Cross-Country Skiing Clothing

Cross-country ski clothing is designed for the specific demands of cross-country skiing: a large freedom of leg movement for the high knee lift and the powerful push-off, combined with thermal protection against the cold and sufficient breathability for the considerable body energy that exercising at low temperatures generates. Unlike skating or other winter sports, cross-country skiing involves a combination of intensive aerobic effort and prolonged time spent outdoors in cold and wind, which calls for clothing that can handle both extremes. A cross-country ski trouser has to be warm enough when standing still and ventilate sufficiently during intensive effort on the trail.

The range runs from standard cross-country ski trousers for recreational use on the trail to premium windblock tights that block the wind on the front for extra protection in open terrain and cold headwind, and softshell trousers for more extreme wintry conditions. There are separate models for women and men because the fit of a sports trouser for a sport-specific movement is very precise. In addition there are windblock hats for protection of the head and ears during prolonged movement in the cold. Additional layers such as thermal winter baselayers and a winter sports jacket complete the cross-country ski outfit.

Which cross-country ski clothing is there?

The range consists of three types of cross-country ski trousers and windblock accessories for the head and ears, each for a different combination of intensity, weather conditions and purpose.

Standard cross-country ski trouser

The standard cross-country ski trouser is cut for the active movement of cross-country skiing: athletic in fit, close-fitting enough not to flap but roomy enough not to restrict the high knee lift and the full extension at the push-off. The material is thermal for use at wintry outdoor temperatures and breathes during higher effort. This type is the most versatile choice for the majority of recreational cross-country skiers who ski on a groomed trail in average winter weather. There are separate models for women and men.

Windblock cross-country ski tight

A step beyond the standard cross-country ski trouser: the windblock tight has a wind-repellent panel or material on the front of the leg that blocks the cold headwind at high speed or in open terrain. The back and the inside are made of breathable stretch material for freedom of movement and moisture wicking during intensive effort. This type is the better choice for cross-country skiers who often train in open landscapes, in strong wind or at low temperatures where the windchill on the front of the thigh is strongly noticeable. Available in models for women and men.

Softshell cross-country ski trouser

The softshell trouser is intended for harsher conditions: more wind, more cold or less intensive use where the body heat builds up less quickly. Softshell material blocks wind more effectively than a standard cross-country ski trouser and offers extra protection in rough winter weather, while it still has sufficient stretch for the full freedom of movement of cross-country skiing. This type also combines well with other outdoor activities in winter, off the trail.

Which cross-country ski clothing suits you?

The choice depends on how intensively you ski cross-country, how open the terrain is and in which weather conditions you ski most.

You ski cross-country recreationally on a groomed trail at average winter temperatures: choose a standard cross-country ski trouser. The athletic cut gives the leg movement that cross-country skiing requires and the thermal material keeps you warm enough in average winter weather. Combine with a thermal baselayer as the bottom layer for better moisture wicking during effort, and a light jacket for the top layer.

You ski cross-country regularly in open landscapes, in strong wind or at low temperatures: choose a windblock cross-country ski tight. The wind-repellent panel on the front makes a noticeable difference with windchill on the thighs during active movement. At higher effort intensity, the breathable back panel ensures sufficient ventilation. This is the choice for those who train seriously or ski longer distances in less sheltered conditions.

You are going to train outdoors in rough winter weather and want a versatile trouser that is also usable off the trail: choose a softshell cross-country ski trouser. The combination of wind repellency, stretch and thermal protection makes this type suitable for several wintry outdoor activities. The softshell works well as an outer layer over a thin thermal tight in extreme cold.

You are just starting with cross-country skiing and do not yet know how intensively and how often you will ski: start with a standard cross-country ski trouser in your size. A good standard trouser is sufficient for most beginner situations on the trail. Upgrade to a windblock tight if you notice that you regularly ski in open, windy terrain. Take a look at the complete winter sports range if you also want to complete the rest of your winter equipment.

Cross-country ski clothing women vs. men

The cross-country ski trousers in this range are available in separate women's and men's variants. The reason is fit: with a sports trouser for a leg-intensive sport such as cross-country skiing, the cut around the hips, the crotch and the thighs is decisive for the freedom of movement and the comfort during hours on the trail. A women's model is wider in the hips and narrower in the waist, while a men's model has a different hip-waist pattern that better suits the male body build. The technical specifications, the material and the functionality are equivalent. Always choose the model that is designed for your sex for the best possible fit and freedom of movement in the cross-country ski movement.

What to look for when buying?

Freedom of movement in the cross-country ski position

Cross-country skiing requires a greater leg movement than almost any other winter sport: the knee comes up high, the stride is long and the push-off requires full leg extension. When buying, always check whether the trouser gives sufficient room in movement with a high knee lift and a full stride out. A trouser that sits comfortably when standing still but restricts the crotch or thigh zone in movement causes discomfort over longer distances and worsens your technique. Close-fitting but not constricting is the right balance.

Thermal weight and intensity

Cross-country skiing is an intensive aerobic sport in which the body temperature rises quickly. Choose a trouser whose thermal weight matches the intensity at which you ski, not only the outdoor temperature. A trouser that is too thick or too warm causes excessive sweating at higher intensity, which can quickly lead to symptoms of hypothermia when cooling down after the effort. Recreational cross-country skiing at a quiet pace can tolerate a slightly heavier thermal material. Active training at higher intensity requires a lighter and more breathable material with an emphasis on moisture wicking.

Wind protection in the material type

The choice between a standard cross-country ski trouser, a windblock tight and a softshell depends to a large extent on how exposed the terrain is where you ski. On a sheltered trail in a wooded area, wind protection is less critical than in an open plain landscape or at an elevation difference where the wind has free play. A windblock panel is effective with frontal wind at high leg speed but breathes less well with sideways wind or at very high intensity. Choose the material type that suits the most common condition for you.

Women's or men's model

Always choose the model that is designed for your sex. With a sports trouser for active use, the fit difference makes a big practical difference in freedom of movement and comfort. A men's trouser worn by a woman sits differently in the hip and waist, which quickly leads to folds or tension at the wrong points with the larger leg movements of cross-country skiing. The technical properties are identical, but the ergonomic fit is designed specifically for each body build.

Our advice: invest in a good cross-country ski trouser with sufficient stretch and a fit that does not hinder you even after hours on the trail. Always wear a thin moisture-wicking baselayer underneath: that layer directly on the skin is decisive for your comfort during effort in the cold. Choose your top layer depending on the intensity: a light breathable shirt during intensive training, an insulating jacket during recreational skiing or breaks. Take a look at the winter sports jackets if you also want to complete the top layer.

Who is cross-country ski clothing suitable for?

• Recreational cross-country skiers who go on the trail one or more times per winter and are looking for functional clothing that keeps them warm without hindering the movement.
• Regular cross-country skiers and winter sports enthusiasts who ski in various weather conditions and need more wind protection or thermal protection per trouser.
• Active athletes and triathletes who also train outdoors in winter and use cross-country skiing as an alternative form of training for endurance and strength development in the legs.
• Beginners going cross-country skiing for the first time who are looking for basic clothing that fits well, keeps them warm and does not hinder the movement without having to invest in premium windblock models straight away.
• Winter sports enthusiasts who combine multi-day trail tours or wintry outdoor activities and are looking for versatile clothing that is usable both on and off the trail.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy cross-country ski clothing but you are not entirely sure which type and which combination best suits your way of cross-country skiing and the conditions? Then we are happy to help you further. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon shop in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about cross-country ski clothing

What is the difference between a standard cross-country ski trouser and a windblock tight?

A standard cross-country ski trouser is made of thermal stretch material that keeps you warm and breathes during active effort. A windblock tight has a wind-repellent panel or material on the front of the legs that blocks the cold headwind while skiing: the back remains of breathable material for ventilation. Choose a windblock tight if you regularly ski in open terrain in strong wind or at low temperatures where the windchill on the thighs is strongly noticeable. On a sheltered trail, a standard cross-country ski trouser is usually sufficient.

What clothing do I wear under a cross-country ski trouser?

A thin moisture-wicking baselayer of synthetic material is the best bottom layer under a cross-country ski trouser. That layer wicks perspiration away from the skin so that you stay dry, even during intensive effort. Never wear cotton as the bottom layer: cotton holds moisture and cools down quickly when you stop or ski more calmly. A baselayer as the bottom layer also makes a lighter cross-country ski trouser suitable for colder conditions than the trouser alone would allow.

Can I use ordinary sports trousers for cross-country skiing?

Technically it is possible, but a specific cross-country ski trouser gives a better experience. Ordinary sports trousers are not cut for the large leg movements of cross-country skiing and quickly create tension or folds at the high knee lift and the push-off. Cross-country ski trousers are also thermal enough for outdoor temperatures at which normal sports trousers are too cold. For occasional recreational trying out, ordinary sports leggings are an interim solution; for regular use, a specific cross-country ski trouser is the better investment in comfort.

Is there a difference between cross-country ski clothing for classic and skate cross-country skiing?

The clothing is largely usable in the same way for both classic and skate cross-country skiing. Skate cross-country skiing requires a slightly greater sideways freedom of leg movement due to the wide skating movement of the legs, which makes a trouser with more stretch on the inside of the thigh pleasant. With classic cross-country skiing, the movement is more forward and backward. In practice, most modern cross-country ski trousers are made of stretch material that is suitable for both techniques. When buying, check whether the trouser has sufficient stretch in both directions.

How do I wash cross-country ski clothing?

Most technical cross-country ski trousers are washable at 30 or 40 degrees in the washing machine, but always check the washing label of the specific product. Do not use fabric softener: it impairs the moisture-wicking properties of the material and damages the stretch fibres in the long term. Preferably dry the garment hanging in the air and not in the dryer, unless the label allows this. After use in wet conditions, always let it dry properly before you store the clothing.