| Cross country skiing has been around since | | | | heavier and made of stronger materials than typical |
| pre-historic times. In countries with large swaths of | | | | ski boots. |
| land covered with snow in the winter, like | | | | Bindings |
| Scandinavia, people had to find an easier way to | | | | There are several types of bindings used in cross |
| traverse the snow to hunt for animals. They | | | | country skiing. There is the New Nordic Norm, |
| strapped boards made of wood to their feet with | | | | Salomon Nordic System and the Salomon Nordic |
| wood poles strapped to their hands using leather | | | | System Pilot. The main differences in the binding |
| straps. Armies have used cross country skiing to | | | | types are with the axes of the boot. The different |
| move entire armies across snow. | | | | types of bindings are not compatible with each other |
| Here are some of the basics of the equipment used | | | | and makes it especially difficult for beginners to |
| for cross country skiing: | | | | select the right bindings. |
| The Skis | | | | Wax |
| The difference between regular and cross country | | | | Wax is available for all types of skis and snowboards, |
| skis is that cross country skis are much longer and | | | | however, wax is especially important for cross |
| thinner. This is to help better distribute the weight of | | | | country skis. This is due to the amount of gliding |
| a person and enables them to slide faster. In modern | | | | involved in the sport. The amount and type of wax |
| times, wood skis have been replaced with high tech | | | | you use will be dependent on the conditions you will |
| materials that are lighter in weight and more durable. | | | | be crossing. There are several types of wax, including |
| Poles | | | | kick wax, glide wax and klister wax. There are also |
| Poles are as essential to cross country skiing as they | | | | new waxless skis that have a technologically |
| are to regular skiing, perhaps moreso. The poles in | | | | advanced surface made to move across snow |
| use today are made of high strength, lightweight | | | | faster. |
| materials such as graphite or aluminum. Cross country | | | | Apparel |
| skier poles are also typically longer than traditional ski | | | | As far as apparel for cross country skiing, it is very |
| poles. This is to enable more reach and speed. | | | | similar to regular ski clothing. You'll need a good ski |
| Boots | | | | jacket, plenty of layers of warm clothing, headwear, |
| Boots used in cross country skiing are different as | | | | goggles, gloves and other accessories. |
| well. Cross country ski boots are much stiffer, | | | | |