Cross-Country Outfit
The layering basics of cross-country skiing and our cross-country ski clothing recommendations
From mastering your rhythm to perfecting your glide, there’s no doubt cross-country skiing (or Nordic skiing) is tough on your body – and your performance apparel. Your gear’s job? To keep you warm but prevent overheating. Freedom of movement meets weather protection. All essentials for comfort and performance. Let’s check our cross-country outfit guide.
What to look for in a cross-country ski outfit
The layers and materials you choose often come down to preference. Still, three characteristics are needed in any outfit for cross-country skiing:
Breathability
Cross-country skiing is an aerobic workout guaranteed to get sweaty. Select moisture-wicking, breathable layers to help regulate body temperature. Otherwise, your sweat can’t evaporate, trapping a layer of moisture against your skin that prevents drying, lowers your core temperature, and creates an unwelcome chill.
Lightweight
Overdressing equals overheating. Stick with the ‘less is more’ approach. By that, we mean lightweight layers without heavy insulation. You won’t want to shed a layer with every lap.
VERSATILITY
Manage your own micro-climate with versatile, adjustable cross-country ski clothing featuring vents, side zips, and a half- or full-zip front.
What to wear cross-country skiing
To decide on your cross-country ski outfit, consider two factors:
Intensity: Are you going for a gentle Classic XC ski or honing your skating technique? Joining a biathlon or trying Nordic backcountry skiing?
Conditions: Sub-zero or a cool spring morning with temperatures expected to rise?
Remember, cross-country skiing is a full-body workout, and you’ll likely sweat whatever the temperature. So, prioritise lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing.
It helps to follow the 3-layer principle with a base, mid and outer layer. Of course, you can adapt this to the windchill, conditions and your personal preference. Now, let’s explore your three-layer outfit for cross-country skiing and its accessories.
Base layer
Start with a cross-country base layer – form-fitting, next-to-skin clothing that transports moisture and keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. A long-sleeved top and thermal cross-country tights or leggings are best. Choose from these materials: Synthetics (like recycled polyester) Blends (a mix of synthetic and natural fibres) Natural (such as Merino wool, also antibacterial) These materials all dry quickly, stretch easily and control sweat, so the choice is yours. Just avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture rather than wicking it, keeping you cold and damp.
Mid layer
Cross-country mid layers are generally only necessary in extreme cold to provide insulation between your base layer and jacket. But don’t go for the thickest mid layer possible – even in Baltic conditions. You’ll soon overheat and be peeling off layers. Instead, opt for a thin, breathable, thermoregulating fleece. You can even wear a long-sleeved fleece as your outer layer if you need a cross-country ski outfit for high-intensity skating in spring.
Outer layer
A windproof softshell is best. Softshell jackets are lightweight, breathable and stretchy, moving with you when gliding. Moreover, softshells provide much-needed weather protection and warmth – perfect for stopping to check your smartwatch. Unlike other sports, cross-country ski jackets aren’t heavily insulated. They would only weigh you down and increase sweat. If you’re heading out in extreme weather, reach for a hardshell jacket – but make sure it’s breathable.
Pants and thights
Opt for long, lightweight base layers under cross-country ski pants. However, if conditions are mild – or you’ll be working extra hard – stick to cross-country tights. These offer an excellent range of motion for gliding further and skating harder. In icy winds, slim-fit cross-country ski pants protect from the elements, move with you and wick moisture. Most of our ODLO cross-country ski pants feature WINDPROOF, a breathable, water-repellent fabric that reduces the effects of windchill.
Headwear and gloves
Don’t reach for the thick wool beanie you’d wear around a ski resort. Choose a lightweight headband or beanie for your cross-country ski outfit so you don’t overheat. You also need reliable grip and dexterity, so thin, sweat-wicking gloves are best as cross-country ski gloves. In colder conditions, wear breathable, insulated lobster gloves for warmth without sacrificing control.
Socks
To keep cosy from head to toe, select a pair of fast-drying cross-country ski socks to complement your cross-country ski suit. Cold toes? As soon as you start moving, ODLO’s cross-country ski socks warm your feet. Our Ceramiwarm technology increases your skin’s temperature by 3°C using your body’s energy and ambient heat.
Which cross-country ski clothing is best in negative temperatures?
If just stepping outside freezes your hair, adjust your cross-country ski outfit by including:
A light, insulated vest between your mid layer and softshell
Thermal tights or a heavier base layer top
Windproof softshell cross-country pants over tights
A lightweight neck gaiter
WHAT'S THE BEST OUTFIT FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN ABOVE-ZERO TEMPERATURES?
As mentioned, you’ll always work up a sweat cross-country skiing. However, if you’re skating in spring, adjust your outfit for cross-country skiing by:
Ditching the mid layer for a breathable jacket
Wearing your mid layer as your outer layer
Considering a light, insulated vest as outerwear
Now you have everything you need to guarantee a great cross-country day. Who else can’t wait for blue skies and the sound of skis gliding across the snow?