FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between skate skis and classic skis?

Classic skis move in parallel tracks with a straight forward gliding motion, similar to traditional cross country technique. Skate skis are shorter and stiffer, designed for a side to side push similar to inline skating, and they require a groomed skating lane rather than a set track. If you are new to the sport, classic technique is generally the easier starting point.

What are skin skis and who are they good for?

Skin skis use a strip of synthetic material built into the base of the ski for grip, instead of the wax based grip zone found on traditional classic skis. That makes them lower maintenance since there is no kick wax to apply or reapply through the day. They are a strong fit for beginners, casual skiers, and anyone skiing in variable snow conditions where wax performance can be unpredictable.

How do I pick the right ski length?

Ski length and stiffness depend mainly on your body weight, with height and experience level as secondary factors. For classic skis, weight determines the right camber, or flex, generally landing around half your body weight in kilograms for high performance or racing skis, while touring skis follow brand specific weight ranges. For skate skis, camber should fall between 100 and 130 percent of your body weight, and beginners generally do best with skis around head height, while more experienced skiers go longer.

Poles are sized off your height. Classic poles should reach roughly 82.5 percent of your body height for recreational skiing, or about 84 percent for racing. Skate poles run higher, typically around 90 percent of body height, landing somewhere between your chin and nose.

Boots should fit snugly like a well fitted athletic shoe, with room to wiggle your toes but no heel slip when you walk or ski.

Because these formulas vary by brand and ski model, the most reliable way to get sized is to speak directly with staff at the shop, in person or by phone at (800) 832-2663.

Do classic and skate skiing require different boots?

Yes. Classic boots have a more flexible sole and lower cuff to allow the forward striding motion of classic technique. Skate boots have a stiffer sole and a higher, more supportive cuff to handle the side to side push of skating. Bindings are often compatible across both boot types, but the boots themselves are built for different motions and are not interchangeable for serious use.

What comes with a ski package versus buying skis, boots, and poles separately?

Each ski package pairs matched skis, boots, and poles into one bundle, chosen together based on your skiing style, whether that is recreational, classic, skate, skin, or backcountry, so you are not left guessing whether components are compatible.

Buying as a package typically costs less than purchasing each piece separately, and it ensures the gear is sized and matched correctly from the start rather than requiring you to size everything independently.

Where is Cross Country Ski Headquarters located and what are your hours?

Cross Country Ski Headquarters is located at 9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, Michigan. You can reach the shop at (800) 832-2663.

We are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, and closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Do you have a live trail cam or daily snow and trail report?

Yes. You can check current conditions any time on our live trail cam, and read our latest updates on the daily ski report page. Checking conditions before you head out helps you choose the right wax or ski base for the day.

Do you ship ski packages, and how long does it take?

Orders ship within two business days of purchase. For the lower 48 states, orders over $199 ship free via UPS Ground. Orders $199 or under are charged a flat shipping rate based on item type, for example $35 for skis, $25 for poles, and $10 for most clothing, bindings, wax, and accessories. Once shipped, transit time runs about 2 to 3 business days for the Midwest and East Coast, and 4 to 5 business days for the Rockies and West Coast.

Alaska and Hawaii orders ship skis via UPS Ground for $100, with other items going by USPS Priority Mail at $15 to $25 depending on category. Canadian orders ship via UPS Standard Service, with rates from $30 to $65 depending on item type. Canadian duties, taxes, and UPS brokerage fees are billed separately to the recipient at delivery and are outside our control.

If you need a different shipping method or a custom quote, call us at (800) 832-2663.

During the holiday season, orders placed by December 16 ship UPS Ground by December 17 and should arrive before Christmas anywhere in the lower 48, barring UPS weather delays.

What is your return policy on skis and boots?

Most items can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of receipt, as long as tags are attached and the item shows no visible use. Orders placed during the holiday shopping season, November 1 through December 25, get an extended window through January 10 instead of the standard 30 days.

Customers cover return shipping on both returns and exchanges, and we do not provide prepaid return labels. For oversize items such as skis, poles, or ski packages that originally shipped free, a $35 shipping charge is deducted from the refund. Refunds are issued for the item price minus any shipping you paid on the original order.

Returns made after the 30 day window may still be accepted with manager approval, but will carry a 25 percent restocking fee and will be issued as store credit rather than a refund to your original payment method. Any item showing visible use may also have value deducted from the refund at management’s discretion.

To start a return or exchange, visit our Returns and Exchanges page, or reach us at (800) 832-2663 or info@crosscountryski.com with questions.