While very popular in Norway, in the U.S. Nordic ski touring tends to conjure images of 80-year-old grandparents in Minnesota. But, if you give it a try, you might just fall in love. Nordic ski touring is attractive for many reasons. Among them are ease, cost, and scenery.  This style can be adapted to skiers of all levels, abilities and fitness, and while a brand new alpine touring (AT) package can cost upwards of $2,000, a Nordic ski touring set-up requires about a quarter of that investment. 

Going on a Nordic ski tour is kind of like going for a nice long hike. Things move a little mellower. You take breaks, drink some spiked hot cocoa while gnawing on a chunk of German chocolate and soak in the sun, snow and winter glory. Spandex is nowhere to be found, but a classy-looking sweater that brings out your baby-blues on a ski date is the norm. Nobody is stressing over first tracks, and it can be as hardcore as you want to make it. You can ski across Antarctica, race in the Norwegian wilderness or ski a mile to a nice spot in the woods for a picnic. 

Here are 8 tips to make your adventure into the world of Nordic skiing a success: 

1. It’s All in the Boot

Nordic boots are much more rudimentary than alpine boots, so it can take some take to find the right fit. As a rule of thumb, you don’t want too much motion in your heel (blisters), good toe room (warmth) and decent stability in the cuff with good flex in the sole so you can cover some ground. I like leather, but some folks swear by the synthetic. It all works, but the boot has to match your foot. This is the single most important piece of gear in Nordic ski touring.   

Book a Bootfitting Appointment at Neptune

2. 3-pin or NNN Bindings 

If you go shopping for Nordic gear, you’ll quickly come to the big binding decision. NNN BC works great, and there is a reason it dominates the market; it probably tours a little better than 3-pin. That said, most polar explorers use a 3-pin system, mainly because you can do chores like set up camp and go pee a little easier, and because they ice up less. Personally, I like 3-pin better, but that’s just because the boots fit my feet better. Regardless, you’ll be fine. 

3. Socks, Socks, Socks 

Save your day, and find a good sock system. Those razor thin socks used by downhill skiers? Your heel will likely look like burger meat after a five-mile ski. Go thicker, like a good hiking sock. Thicker socks are warmer and provide cushioning. Personally, I use a liner sock and a thick wool sock. My mentor, Gary Neptune, who got me into the sport wears two thick wool socks, and he never has a problem. Be sure to size your boots accordingly.   

4. Don’t be Afraid of Wax 

Nordic ski waxing has a perception of complexity and mystery, kind of like a James Bond girl. And on a World Cup racing level, that’s deserved. But this is Nordic ski touring for chrissake. You basically need three, maybe four types of kick wax and cork. Waxless skis are great in warmer conditions and wet climates like New England and the Pacific Northwest. But if you are fortunate enough to live in a place where cold temperatures are the norm, wax works better.   

5. Get the Right Ski