Cross-Country Skiing

(Page 4 of 4)

January/February 1980
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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Whatever bindings you choose, though, don't buy pile-lined boots . . . unless you plan to schuss along at a snail's pace. Cross-country skiing generates a lot of body heat, and you're better off with un lined boots that can dissipate perspiration. A soggy set of furry footwear can actually make your feet colder (because of the chilling effects of dampness) than would a plain pair of ski shoes.

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THE RECKONING

And what should cross-country skiing equipment cost? Well, if you buy everything new —skis, poles, boots, and bindings—you can expect to pay between $120 and $150 if you purchase the items individually, and $90 to $125 if they're acquired as a package. But ski shops that offer rental programs often sell off their used equipment at the end of the season, and savings on such items can range between 40 and 60%. Look for sales of discontinued models, too . . . sometimes the changes between "old" and "new" are merely cosmetic, yet last year's skis can often be bought for 25-50% off list price! And—even if you pay full price for your gear—rejoice in the knowledge that a good pair of downhill skis alone costs about twice what you'll pay to outfit yourself completely with quality cross-country touring gear!

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you don't have a dealer in cross-country ski equipment near you, there are a number of mail order companies that can supply your needs. Among those whose free catalogs currently offer ski-touring equipment packages are L.L. Bean (Dept. TMEN, Freeport, Maine 04033), Eastern Mountain Sports (Dept. TMEN, Vose Farm Road, Peterborough, New Hampshire 03458), Ski Warehouse (Dept. TMEN, 215 Main Street, New Middletown, Ohio 44442), and Recreational Equipment Inc. (Dept. TMEN, P.O. Box C88127, Seattle, Washington 98188). A good source of general information is Ski magazine's annual Guide to Cross-country Skiing ($2.50 at newsstands) . . . while the best basic book on the subject is John Caldwell's Cross-Country Skiing Today (Stephen Greene Press, 1977), which is available—for $4.95 in paperback—at most bookstores.

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