Autumn has barely begun, but thoughts are already turning to winter and the hope of getting back on skis. If you’ve chosen cross-country skiing this winter, you’ve made a good choice: it’s a healthy sport that lets you get away from it all and enjoy plenty of fresh air. To help you prepare for the season, here’s our advice on choosing the right clothing for cross-country skiing in the greatest possible comfort.
Cross-country skiing: the right clothing for your legs
First, it’s essential to choose the right clothing for your lower body. Your legs do the work in cross-country skiing, so keeping them comfortable matters. A base layer designed for cross-country skiing should be light and stretchy. Choose one that’s warm and highly breathable to help you perform at your best. You could also opt for ski tights or even Nordic walking trousers. Skiing takes considerable effort, generating sweat and raising your body temperature. That’s why breathable fabrics that quickly wick away moisture while retaining warmth are essential. Avoid basic clothing not designed for this activity: you won’t stay dry for long, and the discomfort will spoil your enjoyment. Don’t go cross-country skiing in jeans and a thick jumper, for example: you’ll regret it!
Cross-country skiing: what to wear on top?
For your upper body, choose from fleece jackets, thermal sweatshirts or warm jackets with a zip for ventilation during the hardest efforts. Look for thermal insulation, but also a lightweight, low-profile design. Stretch fabrics are important too: they give your arms the freedom to swing without restriction. Cross-country skiing is a dynamic sport that relies on coordinated movement. Avoid bulky clothing that gets in your way, so you can move smoothly and glide efficiently.
Don't forget to include a warm technical base layer close to your body — your first line of defence against the cold: this first layer is essential for retaining the heat your body naturally generates during exertion. A good technical base layer should be thin and tailored to your build. It should feel almost like a second skin.
Finally, don't forget to complete your outfit with a beanie, sunglasses and gloves. Here too, choose quality and invest in products that will last a long time and offer you optimal protection.
Cross-country skiing, practised in good conditions, is a wonderful sport, offering beautiful moments of communion with nature as well as with your own body. The choice of clothing should therefore be made to leave those feelings of harmony intact. Ultimately, the right clothing is the kind that gives you everything you need while making itself forgotten. Follow our advice and you'll be very close to that perfect situation! See you on the trails soon!
