How to choose the right cross-country ski equipment

Buying XC skis, poles, boots

Photo: J.P. Squire

Classic ski instructor Lisa Howard illustrates the correct poling technique during lessons at Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club. Her right pole hits the snow behind the opposite or left foot as she glides forward.

One of the biggest questions at Southern Interior cross-country ski swaps is the proper length for skis and poles while fitting boots. It is relatively easy to answer.

Boots should, above all, be comfortable but firm and warm enough that your feet don't freeze. When fitting boots, always bring the socks you intend to wear while skiing since many pairs for winter wear are thicker than those you wear year-round.

If you are like the Ski Sheriff, who suffers from cold feet (and hands), make sure there is enough room in your cross-country ski boots for chemical foot warmers or battery-heated insoles.

New boots develop a fit memory as they stretch to accommodate your particular foot size. If you have the opportunity at a retailer, carefully walk around with your foot flexing inside to see if there are any painful spots. Constant Companion Carmen has wide feet so many boots are too narrow for her.

Once you get home, wear them when you are sitting around (not slipping on hardwood floors) because warm feet will stretch them where needed for a custom fit.

As a general rule, ski poles for classic technique should fit between the top of your shoulder and arm pit when held straight up and down. Skate poles should be longer, between your nose and ears. However, as you improve, length becomes a personal choice.

The Sheriff prefers the action method to determine proper length. In classic technique, start by gauging how high you are comfortable raising your arms in front of you before planting each pole at an angle pointing back, hitting the snow between your heel and the length of your boot back. Get feedback from someone watching you.

In skate skiing, a completely different technique, your hands are generally raised over your head so the poles have to be longer to hit the snow at the angle most comfortable for you.

Buy slightly longer poles than you think you need or are recommended since you can remove the pole grips and cut a short piece off. If the poles are too long, they could trip you.

The length of your skis depends on your height, weight, skiing style and ability. There isn't an exact formula but generally classic cross-country skis should be 15 to 20 centimetres longer than your height, according to Salomon.

The most important factor is your weight. When you lay classic skis on the ground, you will notice only the tip and tail make contact. The middle remains arched above the ground, referred to as camber.

When you take the weight of one foot off its ski, the camber reduces the pressure on the kick or grip zone and promotes gliding. This should give a bouncing sensation.

Most cross-country ski shops have a classic camber gauge—two thin sheets of metal that slide in from the ends of a single ski as one foot stands in the middle and flattens it. When both sheets stop, that's your kick or grip zone. The proper distance is generally the length of your skins, fish scale or grip wax zone, plus a short distance to accommodate the additional weight of your ski clothing, backpack, etc.

If the grip zone is too short, you won't get the most efficient grip and the camber is too weak. If the grip zone is too long (there is no grip on your glide zone), you need a stronger camber.

If you want to try this at home, cut short pieces of paper, space them under the middle of one ski (binding should be off the floor due to camber), stand on one foot behind the binding and have someone try to pull the strips out. They shouldn't come out from under your foot and a short distance on either side.

Similarly, skate skis must match your height and weight with the proper camber—stiff enough to remain flexed when your weight is light on the ski, but soft enough to flatten the ski to push.

•••

At KcKinney Nordic Ski Club, "three of us installed new snowshoe trails maps (Tuesday)," said Trevor Gambell. Each 32-by-32 inch sign contains colour-coded trails with their names (after local wild animals), distances between shelters and degrees of snowshoeing difficulty.

Two maps are located at the parking area trailheads, one is at the parking area another is inside the Henry Mann Shelter. There is also a map is inside the Junction Shelter and one inside the Eagle Lookout Shelter.

Photo: Telemark Nordic CLub

This diagram was used at the Telemark Nordic Club's ski swap to illustrate the correct length of poles for classic and skate technique. Skate poles are longer because it is a different cross-country skiing technique.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Ski and snowboard waxing basics for downhill, cross-country beginners

Waxing poetic about skis

Photo: Contributed

These are the hot waxing essentials: hot waxing table, waxing iron, plastic scraper, variety of waxes rated for temperature, nylon brush, wax remover, brass/bronze base brush and abrasive pads from soft to more stiff.

For the past 20-plus years, the Ski Sheriff has posted tips about using the proper equipment for downhill and cross-country skiing, its maintenance and skiing technique.

The first downhill skiing columns, in the early 1980s, were all about where to go for the best powder. But then, the Sheriff met Constant Companion Carmen, who did both downhill and cross-country skiing. Both the two Virgos love practical advice and sharing it.

So, the Sheriff enrolled in a free introductory classic ski lesson at Kelowna Nordic Ski Club, now the Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club. The Sheriff wrote notes and took photos of instructor Cam Forbes as he demonstrated the proper classic technique (as opposed to skating).

Brenda, a long-time hiking,skiing and kayaking buddy, said, "Put this in your Making Tracks column because I'm never going to remember everything he said."

The Sheriff remembers hearing that people generally retain less than one-half of what they are told during verbal instruction. And a week after that, only a few points.

Many downhill and cross-country skiers do their own (ski) waxing. Real “keeners” even file their downhill ski edges. Cross-country skiers can be the most dedicated (and the process is more complicated), so here is a summary applicable mainly to cross-country, with some application to downhill.

There are three types of cross-country skis—waxless, waxable and skate. Contrary to the name, waxless skis aren't truly waxless and they are different in that the latest versions have a hairy "skin" grip surface under your boot. The hairs point toward the tail so they catch in the snow when you put weight on the ski and the other foot slides forward. They evolved from “fish scale” models, which have small sharp discs pointing toward the tail. Few retailers sell fish scale anymore but there are still a lot around. The Sheriff still uses a pair.

Do not put wax on the skins or fish scale because it ruins their grip on the snow. In fact, regularly check the skins and fish scale, and remove any wax with wax remover (use sparingly) that collected there from your skis or was left on the trail. If snow sticks to the fish scale, you can rub, or spray on, silicon. (It comes in a can with a foam applicator or spray nozzle).

The other parts of waxless skis—the tips and tails—require 12 to 15 grams of glide wax matching the snow temperature. Wax doesn't last all season, just five to seven days out.

Waxable skis require the same kind of glide wax on the tips and tails to match the snow temperature. But under your ski boot, the kick zone, special wax grips the snow just like skins or fish scale. This grip wax also has to match the snow temperature (not the air temperature). Some diehard skiers even bring a thermometer.

Skate skis have glide wax from tip to tail because they move across the snow like ice skates. The same is true for downhill skis and snowboards. It's all about the glide. The faster, the better.

The basics of hot waxing begin with a suitable work surface. Virtually all cross-country ski areas have a wax room or similar area where you can plug in your waxing iron and have a ski mounting system to firmly hold your skis.

As an experiment many years ago, the Sheriff bought a piece of plywood, covered it in plastic, and attached a flat clamp in the middle. It worked so well it is still used. YouTube has numerous videos to illustrate the waxing process.

The Sheriff likes to clean and wax skis at the beginning and then at season end to seal them for off-season storage. It's actually impossible to wax your skis too much.

The hot waxing essentials are all in a Princess Auto tool bag—waxing iron (max 225 F), plastic scraper, variety of waxes rated for temperature, nylon brush, wax remover, brass/bronze base brush and abrasive pads from soft to more stiff.

After the initial hot waxing in November, the Sheriff cheats a little by quickly wiping on a liquid glide wax just before rushing out the door.

Next week: Choosing the proper cross-country equipment, including boots, skis and poles.

Photo: J.P. Squire

Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club is offering intermediate and advanced ski clinics in February following free introductory lessons for members in January, above. The two three-hour clinics in classic and skate technique are $40 per clinic for members and $60 (plus day pass) for non-members.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Cold weather tips for mid-winter outdoor adventures

Staying warm at -10 C

Photo: J.P. Squire

The means to stay warm include: three types of tuques, three neck warmers, winter mitts, chemical handwarmers, battery-heated insoles and snacks. A backpack or waist pack can hold alternatives to what you are wearing, plus a small thermos of tea, hot chocolate or coffee.

Mother Nature kindly provided us with a warning this week that winter is still with us, and we need to remember everything we've learned from going out unprepared.

The Ski Sheriff has long arms and legs which means warm blood has to travel further to keep his hands and feet from freezing when the temperature dips to -15 C. That's his and Constant Companion Carmen's limit for most outdoor adventures.

Based on his long, sad history of inadequate preparation, here's what he has learned by trial and error, from goose-bumped bald head to numb toes.

Headwear

Choosing the proper tuque depends on your activity. If you are cross-country skiing, it's non-stop muscular effort which produces lots of heat. The Sheriff has several to choose from in the blue plastic Ikea bag used to carry ski, kayak and hiking gear.

He also has several balaclavas which can fit under a ski (or e-bike) helmet. He's also seen in a headband which has two pockets for chemical hand warmers.

Neck warmers or tubes come in a variety of thicknesses and lengths. The Sheriff prefers a thick one long enough to stretch over his mouth and nose, and tucked up tight to downhill goggles. Your hot breath will keep the nose and cheeks from frostbite. You can use a decorative scarf if you are in fashion mode.

Outerwear

The Sheriff has several Arctic-level winter coats for downhill. Remember, there is a wind just from the speed of high-speed chairlifts and you are sitting without creating much body heat.

For cross-country skiing, he believes in layer, layer, layer. Long underwear and stretchy ski pants, plus plastic snow pants for when it's frigid or windy. Merino long-sleeved shirt (maybe two), merino zip sweater, down vest (when it’s -15 C) and a windbreaker. The rule is to be cool in the parking lot. The zippers of the windbreaker and sweater can be fully or partially undone for temperature control. Sweating is bad. However, wool can be wet but still keep you warm.

If in a lesson, there could be some standing around before you start practising or if you are skiing with someone slower and have to stop regularly to let them catch up, so take that into consideration.

Footwear

Some downhill ski boots (like CCC's) come with battery heaters. The Sheriff tried battery-heated socks from an automotive retailer but found the D cell on the top of each sock heavy. The electric wire to the toe heater eventually broke, leaving a scratchy wire end under his foot.

The second option is heated insoles. Some have a remote control for low, medium and high heat, while the Sheriff's latest models have the heat control in the heel so you have to remove your boots and insoles to change settings.

You quickly learn the best setting for 0 C, -5 C and -10 C but remember the higher the heat setting, the shorter the burn time.

Hands

Battery-heated gloves are available but pricey. Mitts are warmer than five-finger gloves. The Sheriff has thick winter mitts, plus thick mittens inside plastic outer mitts, and adds chemical hand warmers. One pair is expensive so the Sheriff buys multi-pack boxes.

Remember to open the package before you arrive, shake the iron oxide inside to start the chemical reaction and put them inside gloves to warm up before hands go inside.

There are also chemical warmers for the torso and feet. However, proper-fitting footwear may not have enough room to place them (possibly with a sticky pad) on the bottom or top of your feet (without the warmer sliding around). Underfoot, your foot pressure squeezing out the air could slow or stop the warming.

Ultimately, if it's that bone-chilling, you can shorten your outing or stop at a heated cabin to warm up with the thermos of hot chocolate, tea or coffee in your backpack or waist pack. An energy bar will work from your insides. Those packs could also hold alternatives to what you are wearing or extra layers.

Almost every sunny day this winter (with no snow), the Sheriff and CCC have been e-biking in the valley bottom, using their cross-country ski gear. Shorter outings but pleasurable, thanks to the above warmth protection.

•••

Big White Ski Resort is launching its new Learn and Turn Beginner Friday Night program this month. The Ski and Snowboard School has affordable instruction for complete beginners to skiing or snowboarding at the Magic Carpet area. Masters Monday and Ladies’ Day programs are also back.

Photo: McKinney Nordic Ski Club

McKinney Nordic Ski Club in the South Okanagan is reporting that all of its snowshoe trails are now packed, set and (mostly) cleared of trees. It is difficult to keep trails cleared this season because a lot of snow is causing many trees to snap and fall.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

South Okanagan cross-country ski area goes snowshoe-only

McKinney ski club changes

Photo: Neil Bousquet

McKinney Nordic Ski Club has several cabins for a rest stop, snacks or lunch. The Henry Mann Shelter, above, is next to the parking lot. Mann of Rossland, who passed away on April 2, 2015, was known as a great skier, plus a world-renowned architect.

The sad demise of the McKinney Nordic Ski Club's cross-country ski operation for three seasons is a cautionary tale for other cross-country ski areas.

At the onset of the 2024-25 season, the Ski Sheriff got the impression McKinney, located on McKinney Road, east of Oliver, was on life-support for the past two seasons and had passed away. Its ancient groomer was sold and no trails were groomed last year due to the groomer's ill health. But its website (mckinneynordicskiclub.com) said it had nine kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails and five kilometres of marked snowshoe trails.

In mid-November, the Sheriff sought more information through its Facebook page but eventually received only a forwarded message about snowshoeing. Since then, there are signs of life, thanks to two dedicated seniors.

As snow began to accumulate, Trevor Gambell and Jerry Monahan spent many hours developing and maintaining snowshoe trails. However, their combined age is just under 160 years. So, of course, the Sheriff wondered how much longer they can, or are willing to, continue.

Photo: Trevor Gambell

Gambell and Jerry Monahan have prepared this first draft of a new snowshoe trail map for the ski/snowshoe area east of Oliver operated by the McKinney Nordic Ski Club. They hope to post it by the start of February.

On Nov. 28, the McKinney Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Forum on Facebook (195 members) confirmed: "To all skiers and snowshoers! As the new season (is) approaching, we would normally be getting our trails ready for our trails users. With the retirement of our groomer Al and Grumpy the Snowcat, we aren't able to groom our ski trails again, but snowshoe trails will be maintained (to our) our volunteers best ability. Our club executives are currently working on finding solutions to be able to groom again. Please note: We are not seeking memberships and not collecting donations at this time. And we thank you for understanding, your patience and support. More updates to come!"

Since then, the only Facebook updates have been about which snowshoe trails were packed.

On Dec. 9, Julie King posted: "The trail from Lower Shelter up to Eagle Shelter has now been tracked. There is a lot of deadfall on this trail, so be prepared to go up and over or around many fallen trees. And (it’s) best to stay on the tracked trail."

Her Dec. 10 update: "The parking lot has now been cleared and two volunteers tracked trails again today. The trail from the lower shelter to the upper shelter has still not been cleared, however, more tracking is planned."

In mid-December, Monahan reported: "It's a bit of a mess on ss trails. Temperature inversion plus big wind put a crust and lots of debris on the trails. We are in the process of creating a new map which will name our trails (as of now only Dogleg and Big Tree Loop are named) and colour coded for degree of difficulty."

Last weekend, Gambell posted: "Now the Dogleg Trail is fully functional, but we have yet to set the Eagle Shelter Trail. We do not recommend using this trail, especially if you are a beginner."

On Monday, Gambell emailed the Sheriff: "Jerry and I will be getting some distances measured out for the maps. We have the first draft as a very good start. We hope to meet up with JAFA Signs in Penticton at the end of this week to hopefully complete the map, possibly mounted at McKinney by the start of February. As for skiing, there has been no track-setting this year, though some people have skied between the parking area and the lower shelter which is basically all flat."

"I guess too soon for an obit. Probably a reasonable chance we follow thru on purchasing a snowmobile and track-setter but need an operator. We have the $$, trails and motivation. Snowshoe trails are in good shape, progress is being made on a proper map and trails are being used,” Monahan added.

Establishing an official cross-country ski and snowshoe area is challenging since provincial permission is required. Then, opening environmentally-sensitive and navigable trails presents a second challenge. Maintaining ski trails requires machinery, at the very least a snowmobile capable of packing and tracking.

In addition, you need maps, trail signs, season pass and day pass collection to pay for expenses, a website, a Facebook page and an official non-profit society with a board of directors, constitution, bylaws, budget and regular meetings. The Sheriff wonders how many cross-country skiers and snowshoers truly appreciate the time and effort it takes.

The Southern Interior's cross-country ski and snowshoe areas all go above and beyond. Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club offers free beginner ski classes, paid instruction, social skiing groups and special events from the Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe on Feb. 8 to Family Day on Feb. 17 and the Cabins and Cookies Tour on March 9.

Telemark Nordic Club has similar introductory lessons, coaching, an annual ski swap, youth competitive programs and events like Ski with Santa which took place Dec. 21 and the One-hour Cross-country Ski Challenge that took place Jan. 1.

Nickel Plate Nordic Club offers classic, skate, family and private lessons, beginner waxing clinic, an evening group snowshoe on Jan. 23, new group snowshoe tours, and the Moonlight ski and potluck on Feb. 1.

Ski areas also face financial challenges. Kelowna Nordic has a 16-year-old groomer that is well past its useful life and its other machine was made in the last century. So it launched a fund-raising campaign (almost $90,000 to date) but its application for a 50-per-cent provincial grant toward a $500,000 groomer was recently denied.

Telemark has plans to add a small cabin to its trails ($40,000 of the $100,000 cost has been raised) with construction possible next summer. Sovereign Lake Nordic Club plans to replace its 30-year-old, 3,800-square-foot lodge ($1.8 million has been raised so far with $1.4 million from partner B.C. Parks toward its $4.9-million goal). The target is to break ground this spring.

As for McKinney, keep your fingers crossed (but not your skis)!

Photo: Jerry Monahan

McKinney Nordic Ski Club has not groomed its nine kilometres of cross-country ski trails this winter but Trevor Gambell, above, and Jerry Monahan have spent many hours packing the snowshoe trails and preparing a new map.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.