NORDIC SKI EQUIPMENT FAQ

What equipment do I need?

• Skate skis
• Classic skis
• Skate poles
• Classic poles
• Combi boots (used for both skate and classic or 1 pair of boots for each style)
• Ski bag

Ski shops will have high school packages selling this set of equipment or ask them about a year or two year old models as some times they are better deals as well.

A ski bag is also required. No skis will allowed to be stored in the wax room without a ski bag.

Does the school have ski equipment that I can use?

The team has a very limited number of skis that it has available for loan. Priority will be given to first year skiers and foreign exchange students.  Most skiers will have to buy their own skis and virtually everyone will need to buy their own pair of ski boots.

What’s the difference between skate and classic skis?

Skate and classic skis are designed specifically for their designated technique with the main difference being the amount of flex and torsion of the skis.  Classical skiing is the original style of cross-country skiing. In this style the arms and legs move parallel to the direction of travel and with the same tempo as walking or running. Classical skiing depends on the kicking and gliding with parallel skis to move forward on a trail.  Skate skiing is a newer method of cross-country skiing and uses lateral movements that are familiar to inline, roller and ice skaters. The arms work together with the legs to help achieve forward momentum. Skating is a great option as long as you are willing to stick to groomed trails.  The main visual difference between the skis is that a skier’s classic skis will be longer than their skate skis.  Classic skis should also be marked with the different kick zones: Powder, Hard, and Klister (P, H, K).  The markings should be put on each classic ski.

What size skis should I get?

Skis are sized for a person’s weight and not their height.  When buying skis the sales person should check if the ski’s flex is appropriate by having the skier stand on the ski. This is a big reason why skis should be purchased at a ski store specializing in Nordic skiing.  Some of the ski swaps, like the MYSL Ski Swap, will also have trained people to assist with sizing skis.

Can I use an old pair of skis that we have in the garage?

Maybe.  If you need to buy other equipment like boots, bring these skis to the ski shop to see if they are an appropriate size for the skier.

What’s the difference between skate and classic poles?

There is no difference between the poles themselves other than skate poles will be longer than classic poles.  Skate poles will come up to around a skier’s chin or lower lip, while classic poles will come up to around the skier’s shoulder.

Should I get NNN or SNS bindings?

Either type of binding is fine.  Try on different boots and choose which ever boot is most comfortable. The boot will then determine which binding you will get. Since combi boots are recommended for beginner and intermediate racers, the same type of binding system should be purchased for the classic and skate skis.

Isn’t it better to get separate skate and classic boots than combi boots?

You should first get combi boots because if you eventually achieve a level where it makes sense to invest in more equipment, the combi boots can be used for summer roller skiing.

Is ski equipment expensive?

Yes, but there are ways to mitigate the cost.  A new set of racing ski equipment (2 skis: classic and skate; 2 sets of poles: classic and skate; one pair of combi boots) begin at around $600.  Here are ways to reduce your equipment cost:

• Always be sure to ask for the high school team discount, as most ski shops do offer a discount for members of high school Nordic teams.
  
  
• Buy used equipment. There are a handful of local ski swaps that sell Nordic equipment.  The best sources of used equipment are your neighbors and friends that have had kids in Nordic skiing.
  
  
• Buy older model equipment. Ski shops will have new equipment from one, two, or more years ago that will be less expensive.
  
  
• Consider that the seller market for equipment is very good. The demand for used ski equipment is much greater than the supply. If you re-sell your equipment, you will get back a significant portion of what you paid for it.

Where can I buy new Nordic ski equipment?

PLEASE HAVE THE SKI SHOP HOT BOX YOUR SKIS WHICH MEANS THEY HAVE THE BASE LAYERS OF WAX ON.  The team will apply the next layer of wax that is necessary based on the temperature before our first time on actual skis. 

Here are local stores that specialize in Nordic ski racing equipment.  Always be sure to ask for the high school team discount:

            Finn Sisu

            2436 Larpenteur Ave W

            Lauderdale, MN  55113

            Gear West

            1786 West Wayzata Blvd. Suite B

            Long Lake, MN  55356

            Hoigaards

            5425 Excelsior Blvd.

            Saint Louis Park, MN  55416

Other local stores that carry Nordic ski racing equipment are Joe’s Sporting Goods, Midwest Mountaineering, and Pioneer Midwest Ski Shop.

Where can I buy or sell used Nordic ski equipment?

There are ski swaps where you can buy and sell used equipment.  The ski swaps usually have trained people to help size the equipment correctly.  The largest Nordic ski swap is the MYSL Ski Swap.

If you are buying used equipment from another person, try asking them if you can bring the equipment to a knowledgeable person to be make sure you’re getting the correct size.

Do I need any other equipment?

If you are planning on going on long ski training sessions, then a water bottle and water bottle holder is nice to have.  A digital watch is also good to have for workouts.

  I’ve got my new equipment, now what?

First thing, put your name on all your equipment!  PLEASE LABEL EVERY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT.  Skis look a like, so it is very easy for equipment to get mixed up.  Also, put something like a ribbon on your ski bag to easily distinguish it from all the other identical looking ski bags.  Now get out there and ski!

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