Cross country skiing is one of my favorite ways to exercise and enjoy the outdoors in winter. It’s also an extremely good workout. When I first got into cross country skiing, it felt impossible to figure out the right combination of layers to regulate my body temperature.
After years of practice and research, I’ve dialed in my cross country ski gear so that I can keep warm without overheating while on the trail. This list of what to wear for cross country skiing covers exactly what you need from head to toe!
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Essential Tips for How to Dress for Cross Country Skiing
Before I cover specific cross country skiing clothing, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when it comes to how to dress for cross country skiing.
1 | Let the weather guide what you wear.
Cross country skiing is an activity that can be enjoyed across a wide range of temperatures. The experience of skiing on a 30F day is drastically different than on a -15F day. The clothing you wear for cross country skiing should be adjusted to accommodate for these differences.
On a colder day (however you define that), be sure to wear a mid-layer and a warmer cross country skiing jacket. You may also select a warmer base layer or tights to wear on your lower body and a hat.
On a warmer day, skip the mid-layer altogether and consider just a single layer on your lower body. Wear just a headband instead of a hat.
2 | Account for the intensity of cross country skiing.
Unlike winter hiking, cross country skiing is an intense activity. So, while it is helpful to check the outdoor temperature before you go, it’s important to remember that your body temperature will rise due to the intensity of the activity. The temperature you feel when you first get out of your warm vehicle, will not be the same as what you feel when you’re skiing.
I’ve cross country skied in temperatures as low as -15F and even then I felt overheated (and thankful I’d worn layers).
3 | Fabric matters.
I cannot emphasize this enough! Even in cold weather, we sweat. When sweat is trapped close to your skin it can cause you to feel cold and lower your body temperature no matter how many other layers you’re wearing. That’s why it’s essential to wear a layer of wicking material, synthetic or natural, closest to your skin
Wicking materials pull moisture away from your skin. When paired with a breathable mid-layer, the moisture will be pulled away from your skin and then be allowed to escape. This combination of layers allows you to better regulate your body temperature and stay warm.
Pro Tip: Avoid wearing cotton next to your skin in winter. It absorbs up to 7% of its weight in water or sweat and remains wet for longer periods of time when compared to wicking materials that absorb less than 0.5% of their weight. Polyester and Merino wool are common base layer materials.
4 | Use the 3-layer system to regulate your temperature.
The 3-layer system doesn’t just apply to cross country skiing but it is a helpful guide when figuring out what to wear for cross country skiing. Now that you’ve taken the outdoor temperature and intensity of the activity into account, select layers so that you can easily regulate your body temperature.
- Base layer: the layer closest to your body, made of a breathable, wicking material that pulls moisture away from your body
- Mid-layer: optional insulating middle layer, made of materials like fleece or lightweight insulated jacket (not needed in high intensity or warmer temperatures)
- Outer layer: the outermost layer that is designed to protect your body from wind and the elements while still being breathable, some will have zipper vents in the underarms to assist with breathability
Pro Tip: It’s ok to use different layers on your upper and lower body. For instance, I only use 2 layers on my lower body and 2-3 on my upper body. Do what works best for your body and the conditions.
5 | Bulky is not necessarily better when it comes to cross country skiing clothing.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good puffer jacket or bulky wool sweater on a cold winter day. But, when it comes to cross country skiing clothing, bulky isn’t better. Focus on choosing the right materials as mentioned above and wearing layers so you can adjust your temperature as needed.
Pro Tip: Doubling up socks for cross country skiing can cut off your circulation, which can make your feet actually feel colder. Wear just one pair of wool or synthetic midweight socks, whenever possible.
How to Dress for Cross Country Skiing (from head to toe!)
In addition to the day hike packing list of essentials, investing in winter hiking clothing and gear will make your time outdoors more enjoyable. Here’s how to dress for cold weather hiking and not freeze your backside off!
Best Hats for Cross Country Skiing
Protecting your head and ears from the cold is important when cross country skiing, but you can leave the bulk wool beanies at home. Look for breathable and lightweight beanies or headbands instead.
Personally, I love Skida’s Alpinehats and Alpine headbands. They have so many fun designs so you can show off a bit of your personality on the trail!
Best Neck Gaiters for Cross Country Skiing
A neck gaiter isn’t necessary in warmer temperatures but when it gets below 10F it’s a good idea to have one. Some neck gaiters are fleece lined offering more insulation while others are more lightweight and breathable. Choose what works best for you. I prefer to wear a fleece lined neck gaiter for single digits or negative temperatures.
Skida also has a range of neckwear to choose from.
Best Base Layers for Cross Country Skiing
Since base layers are those closest to your skin, focus on products that are made of wicking material such as Merino wool (natural), polyester (synthetic), and silk.
If you plan to cross country ski often and are willing to invest, SmartWool base layers are great and come in fun designs for both leggings and tops. Craft Sportswear is a Swedish brand that specializes in cross country skiing clothing, including base layers. Both brands will last forever.
For a lower cost alternative, try the 32 degrees (leggings and tops) brand.
Best Midlayer for Cross Country Skiing
The midlayer is an optional second (or even third) layer worn between the baselayer and the outer jacket on colder days. The purpose of the midlayer is additional insulation while maintaining breathability.
Look for fabrics like fleece or a down (duck or synthetic) lightweight jacket. Both of these insulate without being bulky.
There are many different styles of midlayers that work well, including a vest, long sleeve crew, quarter zip top, or a half zip or full zip light jacket. I prefer at least a quarter zip so I can regulate my temperature if I get warm. Here are a few options I recommend from, REI Co-op Brand, Patagonia (no chest pocket), Patagonia (with chest pocket), and Craft Sportswear (with pockets). I sometimes wear my Patagonia Nano Puff jacket on warmer days with a base layer underneath.
It’s unlikely you will need a midlayer on your lower body. However, if you find your legs getting cold, try a base layer + tights + windproof cross country ski pants.
Best Socks for Cross Country Skiing
Dry feet are warm feet when cross-country skiing! Remember, cotton next to your skin actually makes you feel colder because it traps moisture. So, definitely avoid wearing cotton socks. The hands-down best material for winter hiking socks is merino wool.
There are only two brands of socks I wear for cross country skiing. First, is SmartWool’s full cushion hiking crew sock or ski full cushion over the calf socks. These have nice cushion and keep my feet warm on the ski trail. Second, is Darn Tough’s over the calf midweight ski socks which are made for those extra cold days and go further up the calf for added warmth. These brands are not cheap, but It’s well worth it to invest in 1-2 pairs if you plan to cross country ski regularly.
Pro Tip: This might sound extreme but if your feet tend to get cold, change into your ski socks when you arrive at your destination. This ensures your socks and feet are as dry as possible when you hit the trail, which will help to keep your feet warm.
Best Jacket for Cross Country Skiing
The best jacket for cross country skiing will be lightweight and weather-resistant, while allowing easy movement of your body. There are great options for every budget as well.
On the lower end of cost, Craft Sportswear has several options. I recommend either the ADV Explore Hybrid (breathable side panels, less wind-resistant) or the Core Nordic Training Jacket (wind- and water-resistant). The Cotopaxi Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket is also popular with cross country skiers.
In the midrange of cost, Eddie Bauer’s MotionLoft Hybrid Down vest is a great option for warmer days. This may seem like an odd brand to recommend for a cross country ski jacket, but this is an everyday sort of vest you can wear for more than just skiing and they often have massive sales that drop the price down into the lower price range. I’m a big fan of Eddie Bauer jackets and vests.
Finally, at the higher end of the cost range, Swix offers the Horizon Insulated jacket. They are a cross country skiing brand, so they know what they’re doing and have thoughtful, functional designs.
Honestly, if you have a lightweight, breathable and weather-resistant jacket at home already, that will work. There’s no need to break the bank if you’re just getting into cross country skiing. Start with what you have, but these are great options when you’re ready to invest.
Best Gloves for Cross Country Skiing
The best gloves for cross country skiing are quite different than those I recommend for winter hiking. That’s because cross country ski poles have straps that harness tightly around your hands (and over your glove). This allows you to properly grip the poles and propel yourself on the trail.
The Star XC gloves by Swix are a great combination of insulation, breathability and dexterity. I have not tried them yet, but Swix makes these gloves in a split-finger design that is also popular with cross country skiers.
Best Pants for Cross Country Skiing
For the lower part of your body, you will want a pair of tights or cross country ski pants to wear over a base layer. As the outermost layer on your lower body, it’s important these are wind and water-resistant while also allowing your body to move.
I wear Craft Sportswear’s core XC ski training FX pants. I love that they zip from the top and bottom on both sides and have a breathable panel on the rear to regulate my temperature.
Spandex tights are a great alternative to cross country ski pants, especially on warmer days. Craft Sportswear makes a number of styles, but I really like the ADV essence warm tights (which come in several fun colors). Outdoor Research also has nice options for wind-resistant leggings.
Pro Tip: Craft Sportswear is a Swedish brand and their items fit long and lean bodies best. Be sure to check their size chart and, if in doubt, size up.
What to Wear for Cross Country Skiing: Optional Add-ons
While these items may not be essential, consider adding these optional pieces of gear to your list of what to wear for cross country skiing.
Backpack or Belt
If possible, it’s best to avoid wearing a backpack when cross country skiing because it can impact your balance and technique. Most cross country skiing jackets have pockets to store essentials like your car keys and snacks. However, if you need to carry a few extra items like a water bottle, a waist pack is a good solution.
For waist packs, CamelBak, and Osprey all offer compact options that will minimize the impact to your sense of balance.
Sunglasses
The glare of the sun shining on a blanket of snow is intense! Protect your eyes from both the sun and wind with a pair of polarized sunglasses. My favorite brand is Sunski, which are made of recycled materials. But, any pair of polarized sunglasses will do the trick!
Best Clothing for Cross Country Skiing: A Beginner’s Guide
You are all set to hit the ski trails and make the most of the cross country ski season!
Related content to read next:
What to Wear for Winter Hiking: A Prepared Girl’s Guide
10 Best Twin Cities Cross Country Skiing Destinations
Visit my Prepared Girl’s Guide page for more practical tips and gear lists for outdoor adventures!
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Thank you so much for this incredibly detailed guide! Cross country skiing can be tricky when it comes to dressing properly, and your tips on layering, fabric choices, and regulating body temperature are incredibly helpful. I especially appreciate the advice on wicking materials and avoiding cotton, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past. The product recommendations for everything from base layers to gloves are also a huge bonus. I’m excited to apply these tips on my next adventure! Thanks again for sharing your expertise!