIND BLOCK PANTS
There are many styles available including full zip wind pants, wind panel front tights (Pearl, Swix, Louis Garneau, Bellweather), both loose or tight fitting. These pants can be worn as is, or over long underwear and are necessary for warming up and withstanding cold winds.

BREATHABLE-LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET
A micro fiber, ventilated jacket (not nylon because it does not breathe) which can be folded into a fanny pack.  To be used as a layering piece over a base layer and middle layer of nylon or light fleece.

GLOVES OR MITTS
Ski specific gloves/mitts are necessary to fit pole grips (downhill gloves are too bulky). A popular model is the "lobster" two finger glove. For those with really cold hands, nothing can beat the Lil Sport mitt. Consider a glove liner for the really cold days.

HAT/EARMUFFS
Lightweight wool/polyester/fleece, these hats come in many styles and colors. Most skiers use xc ski earmuffs as well, to prevent frostbite on earlobes.

SOCKS
Mid-weight sock made of a wicking material that remains dry and warm. Liners are optional depending on the sock weight and skiers preference. Boot covers are the best solution to cold feet. These neoprene, fleece lined covers Velcro over the ski boot and are warmer than stuffing socks inside the boots.

WIND BRIEF 
Just ask any skier who has skied in the cold.

WAIST PACK WATER BOTTLE HOLDERS 
Bring water with you on long training sessions. The waist pack wraps around waist with zip pockets for wax and/or skis.

SKI BAGS
Mostly necessary to carry skis, poles, hats and other equipment to and from practice and races. Without ski bags everything gets kicked around and lost on buses. 

SUGGESTIONS 
Balaclava for face covering, glove liners, dermatone for face (mid layer made of fleece or other thicker fabrics insulate by trapping warm air without adding bulk) and vests which offer tremendous versatility for wind and insulation.

Courtesy Gear West Ski and Bike