How to dress for cross-country skiing: instructions and 25 things from thermal underwear to cool gloves

How to dress for cross-country skiing: instructions and 25 things from thermal underwear to cool gloves

To make one of the most popular winter activities bring maximum benefit, it is important to choose the right equipment.

Sportmaster PRO expert

Beginners often mistakenly choose too warm clothes for this sport or go out in the same clothes they wear when skiing. In fact, cross-country skiing is very energy-consuming, so it is better if the outfit consists of two layers, the task of which is to protect from the cold and drain excess heat and moisture.

The first layer

For the base layer , tight-fitting thermal underwear made of synthetic material is suitable – it has the best moisture drainage. Advanced athletes should prefer models with a compression effect, which will support the muscles during the race.

There are also underwear with non-blowing inserts. It helps to protect the groin area from hypothermia. This is important when riding in very cold temperatures.

Women’s thermal T-shirt Craft (with merino wool), 11 199 rubles / Sportmaster

Thermal underwear can be with a touch of wool in case you plan a leisurely walk in the park. But I do not recommend taking models with more than 10-15% wool content. They will already be hot.

The main thing – do not take thermal underwear, which contains cotton in its composition: it retains moisture, which provokes hypothermia.

The second layer

It should be chosen depending on the type of activity. It can be:

1. racing,
2. training (warm-up),
3. touring.

The first variant is the lightest. The jumpsuit can be separate or one-piece. The main thing is that it should fit the athlete tightly without restricting movement.

Running ODLO Set NORDSETER Blue Jewel / Turkish Tile, 11,990 rubles / KANT

In warm weather, athletes don’t use thermal underwear to maximize moisture wicking. Training implies less activity, so loose-fitting clothes of different composition are suitable. For intensive training, athletes choose lightweight models with insulation. Equipment at low temperatures is supplemented with vests on top and shorts (or special skirts for girls.

The front of cross-country ski clothing should be airtight, and the back, legs and armpits should be ventilated. To achieve this effect, inserts of lighter fabric are made in these areas.

Hats and gloves

Accessories, like clothing, are selected according to your activity. Hats forprofessional athletes are very thin, providing heat and moisture dissipation. It can also be a wide earband if it’s not too cold outside.

SILVINI headband, 990 rubles / KANT

Hats for beginners and amateurs should better protect the head from the cold, knitted models with fleece lining in the ear area are suitable. Bandana-snoods are also popular, which are worn in cold weather to protect the throat and neck.

Madshus hat, 1299 rubles / Sportmaster

The gloves are designed to provide the best contact with the handle of the stick, so they have a tighter fit. Choose the thickness and warmth of the gloves according to how you feel. Some athletes get colder hands than their heads. There are special three-finger mittens – “lobsters” or “crabs”. They are designed for riding in very low temperatures.

KV Race XC gloves, 3499 rubles / Sportmaster