Nordic skiing is practised in large, undulating mountain areas or on high plateaux. This endurance sport is a great way to keep fit and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Ekosport offers a wide selection of cross-country skiing equipment for men, women and children: classic cross-country skis, skating skis, Nordic touring skis, bindings, Nordic ski boots and poles.

Nordic skiing: a discipline that is attracting more and more fans.

Cross-country skiing is an ancient sport. Before the development of means of transport, mountain dwellers and the inhabitants of Scandinavia used wooden planks to get around more easily in the snow. During the 20th century, cross-country skiing declined sharply in favour of downhill skiing. It is only in recent decades that the sport has found a new audience, thanks in particular to the media coverage of cross-country skiing competitions (biathlon, Nordic combined...) and the ecological context. It has to be said that this sport is much more energy-efficient than downhill skiing. In France, there are almost 200 Nordic ski resorts where you can practise classic cross-country skiing, skating or biathlon. The best-known resorts are in the Jura, Savoie and Vercors. Nordic ski touring is also attracting a growing number of enthusiasts.

The right equipment for classic cross-country skiing

Classic cross-country skiing involves keeping the skis parallel in two rails. To move forward, the cross-country skier alternately pushes on his left arm and his right arm with the help of poles. This is known as the alternating step. Classic skis are equipped with an anti-slip device to prevent the skier from sliding backwards. There are classic cross-country skis with scales, classic skis with skins and classic wax skis. Classic ski boots are rather flexible to allow an efficient stride. There are several types of Nordic ski bindings with different standards for linking skis and boots: SNS, NNN, Prolink and Turnamic cross-country ski bindings. The last piece of classic ski equipment is the pole, which is essential for pushing. You can choose the length at shoulder height.

Cross-country skating equipment

Skating, or free style cross-country skiing, involves gliding or skating steps. Skating is practised on groomed tracks in Nordic areas. Skating skis and biathlon skis are not fitted with anti-backwards systems like classic cross-country skis. Their soles require regular waxing to optimise glide. Skating ski boots are designed with a high shaft and a rigid sole so that the foot is well supported during lateral movements and gliding. Finally, skating ski poles are essential accessories that should be chosen at chin height.

Nordic ski touring equipment

Nordic ski touring, or SRN, is a new discipline that is booming thanks to the development of equipment. Nordic touring is practised in the great outdoors. As with classic and skating skiing, Nordic touring ski boots are not attached to the binding at the heel. Visually, they look like hiking boots. Warm and comfortable, they support the foot effectively to stabilise support. Warm and comfortable, they support the foot effectively to stabilise support. Nordic touring skis are designed with an anti-kickback system, but are considerably wider than classic skis, to provide better lift on ungroomed snow. There are many models of backcountry skis from Rossignol, Fischer and Madshus. To choose one, look at the width of the ski at the runner (the wider the ski, the more suitable it is for outings in fresh snow).