Essential Cross-Country Ski Gear

(Courtesy of Polar, SEP, RUX, Tifosi, One Way)

For a total-body workout, not much beats cross-country skiing, gliding smoothly over the snow. It is also a wonderful way to spend a day outside. With snow season approaching, we’ve gathered some innovative gear to consider.

(Courtesy of Polar)

Details Matter

Polar Vantage V2

$499.95

Cross-country is an ideal cardio exercise, making this wrist-mounted, waterproof, rugged timepiece a perfect way to achieve an optimal workout every time. It measures distance traveled via an integral GPS that also provides route guidance while collecting and analyzing your body’s data, from calories burned to heart rate. The device advises when you’re training too much, just right, or not enough, as well as when you are ready for more training.

(Courtesy of CEP)

Happy Feet

Ski Snowfall Tall Compression Socks

$49.95

In addition to ensuring warm feet, these socks are engineered to provide firm compression to help keep the lower portion of the leg in optimal condition. A favorite of runners as well as skiers, they are crafted of 75 percent Polyamide, 15 percent Merino wool, and 10 percent Spandex. The design incorporates a pad that cradles the Achilles tendon and an asymmetrical toe box for best fit, comfort, and protection.

(Courtesy of RUX)

Bag It Up

RUX Waterproof Bag

$150

A gear bag is essential to keep ski equipment organized and easy to transport from home to the trail and then back again. Constructed of RF-welded, TPU-coated 840D nylon, this bag features a wide-opening, waterproof rolling top to keep contents dry, 25 liters of interior volume, lashing points for kayak or canoe trips, and looks that make it ideal for trips to the grocery store and for carrying beach, picnic, and camping gear.

(Courtesy of Tifosi)

See the Trail

Rail Multi-Function Eyewear

$79.95

Eye protection on the trail is a must to help prevent injuries from errant branches, as well as to shield eyes from harmful UV rays and glare reflecting off the snow. To ensure perfect protection, three extra-wide, one-piece, shatterproof lenses are provided: clear, clarion blue, and AC red to address all light conditions from bright to overcast. Designed to stay in place under extreme conditions, they are also a good choice for running and mountain bicycling.

(Courtesy of One Way)

Stay Planted

Storm 2 Ski Poles

$179.00

It’s easy to assume all ski poles for cross-country and downhill activities are pretty much the same, but these make it clear that’s not the case. Utilizing 100-percent carbon shafts for durability, minimal weight, and excellent power transfer, they feature a fiber-reinforced grip and adjustable wrist strap with a sintered directional carbide tip. The included assorted baskets allow skiers to choose what suits the trail and current conditions.