cross-country skiing

You want to discover the joys of nordic skiing or just renew your gear for the season? Then don’t waste a second and get the best advice from Glisshop’s experts, they’ll help your choose the best nordic skiing equipment for your discipline and skills. Classic or skating skis, waxes and technical clothing, at Glisshop, we’ve got the best nordic equipment for sale! You have the dreams, we have the gear!

Nordic ski sets (+ bindings)

ATOMIC

Nordic Range

comfort and power
on every movement

Discover

Guides and Tutorials
Cross-Country Skiing

Our advice
on gear

Discover

Cross-country skiing tips and tutorials

Nordic Skiing Equipment for Men and Women Available at Glisshop

If you're a cross-country skiing enthusiast, you know how essential it is to have the right gear. At Glisshop, both men and women will find a wide selection of skis, boots, poles, and clothing for Nordic skiing. Our experts are here to help you find the best equipment. Based on your skill level and style of skiing, there is a product suited for every need. So don’t hesitate – visit our site to discover all the cross-country skiing equipment for men and women you need for your next outing on the trails!

What is Nordic Skiing? Definition

With origins over 3,000 years ago in Norway, Nordic skiing has remained deeply rooted in the popular culture of the Nordic countries. Before becoming a sport, it was primarily a mode of transportation for centuries. In Norway, buying Nordic skis is as common as purchasing a pair of running shoes. It’s not uncommon to see Norwegians carrying their skis on the Oslo metro, heading out to ski in nearby areas.

In France, the popularity of Nordic skiing is closely tied to specific regions where local efforts foster a cross-country skiing culture. This phenomenon is amplified by the enthusiasm for certain popular races: the Transjurassienne (Jura - Doubs), the Foulée Blanche (Autrans - Isère), the International Marathon of Bessans (Haute Maurienne - Savoie), or the Bornandine (Grand Bornand in the Aravis Massif).

These are open events that gather all cross-country skiing fans looking to challenge themselves in a festive atmosphere. More recently, Nordic skiing has captured everyday attention due to the exceptional achievements and media exposure of French athletes. In biathlon, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined at the Olympic Games and World Championships. This exposure has sparked renewed interest in this beautiful sport, attracting new amateur skiers who are discovering the health and mental benefits of an outdoor, physically engaging activity.

In line with the current fitness and endurance sports trends, cross-country skiing is gradually becoming entrenched in popular culture as an interesting winter sport. Indeed, it provides an alternative to sports like cycling or trail running. This resurgence has driven brands to reinvent equipment aimed at reaching a broader audience, as buying habits for cross-country skis are evolving.

What is the Difference Between Classic Nordic Skiing and Skating?

Cross-country skiing is part of the larger Nordic skiing family, which includes biathlon, ski jumping, and Nordic combined. As an endurance sport par excellence, cross-country skiing tests stamina rigorously. It is divided into two techniques, classic (diagonal stride) and skating (skate step), making cross-country skiing a sport of endurance and strength. Engaging a large portion of your body's muscles, it is now seen as a fitness sport in its own right, combining endurance and strength for varying durations.

Classic Cross-Country Skiing

Classic cross-country skiing involves a gliding stride in parallel tracks prepared by special grooming machines on ski areas. In this technique, skis remain in contact with the ground 90% of the time, and the skier’s movements are quite similar to those of a hiker or a trail runner.

Additionally, classic cross-country skiing can also be practiced off-track. With an anti-slip system and a partially textured base, these skis prevent you from sliding backward on gentle slopes, regardless of snow type. They are also wide enough to provide better float on powdery snow, making them popular in Nordic countries for exploring the vast wild expanses of the Far North.

Is Skating More Technical?

More like ice skating or roller skating, skate skiing involves a sideways gliding stride. It is practiced exclusively on groomed snow in ski areas. This is an intensive form of cross-country skiing, more technical than classic skiing, as its technique is less natural. But rest assured, once you have mastered the technique, you will experience the full enjoyment of gliding and make the most of your outings. To start off right in this fascinating sport, a few lessons with an instructor will help you progress faster in your learning journey.

Shorter than classic skis, skate skis invite you to speed and push your limits. They allow you to adopt a freer style. The base is completely smooth for optimal glide, and the poles are longer than those used for classic skiing.

How to Choose Skis for Beginners?

As explained above, classic cross-country skiing involves a more natural movement than skate skiing. If you don’t have prior experience with similar sports, it may be wise to start with classic skiing. However, if you already have a solid background in ice skating, alpine skiing, or roller skating, you might find skating easy to pick up. In that case, there’s no need to start with classic skiing. Embrace the snow and pure, intense pleasure! Besides its enjoyment, this sport is an excellent alternative to running. Less traumatic, it provides high-intensity training throughout winter.

How to Choose Your Nordic Skis?

Choosing your Nordic skis depends on various factors such as your technical and physical levels, and your goals. To help, you can check our tutorials dedicated to the Nordic skiing to make sure you buy the appropriate gear.

Which Boots for Which Style?

Your level of technique will determine the choice of your cross-country ski boots. A beginner should opt for soft, comfortable boots to get acquainted with the sport. In contrast, an expert skier will look for stiffness through precise, high-performance boots.

If you’re starting out, keep in mind that boots designed for classic cross-country skiing have a mid-high cuff and a flexible sole, allowing for a better foot roll. On the other hand, skate skiing boots are taller to better support your ankle during the skating stride.

Find All Skate and Classic Equipment at Glisshop

Head over to the ‘Nordic skiing’ corner of our online store. From there, simply browse to find your gear. Cross-country ski poles, accessories, sunglasses, bags, and waxing supplies – you’ll find everything you need to upgrade your equipment. With products from the top brands on the market like Salomon, Rossignol, Fischer, or Atomic, you’re sure to enjoy reliable gear for your long days on the mountain.

Why Trust Us?

Our Nordic skiing experts are here to advise you, whether in-store or by phone, to guide you in your buying process. Glisshop also offers a ‘Satisfied or Your Money Back’ policy, flexible payment options, and fast shipping. One thing is certain: this sport, in all its forms, will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of gliding through stunning landscapes, far from the ski lifts.