Skiing is towards the top of the list for sports that require a lot of discipline, training, and strength of will. Not only is it difficult, but it requires a lot of investment in the form of travel, specific ski gear, and ski clothes.
Cross country skiing is less of a competitive sport and more of a way for you to enjoy the process and be outdoors. If you’re planning on going cross country skiing, whether by yourself or with friends and family, there are certain preparations you will need to make. We’ll be talking about what clothes for cross country skiing you will need.
What is Cross Country Skiing
Before we jump into talking about clothes, let’s familiarize ourselves with cross country skiing, what it is, and it befits.
Cross country skiing is generally less well-known than alpine skiing. It is the oldest type of skiing and involves skiing across low altitude, flat or hilly terrain. What started out as a way of traveling in Nordic countries is now a great way for you to try out skiing as a less intensive and competitive sport and experience snowy landscapes and authentic time spent outdoors.
Because it is less of a competitive sport than alpine skiing, cross country skiing is great for anybody regardless of their skill level, age, or previous experience with skiing. You can also try out different landscapes that are less severe and difficult to ski on.
As it began in Nordic regions, cross country skiing is also mostly practiced in Nordic resorts. Because there are no ski-lifts in those areas, the trails are specifically designed to help you propel yourself up the gentle slopes. There are also different routes depending on their level of difficulty so that there is some type of skiing for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the best places for cross country skiing in the United States include the Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado, Bear Valley Adventure Corporation in Bear Valley, California, and the Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby Colorado.
Cross country skiing has a lot of benefits. The first is that it is suited to almost anybody, whether you are young or old, and whatever your skill level is. Next, it is an endurance sport and builds your strength. You work on your heart and muscles while also getting fresh air from time spent outdoors. Being close to nature can also be very beneficial for your mental health.
Clothes You’ll Need for Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is an endurance sport and requires you to be moving a lot and for long periods of time while straining your body. This means that you are likely to sweat a lot as your body creates more and more body heat. The clothes you wear need to protect you from snow, water, and harsh wind and allow the sweat you produce to move away from your body quickly.
It is probably a good idea for you to wear many light layers of clothing. Layering lighter clothing is actually more helpful in keeping you warm than just wearing one layer of thicker clothes. It also allows you to remove and add layers whenever you begin to feel more hot or cold.
We’ll divide the clothes for cross country skiing into three categories. The base layer, the middle layer, and the outer layer.
The base layer is the first layer of clothes you will need and is worn directly with the skin. These clothes should be made of wool or some synthetic materials so that your sweat dries up quickly. The middle layer is what will be keeping you warm. This includes fleece and lightweight, warm clothing. The outer layer is what will protect you from the elements. This includes jackets, pants, and boots that are snowproof and water-resistant.
Let’s take a look at some essential ski clothes you will need in a little more detail.
Thermal Underwear
Underwear is an important part of the base layer of clothing that people overlook or forget. The inner layer is essential for keeping you warm and resisting sweat. Lightweight, long thermal underwear is great for various temperatures from cool to very cold climates. You could also go for heavyweight thermal underwear, but it is a good idea to keep multiple light layers for cross-country skiing.
Stick to materials like wool and synthetic materials. Avoid cotton as it can easily become sweat-soaked and uncomfortable. Check out the PISIQI Thermal Underwear Women’s Ultra-Soft Long Johns and the Herobiker Men’s Thermal Long Underwear Set.
- MATERIALl: Thermal underwear set is made of ultra-soft polyester that feels cozily soft, is completely non-irritating, and keeps you comfortably warm to beat the cold weather.
- BREATHABILITY: Breathable fabric is perfect to keep sweat away. At the same time, the lightweight thermal clothing maintains your body heat at a cool temperature by wicking moisture away from your skin.
- STRETCHABLE: Four-way stretch and gives you the needed warmth without thick or heavy layers. The suit can be repeatedly washed without shrinking. Machine wash.
- FEATURE: This long underwear to keep you toasty without being too bulky. You can easily slip your daytime clothes or pajamas over the thermal base layer, . Tights or shirt can be used as base layer or worn alone.
- APPLICATION: Ladies ultralight warmest top and tights Sets makes your favorite cold weather activities more pleasant. Whether you are hiking, biking, hunting, snowboard, ski and camping or other outdoor.
- 【OPTIONS】Lapasa offers a wide variety of thermals to suit your needs. Thermoflux 100 - LIGHTWEIGHT for brisk and cool weather to stay dry and cosy, Thermoflux 200 - MIDWEIGHT for cooler temperatures where more warmth is needed, Thermoflux 300 - HEAVYWEIGHT for cold climate where strong heat insulation is a must, and ULTRA HEAVYWEIGHT for frigid temperatures where supreme heat retention is a necessity
- 【MATERIAL WARMTH】LAPASA thermals are made with a polyester spandex micro-fleece fabric to provide the ultimate warmth to weight ratio when the temperature begins to drop.
- 【LAYER OF COMFORT】These thermals are designed to be thin but effective at insulating body heat. The light material is not just able to retain body heat but simultaneously wick away moisture to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- 【FLEX FIT】The elastic polyester spandex used has 4-way stretch to give you flexibility to move with you and keep you warm without sacrificing your range of motion or comfort.
- 【SNUG】Our thermals are made to have a snug fit that ensures no bunching around your waistline or sleeves to reduce heat loss and better fit when worn under outer laye
Insulating Socks
Socks are another important part of the base layer that you have to keep a particular eye on. Ski socks are made out of wool or synthetic-spandex blend of material and are designed to fit snugly inside your ski boots. Ski socks are also more durable than regular socks and do not become loose in your boots or bunch up around the heel or the ankle. Ski socks are essential for keeping your feet warm and also to prevent any blisters from the heavy ski boots. We suggest the Weierya Ski Socks and Cozia Wool Socks.
- HIGH COTTON CONTENT KEEPS FEET WARM --- Made of premium Cotton (86.1% Cotton,12.2% Chinlon,1.7% Spandex), the ski socks are designed to keep feet warm. Enjoy your day skiing or snowboarding without having to worry about having cold toes.
- MIDWEIGHT and TECHNICAL DESIGN --- No only do the ski socks feature a stylish design, they are also engineered with advanced technology to provide the perfect fit. They are a midweight thickness, providing the perfect blend between comfort without effecting the fit of your ski boot.
- DESIGNED FOR ALL DAY COMFORT --- The selected cotton in the ski socks is moisture wicking, preventing any buildup of sweat. They are also breathable and thermal regulating, keeping feet at the perfect temperature.
- EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SUPPORT: We want our customers to be happy - In case you have any questions or issues, do not hesitate to contact us. Our customer service team is always ready to help you and find the best solution for y
- COMFORT FOR YOUR FEET - Made with the finest-quality Merino wool (80%), COZIA luxurious wool socks are super-soft, protect the feet from abrasion, provide cushioning from sudden impact, offer desirable compression for improved blood circulation while also helping alleviate fatigue, and prevent shoe bites!
- ENGINEERED DESIGN & NATURAL TEMPERATURE REGULATION - Wool socks women or men feature reinforced yarn in heel & toe for increased durability, ventilation channels for better air flow & breathability, moisture control fiber technology that wicks away sweat & fights odors, and a cozy material that doesn’t cause any itching.
- ALL-DAY LONG THERMAL SOCKS - Wool socks mens and women have full cushion footbed for better performance, wool blend that regulates temperature to keep feet warm even in the coldest winter. Vents along the ankle also help reduce bulk to allow you to wear them with tighter boots more comfortably.
- WINTER SOCKS IN VARIABLE SIZES - Perfect as hiking socks, these boot socks are available in Small - Medium (Fits Shoe size: Men 5 - 9.5/ Women 6 - 10.5) and Medium-Large (Fits Shoe size: Men 9.5 – 12/Women 11 - 13) - MUST HAVE socks for every home!
- QUALITY GUARANTEE - We offer 100% satisfaction guarantee on our merino wool socks! We will either replace our warm socks or offer you a full refund, no questions asked! We are sure that these wool hiking socks will not fail to please you with their feature-rich design and cool col
Fleece/Thermal Mid Layers
Keeping a lightweight but warm collection of mid-layers is probably a great idea if you’re going cross-country skiing. Although these are not specifically ski clothes and are great for everyday wear in winters, they can help keep you warm and are easy to take off or put on depending on if you’re heating up or feeling extra cold.
Mid-layers are usually made of fleece or a thermal material like wool. You could get a light turtle neck, leggings, or a sweater. Some good options to try out are the 90 Degree by Reflex High Waist Fleece Lined Leggings, the American Apparel Unisex Flex Fleece Long Sleeve Turtleneck, and the Indera Men’s Traditional Long Johns Thermal Underwear Top.
- Classic fit
- Rib cuffs, turtleneck and bottom band
- Unisex style
- Style F45
- 5 oz, Waffle Knit Traditional Long Johns offer familiar, cotton rich comfort
- Rib cuffs for added protection from cold, tagless label
- Color: Natural Cotton / Off White
- Available in sizes up to 6X
- Rated for cold to very cold weather and medium activ
Mittens or Ski Gloves
Mittens or gloves are absolute must-haves when it comes to ski clothes. Like underwear, most people do not pay attention to gloves and think that just any regular pair will suffice. This is not the case. If your hands and fingers are too stiff from the cold, you won’t be able to properly grip your ski poles. Mittens and gloves keep you warm and are also designed to give you the best and most comfortable grip on your poles.
Gloves should be waterproof and snow resistant. Some ski gloves come with bumps or textured palms and fingertips to help with grip. There are also designs in which fingers are grouped together to allow for extra warmth. If you tend to feel colder than most people, it would be a good idea to wear mittens or wool gloves inside your ski gloves. Check out the VELAZZIO Waterproof Ski Gloves and the Carhartt Men’s W.P. Waterproof Insulated Gloves.
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- Durable, all-purpose polytex shell
- Digital-grip palm and stick-grip fingers and thumb
- FastDry technology lining wicks away sweat
- Waterproof insert
- Fleece cuff with adjustable wrist strap clos
Hat or Beanie
Although you will be wearing a fleece-lined or insulated helmet while skiing, it is a good idea to also keep a hat or a beanie on hand, with cross country skiing being an endurance sport, your body temperature may drastically vary, and you may suddenly start to feel cold on your head and your ears despite the helmet.
Keep any type of hat or beanie that you find comfortable, and that will fit snugly underneath your helmet. It should ideally be the correct size, big enough to protect your ears, and small enough that if you want to remove it, you can fit it into your jacket or pants pocket.
Ski Jacket
A ski jacket is the first part of your outer layers. The jacket goes over your thermal/fleece layers and should be waterproof and snow resistant. The jacket should also have enough pockets to carry essential items like a water bottle, sunglasses, and a hat. Some jackets come with a detachable hood and can be used for extra protection over your helmet.
There is a wide variety of options for ski jackets, and you can find a great pick in almost any price range. We suggest trying the Pooluly Men’s Waterproof Ski Jacket, the Arc’teryx Fission SV Jacket, and the SUOKENI Waterproof Ski Jacket.
- Waterproof Windproof Snow Jacket, also can fights bad rainy or misty weather, Keep your body always dry and comfortable when you are outside
- Adjustable cuffs,stretchable glove hole help seal in warmth,adjustable storm hood help to keep wind out,Wear resisting soft shell is highly wind resistant
- Professional water repellent coated, fluff lining and durable fabric guarantees the best heat retention, Relaxed-fit style with quick-dry material
- Multipurpose：Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow sports and other winter outdoor sports
- Size notes: Jacket offers a standard fit. Please choose by US s
- FISSION SV JACKET - The Fission provides a high level of warmth with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX protection.
- ARCTERYX ESSENTIALS - Versatile high performance designs for diverse activities and conditions.
- FISSION - Waterproof insulated outer layers for severe cold and wet. Lightweight and windproof.
- SEVERE WEATHER - Most durable materials and weather protection, for prolonged exposure to severe conditions.
- SYNTHETIC INSULATION - Man-made insulation with quick dry times, durability and retains warmth when da
- Waterproof:Mens winter coat made of waterproof breathable fabric, and all the zippers are in waterproof design, waterproof fabric can prevent rainwater permeating into the ski jacket and meanwhile eliminate sweat in time.
- Warm:The windbreaker jacket shell with the adjustable and detachable hood, has a high density of textiles, which can prevent the cold wind entering inside.Lightweight warm cotton filled locks the body heat effectively and builds a perfect windbreak system.
- Anti-scratch&Wear Resistant:The Ski coats shell is made of the polymer blending material. The strong textile fiber fabric shell, which can reduce the risk of accidental injury, avoids being scratched by rocks and branches and at the same time protects your body.
- Multi Pockets:2 zippered side pockets, 1 waterproof pressing glue breast pocket and 1 zippered inner pocket.
- Size Note:The winter jacket offers a standard fit.True to size. Please order usual si
Ski Pants
Ski pants are the next part of your outer layers to consider. Like the jacket, your ski pants should be waterproof and snow resistant. They should have an insulating lining made of fleece or some other synthetic material. It can also be helpful to get a pair of pants that has convenient and easy-to-access pockets for anything you may want to carry with you.
The pants should be a good fit so that you are comfortable and can move your legs in whichever movements skiing may require. We suggest the Heatwave Thermal Trousers, the Gash Hao Men’s Snow Ski Waterproof Softshell Pants, or the DAFENGEA Women’s Softshell Outdoor Snowboard Pants.
- 95% polyester, the exterior is made of waterproof, windproof, Insulated and quick-drying soft shell fabric, and the inner lining is made of granule fleece for warmth.
- Bottom of legs-Add zippers. During hiking, during skiing, to avoid snow and coldness go inside the pants. Zippers design to back up the pants to boots.
- Adjustable stretchy waist allows pants to fit comfortably. Zippered front and rear pockets keep your small items stay safely while moving. 2 large-capacity zipper side pockets, inner plush fabric to prevent the cold caused by metal, and zip pocket on the back to protect your valuables.
- Multi-functional trousers with a soft shell surface layer that is durable and waterproof, enough for skiing. If you walk in the rain, it can help you stay dry for about 10-15 minutes. Excellent wind resistance, a special film in the middle of the knee can completely block the wind and water. Protect our knees.
- Have Men’s Winter Outdoor Pants suitable for daily wear, snow, hiking, cycling, skiing, climbing, traveling, camping, mountaineering, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, snowmobile, cycling.. Put on this pair of pants. Let us set off togeth
Ski Boots
Ski boots are the last part of your outer layer of ski clothes. Ski boots are designed to help you walk in the snow and on different skiing terrain and be bound to your skis. The boots are essential in protecting your feet from the cold, snow, and water. The boots should have an inner insulating layer and be made of a waterproof and snow resistant material on the outsides.
Pay close attention to the quality of the bindings on the ski boots, as well as the size of the boots. A snug fit is very important in helping you ski as best as possible and making sure that you are comfortable. If your boots are too loose or big on you, there are higher chances of falling or having an accident. Try out the Rossignol Pure Comfort 60 Ski Boots and the Salomon X Access 70 Wide Ski Boots.
- Relaxed Fit The Relaxed Cut for women has a 104mm last for wider feet that is ideal for enjoying leisure skiing with comfort as a premise.
- Reduced weight, total power. The Engineered Sensor Matrix shell reduces boot weight and allows direct power transfer to skiing.
- Tailor-made comfort. The tailored ankle boots allow you to customize the inner part of the boot for comfort and support.
- Lightweight warmth. Fleece retains insulating properties when wet and dry quick
- FIT - Two key technologies for a perfect fit: Intuitive Shell for easy step-in and Flex Liner for adaptable comfort
- Performance and energy transmission - Oversized Pivot and Twinframe technologies deliver precise energy transmission from the skier through the ski
- Lightweight - Light construction (1,65KG) for more fun with less effort
- Twinframe - The Twinframe design delivers rebound, flex and improved control with enhanced responsiveness
- Flex liner - Liner specifically designed with flex areas around the calf and ankles for optimized comf
Additional Gear and Accessories for Cross Country Skiing
Now that you’ve got an idea of all the best clothes you will need for skiing let’s talk a little bit about the gear and additional accessories you may want to consider. You may already know that the basics of ski gear include skis, ski poles, a helmet, and goggles. This gear is essential and will make or break your skiing trip, so be sure to put in a lot of research and thought into picking it out. Ski gear can be quite expensive, and while there will be cheaper options to choose from, try not to miss out on quality. Be sure to get gear that is the correct size and fit for you for a more comfortable time skiing.
Some additional accessories that might come in handy are sunglasses, walkie-talkies to communicate with friends and family on the slopes, wireless earphones for if you want to listen to music while skiing, a balaclava to protect your face from the snow and harsh wind, and neck and leg warmers for any extra warmth and conform.
Our Final Thoughts
We’ve taken a look at all the clothes you will need for cross country skiing and have given you some of our top picks for each item. Make sure to start planning and preparing for your ski trip well in advance so that you can get everything you will need in the correct sizes and with all the right specifications.
When it comes to clothes for cross country skiing, be sure to keep all of the different layers you will need. It comes in handy to have lightweight layers that you can add and remove as per your convenience and ensure that you are not too cold or overheated.
