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Cross-Country Ski Clothing

Guide

Cross-Country Ski Clothing

On the trail you need two or three thin layers: a base layer that moves sweat away, then a windproof, water-repellent jacket and stretch trousers. A mid layer only joins in when it is properly cold.

Key points

Two to three thin layers. Padded ski wear is the wrong tool.
Windproof and water-repellent covers most days.
Base layer in synthetic or merino, never cotton.

Which clothing for which pace?

Use	Choice	Limit
Outer layer for almost every day on the trail	ChoiceCross-Country Jackets	LimitWater-repellent copes with light snow, not steady rain
Over long base-layer bottoms, alone on mild days	ChoiceCross-Country Trousers	LimitInsulated models are built for cold days and run hot at speed
Fast sessions and mild days	ChoiceCross-Country Vests	LimitNo wind protection on the arms
Racing and hard intervals	ChoiceOne Piece XC Suits	LimitNo wind protection, hardly any warmth
Second layer in the cold, extra layer for breaks	ChoiceMid Layers & Thermal Jackets	LimitFleece alone lets wind through

What to check before you buy

Question	In short	Why
How many layers do I need for cross-country skiing?	In shortTwo to three	WhyTwo to three. The base layer wicks sweat, jacket and trousers stop the wind. Add or drop the mid layer as the temperature changes.
Can I wear my alpine ski jacket and ski trousers?	In shortToo warm	WhyNot for long. You work far harder on a cross-country trail than on a piste.
Windproof or waterproof?	In shortUsually just windproof	WhyWindproof and water-repellent covers most days.
Merino or synthetic next to the skin?	In shortNever cotton	WhySynthetics dry quickly and suit hard efforts. Merino stays warm when damp and holds less odour. Cotton soaks up moisture and holds on to it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cross-country ski in running kit?

Yes, for your first outings. Running tights and a windproof running jacket you already own cover mild days.

What do I wear under cross-country trousers?

Long base-layer bottoms below freezing, short ones on mild days. For cold, windy days there are briefs and long johns with a windproof front panel.

Hat or headband?

A headband for mild days and hard efforts, a thin hat when it is cold or windy. Either way, cover your ears. Chunky knitted hats soon get too warm on the trail.

What is an insulated skirt for?

It warms hips, seat and thighs over your tights while warming up, during breaks and on easy tours. Models with a full-length side zip go on without taking your skis off.