Cross-country skiing equipment checklist
Nothing beats a good checklist for making sure you don’t forget anything before you hit the slopes! You can also use our Nordic stories & guides page to help you remember to adapt each category of equipment to your particular discipline and the day’s conditions. Depending on your experience, you can modify this list to take only the essentials with you to the Nordic tracks as long as you don’t forget the equipment that’s important for your comfort and that will enable you to deal with the unexpected.
Essentials for a cross-country ski session:
- Cross-country skis classic or skating
- Cross-country ski boots that fit your skis and your discipline
- Ski poles and straps of the correct size
- Cross-country ski clothing suitable for the conditions: base layer and jacket for your upper body, tights or pants, socks, gloves, headband, or beanie
- Sunglasses
- Food and drink: cross-country ski belt (or water bottle) with water, food, and personal items
Good to gear to have after your session
- Warm, insulated jacket
- Complete change of clothing in case you get really sweaty or the conditions are wet
- Hydration drink to replace depleted fluids and a couple of recovery bars
Ski equipment
Whether you use skating or classic equipment, remember to take the skis, boots, and poles for that discipline to make sure you don’t end up at the tracks with equipment that doesn’t work together.
If you use cross-country ski poles with removable or “click” straps, be sure to bring the straps with you if they are not already attached to your poles.
You can wax your skis at home or alternatively, if there is a dedicated waxing space available at the tracks you can do it there, just be sure to remember to bring your waxing kit.
Check out our advice on how to wax skating and classic cross-country skis.
Cross-country ski clothing
- Baselayer
- Jacket
- Tights or pants
- Socks for cross-country skiing
- Gloves
- Headband or lightweight beanie
- Neck gaiter for cold weather
- Sunglasses
Choosing the right ski clothing is certainly a choice you want to put some serious thought into (along with waxing your skis, of course!). Our article How to dress for cross-country skiing will help you choose the right clothing for the day’s conditions.
Food and drink
- Cross-country ski belt or water bottle
- Sports drink, water
- Food, energy bars, energy gels
During a long or intense session, you can use a cross-country ski belt to carry your choice of hydration along with something to eat. This is also a good place to stash your personal items like your keys, money, and your phone.
Accessories
- Watch and heart rate monitor
- Smartphone
- Ski pass
- Sunscreen
The decision about what to bring with you during your ski session is often a compromise between carrying everything you need while also being able to move freely. Some Nordic tracks are not too long which provide the possibility of leaving things nearby (like in your car or a backpack at the Nordic center). This gives you the option to make changes to your equipment … as long as you haven’t left it at home!
Check out all our articles on Nordic skiing