The Best Nordic Skiing Gear of 2018

Published October 3, 2017 12:00AM

Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate S2 Skis ($805)

Designed in collaboration with Rossignol athletes, the X-ium S2 has a rigid waist and flexible tail to deliver powerful energy transmission while reducing pressure in the shovel for enhanced glide and steering. The longer glide zone makes accelerating a breeze.

Swix Triac 3.0 Poles ($600)

These are the lightest, stiffest carbon poles on the market. Swix eliminated stretch in the wrist strap and added an index-finger platform to help transfer power to the ultra-minimal grip-and-strap system.

Swix Delda Jacket ($160) and Tights ($160)

The waterproof-membrane-backed fabric on the chest and arms of the Delda will keep out wet snow as you glide into the squall. The highly breathable back panel on the jacket and tights allowed us to wear them in temps in the low thirties, too.

Toko Profi Gloves ($40) and Racing Overmitts ($45)

This system puts to rest the age-old question: Gloves or mittens? The Profi gloves are lightweight and breathable enough for dry temperatures above 25 degrees. If a storm rolls in, pull the Windblocker-lined overmitts from your pocket and you’re protected.

Bliz Rush XT Visor ($80)

In fair weather, it’s fine to ski in cycling shades, but when the snow starts flying, nothing beats this simple visor. The Rush’s adjustable strap and goggle foam are so comfortable we actually forgot we were wearing it.

Rossignol Turnamic Race Pro Skate Bindings ($115)

A proprietary turn piece at the toe makes this binding incredibly easy to click into and virtually eliminates dead spots under the ski that inhibit glide. Plus, you can shift the binding plate fore and aft depending on the snow condition: back for loose, fluffy powder, forward for hardpack.

Madshus Nano Carbon Skate Boots ($525)

This boot has the same chassis as Madshus’s World Cup race shoe but at a fraction of the price. The last is 15 percent stiffer than in the 2016 model, which translates to enhanced control in high-speed turns and more power to the ski in the kick phase.